Welcome to the Nonfiction Kid Lit Craft Conversations podcast! In this episode, host Kirsten Larson sits down with Emily Starr, founder of Starrmatica, to explore the craft and business of writing true stories for kids—especially in STEM and science education.

Discover how to inspire curiosity in young learners, the latest trends in elementary science classrooms, and actionable tips for authors and educators to make science engaging and accessible.

Emily shares her expertise on integrating nonfiction picture books into science curricula, the impact of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and how authors can align their work with classroom needs without sacrificing creativity.

Whether you’re a children’s author, educator, or parent passionate about STEM, this episode is packed with insights, book recommendations, and practical strategies.

Join Emily's science workshops for children's writers here (or purchase the replays): https://starrmatica.com/kidlitscienceseries/

Timestamps / Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Emily Starr & Starrmatica

01:00 - Emily’s Background and Mission in Science Education

03:17 - The State of Science Learning in US Classrooms

05:31 - Why Elementary Science Matters: Sparking Curiosity Early

07:45 - Common Misconceptions & The Importance of Early Science

10:00 - How Science is Taught Today: Time, Challenges, and Opportunities

13:05 - The Shift to Inquiry-Based Science & NGSS Overview

16:20 - Challenges Teachers Face Bringing Science to Classrooms

18:20 - How Authors Can Support Teachers with STEM Books

21:00 - What Makes a Great STEM Picture Book for Classrooms

24:00 - Designing Books to Nurture Curiosity and Inquiry

27:00 - Book Structures & Storytelling Techniques that Spark Inquiry

30:00 - Using Books to Model Scientific Thinking & Practices

33:00 - Advice for Authors: Aligning with Classrooms Without Losing Creativity

36:00 - Emily’s Book Recommendations & Standout STEM Titles

39:00 - Emily’s Upcoming Book and Author Workshops

41:00 - Final Advice for Children’s Nonfiction Authors

43:00 - Where to Find Emily Starr’s Resources & Closing

Keywords: nonfiction kid lit, STEM books for kids, science education, elementary science, inquiry-based learning, Next Generation Science Standards, NGSS, children’s book author, writing for kids, science picture books, author resources, teacher resources, book recommendations, Emily Starr, Kirsten Larson, Starrmatica, curriculum guides, science teaching tips, inspiring curiosity, children’s nonfiction, podcast