Challenge Island
1 primary work • 3 total works
Book 1
For fans of The Magic School Bus and Magic Tree House, new friendships, mysterious forces, and an island adventure awaits in The Bridge to Sharktooth Island as you delve into the mechanics of bridge-building fun!
"This story introduces three fifth graders forced to use their individual strengths and talents to work together and problem-solve their way out of trouble. Estroff's clever prose helps readers think, plan, and create with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). These are perfect for a technology-focused classroom and lessons, as well as adventure-loving students. Expressive illustrations throughout the chapters help readers to see the models as they are envisioned by the characters. Fun additions at the end of the story include shark facts, Leonardo da Vinci–inspired experiments, and instructions for readers to create their own truss bridge. This is a great STEAM-infused addition to the fiction section of any elementary or middle school library."
—School Library Journal
"[The Bridge to Sharktooth Island] could provide a useful support for teachers and parents to involve children in STEAM and an engaging context for further STEAM and technological 'design and build' problem-solving."
—Primary Science
One minute Daniel and his cousin Joy are playing in the snow—and the next they are stranded on a mysterious island surrounded by sharks!
Where are they now and how did they get here? And how will they get back home?
With new friend Kimani, the kids find clues to these and other mysteries. To escape the island, they have to work together and build a bridge to safety!
This thrilling adventure is packed with fun STEAM activities you can do at home: build your own bridge, mix up a blue slime ocean, and design ferocious paper sharks.
From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.
Dash across the rainforest swamp with Daniel, Joy, and Kimani in the newest Challenge Island adventure!
One of Children Book Council's Hot off the Press picks for May 2022!
"For early grade readers who revel in science-based fiction, this is a winning read. Animals, physics, and habitats are among the topics covered, with lots of instances where the reader can predict and hypothesize along with the characters. Kimani, who is Black, has an impressive head for science and builds in many of the facts that help the group solve problems together. Sleek black and white cartoon art complements the text, adding visual clues. Science experiments and craft projects from each character are at the end."
—Youth Services Book Review
"In this follow-up to The Bridge to Sharktooth Island, optimistic Joy, cautious Daniel, and studious Kimani find themselves transported once again to a magical island where they have to solve a series of puzzles to escape the middle of the rainforest before darkness falls. . . Supplementary materials at the back include STEAM projects and fun facts introduced by the main characters that a science-loving child will enjoy. The story is engaging, educational, and peppered with cute illustrations… a fun purchase for the easygoing young reader in love with animals and books."
—School Library Journal
"The Race Across Anaconda Swamp, the second Challenge Island title, in which three kids use teamwork and STEAM skills to navigate a perilous island adventure, [is forthcoming from West Margin Press.]"
—Publishers Weekly, Spring 2022 Children’s Sneak Previews
Daniel, Joy, and Kimani are transported once again to a magical island—this time into a tropical rainforest! As they zip through the canopy, a dangerous snake lurks in the black waters below. They are searching for a way out and a path to a mysterious tower. Does it hold the answers to their questions?
Using ropes and other found items, the three friends must figure out how to safely traverse across the island using their knowledge of friction and weights. But the sun is going down and night is approaching fast. Will they reach the tower in time?
Also included are cool facts about the rainforest and its animals, plus fun STEAM activities showing you how to build your own pulley system and monkey playground.
From the world's #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure book series for smart, curious kids.
Sail across sand dunes and streams on a handmade boat in Book 3 of the Challenge Island series!
Finding themselves transported to a magical island once again, Daniel, Joy, and Kimani emerge from a mysterious cave to see blue waters—they’re by the beach! And in the near distance, across large sand dunes and up a hill, stands a familiar tall tower. There, the pirate Captain Wei awaits with all the answers to their questions… if they ever reach the tower in time.
Using items stashed around the cave, the friends must build themselves a blowcart and use wind power to sail across the bumpy beach. But how do they make a cart fast and sturdy enough to carry the three of them? See what surprises are in store for the three friends in this new Challenge Island adventure!
Included at the back of the book are cool facts about real sea pirates and ships, plus fun STEAM activities you can do at home, like how to build your own blowcart and make pirate treasure slime.
From the world’s #1 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program and education enrichment program, Challenge Island® presents an exciting new adventure for smart, curious kids. This is Book 3 in the Challenge Island series.