My Science School

When you've finished a book and you suddenly return to the real world, but the real world feels incomplete or surreal because you're still living in the world of the book.

You’re not quite sure how to cope with reality (after all, you’ve been blissfully ignoring it for the last few days or weeks while your nose was buried in the book).

Perhaps worst of all, you just really miss the characters who have come to feel like friends or family, and you can’t stop thinking about what they would do if another chapter or sequel were written. Even the fictional world they live in seems to beckon to you, even long after the book has run out of pages.

One of the many benefits of reading is that it can teach us to be more empathetic. We get to see life from the perspective of someone else, perhaps someone of a different race, gender, or upbringing from our own. Or, perhaps you’ve found a character who’s just like you, and this discovery finally makes you feel seen or understood.

All of these things can help create bonds between readers and the character(s) in the story. We feel like we really know them, and naturally, we grow attached—but then the cold reality hits as you grow closer to the final page.

One Dutch study showed that when we are “emotionally transported” by a book, we may lose self-awareness and track of time because we perceive the fictional world as real, if only for a while. This leads to the “hangover” effect that keeps our minds stuck in the narrative even after we’ve finished the book.

Credit : TCK Publishing 

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Can a geeky, sixth grade high school English teacher conjure up a world much beyond the four walls of his classroom? A world filled with hyperactive demigods and quests? Well, the answer lies within the 39 books penned by young adults’ writer, Rick Riordan.

If you are anywhere between 11 and 14, chances are you have already devoured the Percy Jackson series. You may have already imagined being the son or a daughter of a Greek god and what super powers you would like to possess.

If all this is true, then of course you know all about Rick Riordan. Even the story of how his son's attention deficit disorder (ADHD and dyslexia) inspired the stories in which all the demigods have ADHD. But did you know that Riordan has mild dyslexia? Or that he loves villains and fast cars, but hated to read till he was 13?

A nerd in school

Like his protagonist. Percy Jackson, Riordan is an unlikely superhero. He never scored straight A's in his school life, neither did he embark on any daredevil adventures to save the earth. In fact, he was a pretty average kid maybe even a bit nerdy. For the longest time he was a lead singer in a folk rock band-not the most hippest of music genres, and later turned to teaching

From Clark Kent to Superman

But it was while telling bedtime stories to his son Haley that Riordon donned his cape. His super power? Ability to breathe life into mythology.

Aged nine, his son refused to read, but loved Greek myths so Riordan used to tell him about the Greek gods and heroes. One night he ran out of myths, and a disappointed Haley insisted that he make something up with his own characters. Thus, Percy Jackson was born.

A reluctant reader

But his own love of mythology came late in life. He didn't like books and avoided reading until he got into junior high school and discovered the Lord of the Rings. That's also when he decided to become a writer. He sent in his first story at age 13. It was promptly rejected, but he kept trying."I have a great deal of sympathy for reluctant readers because I was one," he reportedly said.

His struggle with ADHD

In an interview with a British media, he said, "I'm afraid I'm very ADHD, much like Percy. There are days when I'll write for 15 minutes and have to give up and move around, and I'll write another paragraph and give up again. On other days I get intensely focused on the process, sit down at 8 a.m. and won't get up until 8 p.m.”

Riordan said that writing his own novels was an achievement for him, one that he rates as an "in yer face moment" for all those teachers who ignored him. "Basically, I misspell stuff but that's about as far as the dyslexia hinders me."

A Potterhead

Just like millions all over the world, the bespectacled wizard, Harry Potter, captured Riordan's imagination too. Even today, after writing best selling series equal in fame to the Potter novels, Riordan remains a Potterhead. "As a teacher, I've never seen anything like Harry Potter. That's why I smart when people talk about the next Harry Potter. There is no 'next Harry Potter. There never was a Harry Potter before Harry Potter. It's completely unprecedented in children's literature. I had students who read these books 13, 14 times and I would say, 'Great book, but don't you want to try something else?' And they would say. There's nothing else this good."" he said in one of his interviews.

Loves villains

But unlike everyone else, you might not catch Riordan rooting for Harry. In fact, he is more likely to be on the Dark Side. Surprised? The Percy Jackson writer loves villains! And guess who his favourite is? The mischievous Loki! No wonder he has been able to create pure evil-doers in the form of Lord Kronos or Luke Castellan.

Married his high school sweetheart

Percy Jackson may find it hard to please his father Poseidon, but Riordan's own family life is remarkably stable: the only child of two teachers, he grew up in San Antonio and met his future wife, at the age of 15. "We were high-school sweethearts. We’ve grown up together and it's hard to get away with anything because she knows everything about me," he said in one of his interviews.

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Florence Rena Sabin, American anatomist and investigator of the lymphatic system who was considered to be one of the leading women scientists of the United States.

Sabin was educated in Denver, Colorado, and in Vermont and graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts, in 1893. After teaching in Denver and at Smith to earn tuition money, she entered the Johns Hopkins University Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1896. While a student she demonstrated a particular gift for laboratory work; her model of the brain stem of a newborn infant was widely reproduced for use as a teaching model in medical schools. After graduation in 1900 she interned at Johns Hopkins Hospital for a year and then returned to the medical school to conduct research under a fellowship awarded by the Baltimore Association for the Advancement of University Education of Women. In 1901 she published An Atlas of the Medulla and Midbrain, which became a popular medical text. In 1902, when Johns Hopkins finally abandoned its policy of not appointing women to its medical faculty, Sabin was named an assistant in anatomy, and she became in 1917 the school’s first female full professor.

For a number of years Sabin’s research centred on the lymphatic system, and her demonstration that lymphatic vessels develop from a special layer of cells in certain fetal veins, rather than, as prevailing theory held, from intercellular spaces, established her as a researcher of the first rank. She then turned to the study of blood, blood vessels, and blood cells and made numerous discoveries regarding their origin and development. In 1924 she was elected president of the American Association of Anatomists, and in 1925 she was elected to the National Academy of Sciences; in both cases she was the first woman to be so honoured.

Credit :  Britannica 

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PG Wodehouse: This Brit writer has several series to his credit-Jeeves and Wooster. P. Smith, and Blandings-and each of them is hilarious. His descriptions are detailed his stories begin slow, and he uses tell as much as show, which means he bends a lot of rules of 'good writing But breaking rules can be fun as you realise when reading PG Wodehouse's works. Some of the popular ones are “Aunts Arent Gentlemen”, “The World of Blandings”, and “Psmith in the City”.

Roald Dahl: When he is not scany, Roald Dahl is supremely funny And, of course, he is the one to give us fun words such as splendiferous, gloriumptious, wondercnump (all meaning marvellous, in case you were scratching your head) and propsposterous (which means even more preposterous than preposterous) and churgle (chuckle+ gurgle. now you're getting the hang of it). For a liberal dose of his humour, go read George's Marvellous Medicine". "The BFG" or "Charlie and the Chocolate Factony" Or anything Roald Dahl, for that matter!

David Walliams: When David Walliams is not judging talent shows or swimming the English Channel he writes children's books. His first-The Boy in the Dress was a pathbreaker, and his style is compared to that of Roald Dahl. His books have comer shops with funny owners, and t schools that are obviously, scary (a completely Roald Dahl undertone), and prominently Indian characters! Go for his "Gangsta Granny it's hilarious, and The Boy in the Dress, just lovely.

Anushka Ravishankar: Anushka Ravishankar's books can have you laughing for hours after you've read them. She can write nonsense literature with the same air as humour and make it look ever so easy. If you haven't yet read any of her works, you could take "Captain Coconut and the Case of the Missing Bananas" (younger readers), “Moin and the Monster” and “Moin and the Monster Songster”, and the “Zain and Ana” series.

Natasha Sharma: This author is known for her funny bone. She has a series called "History Mystery that will challenge your ideas about historical characters and the situations that led to certain decisions taken by them! And be assured you will be laughing your head off. Try “Raja Raja and the Swapped Sacks”. Her knock-knock jokes assimilated into history were great!

Lavanya Karthik: Here is a writer whose granny on a mission has taken the country's kids by storm. Deepu's nani is not your average nani. She loves watching food shows on the telly and even fights with Deepu for the remote until one day she turns into a ninja! Lavanya has spun three books of the "Ninja Nani" series with a cluster of zany characters and they are just wow.

Derek Landy: Irish author Derek Landy was working on his parents farm, when in 2007 he got a publishing contract with Harper Collins. And what did come out of it? A series of books featuring a skeleton detective! He has enough wisecracks to put a stand-up comic to shame, and has an entire generation of readers laughing with his comic-horror series "Skulduggery Pleasant" - more than a dozen and counting.

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One of the best ways of learning about people who have made an impact is by reading their biographies or autobiographies. Such books can be inspiring since they are about real people.

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

What happens when you return from school? A lovely snack waiting for you? For Malala Yousafzai, 15, a bullet was. She was shot in the head on the bus back home because she had stood up in favour of girls education. Times were bad in the Swat Valley in Pakistan since the Taliban had taken over and banned free movement of women. After that October 9, 2012, attack, not only did Malala survive but she also went on to become the global ambassador of peace and also the world's youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution has been done entirely in black-and-white comic strip images. It tells the story of a young girl from age six to 14 living in Tehran and contrasts her home life and public life. At home, the atmosphere is committedly Marxist while publicly she is a witness to political regression. It's humorous and satirical, and it will open your eyes to people's struggles across the world.

No Summit Out of Sight by Jordan Romero

Jordan Romero climbed Mount Everest at 13 becoming the youngest person to do so. Well, he didn't just stop there. By 15, he went on to become the youngest person to scale the summits of the highest mountains of every continent! At 17, he wrote his memoir, an inspiring story for not just mountain climbers but also children and adults across the world.

Being Jazz by Jazz Jennings

"Being Jazz: Life as a (Transgender) Teen" is about being bullied, being rejected and discriminated against for the choices you make. Jazz transitioned to being a girl when she was five and was most amply supported by her parents. She freely writes about the physical, social, and emotional issues that she faces. Jazz is a pioneering voice for the trans community.

Like a Girl by Apama Jain

This collection of "Real Stories for Tough Kids" is about 56 different women from across India. You will read about Teesta Setalvad, Dipa Karmakar, Chand Bibi, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, and several more. Each of them has had a unique struggle and has overcome it. Each of them is inspiring.

Steve Jobs by Karen Blumenthal

What could possibly happen to a child who was given up for adoption and had dropped out of college? if he was Steve Jobs, he could, by the age of 20, create Apple in his parents garage along with a friend! We know him for his cutting-edge products, but Steve had not had it easy in life. In this biography, you get to read everything that made the man- his work schedule, his relationship with his family, his perseverance for perfection.

Ugly by Robert Hoge

Robert Hoge was born with short twisted legs and a tumour the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face. A surgery gave him a new nose made out of one of his toes, but he never looked like any of his friends Stares, bullying, and rejection were part of his life but he refused to be cowed down. He was a prankster and fun lover, and wanted to play sports like the other kids.

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The Alchemist"

The book I wish had a sequel is The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho. This book has an interesting plot. It teaches us to finish what we start. In it, a boy encounters in wise alchemist who teaches him to realise his true self. It tells us that happiness, contentment, peace and many more positive things lie within us. I wish this book had a sequel, and is as interesting as the first part.

"Pride and Prejudice"

"If a book is well written, I always find it too short." Beautifully quoted by one of my favorite writers Jane Austen. Her writings needs no introduction. "Pride and Prejudice" is a classic and timeless story that can be read and enjoyed by any generation of readers. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet who lives in a society that pressures young women to Live by stereotypes.

But Austen's Elizabeth wins the hearts of readers through her independent nature and defiance against societal norms. If there is a sequel, it would be good to know more about her love for Mr. Darcy and how they nurture gender equality in their life together.

"Matilda"

The book I wish had a sequel is "Matilda" by Roald Dahl. Matilda was an extraordinary and brilliant child who read newspapers at the age of three and walked to the library alone at the age of five. Even though her parents thought of her as a scab, her class teacher Miss Honey understood her level of intelligence and helped her with books. When Matilda got the power of moving objects with her eyes, she taught Miss Trunchbull, the cruel principal of the school, a lesson, unveiled secrets and helped Miss Honey. In the end, when her parents left the country, she stayed back with Miss Honey and moved to the top form to study.

It would have been nice if there had been a sequel as the readers will know how Miss Honey and Matilda are living together and whether Miss Trunchbull came back into their lives. Also, it would have been interesting to see how Matilda's school life will be with her older classmates and if her power to move objects returns. This book has taught me a lot of values and I will remember it throughout my life whether a sequel comes or not.

"Doctor Sleep"

The book that I wish had a sequel would be "Doctor Sleep" written by Stephen King. It is an interesting story revolving around Dan, who joins the local Alcohol Anonymous chapter. When Dan realises the return of his psychic abilities, which was suppressed in his childhood, he befriends a cat which is capable of telling when patients are on the threshold of death. Gradually, they are able to help patients from dying, and Dan is called Doctor Sleep'. If there is a sequel, I'm sure I won't miss it!

"Journey to the Center of the Earth"

The book I wish had a sequel is "Journey To The Center of The Earth" by Jules Verne.

This book tells us about a Latin manuscript written in the 16th Century. The manuscript is found by Professor Von Hardwigg and his nephew Harry Lawson, the two main characters in the book. It takes them and an Icelandic guide named Hans Bjelke on a journey to the centre of the earth through the bowels of Mount Sneffels. Their adventures keep us hooked till the last. I wish there had been a sequel. It would be interesting to join their future journeys.

"The Phoenix Doctors"

"The Phoenix Doctors" is a book which I read a few days ago. It's a gripping and thrilling story about the difficulties faced by Indian doctors. The book starts with a young student, Karthik, aspiring to become a doctor and the difficulties faced by him. Towards the climax, when Dr. Meera (Karthik's wife), is unable to save a baby, the enraged relatives cause mayhem in the hospital leaving her injured and unconscious. But the doctor couple forgive the vandals and continue to serve. I wish the author brings out a sequel portraying how the doctors are able to bring about a change and how healthcare is delivered in hospitals.

"The Kite Runner'

"The book I wish had a sequel is "The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It is an excellent and emotional story ending on a half happy-half sad note. It deserves to have a sequel. It retells a story of love, loss and betrayal. It is set in Afghanistan and America Sohrab, who over times of trauma is not in his best mind. The end of the book, ignites a spark of joy in the young boy, not entirely satisfying us with a happily ever after feeling. / We are no doubt moved, but wish the story goes on.

"Matilda"

Matilda" written by Roald Dahl is the book which needs an amazing sequel. The book stops at where Matilda's parents and her brother escape to Spain, leaving Matilda alone with Miss Honey. I wonder what would happen next. Maybe Miss Honey gets married or the cops catch Matilda's parents before they reach the airport. Or maybe Matilda gets a scholarship to study in a new school because of her intelligence. Or Miss Honey gets a new job. I am really curious to see how Matilda's intelligence shapes her future. Another possibility is that she gets her magic power back and uses it to make the Earth a better place for humans to live.

"The Swiss Family Robinson"

The book I wish had a sequel is "The Swiss Family Robinson" by Johann David Wyss. It is about a Swiss family of four kids and their parents who embark on a voyage from Switzerland to a small island near New Guinea. On the way, a storm shipwrecks them and maroons them on a small uninhabited island. The rest of the story is about how the family learnt to survive over the next 10 years on that island. The story ends with a ship that comes upon that island and two of the family's four sons decide to go back to England in the ship, while the rest of the family are content with making the island their home for the rest of their lives. A sequel to this story would be an interesting read about the future adventures of the Robinson family. We can find out whether it was a wise idea for them to continue living on this island.

"Perks of Being a Wallflower"

One of my very first one-day reads was "Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobosky. It was also one of the only books I really wanted a sequel for because I couldn't get enough of the characters, especially the protagonist Charlie. A coming of age young adult novel, revolves around Charlie a 15-year-old overthinker, during the 1990s, writing anonymous letters to someone spilling his life or rather his journey of growing and developing through adolescence. This book is definitely not an unrealistic drama of teenage life but is a book filled with realistic characters with realistic problems, whom even at their worst, you'd want to hug. The book drives away leaving us thinking about Charlie a little more, somewhat like reverse psychology. Getting a peek into his future is awaited by a lot of readers because it just feels like checking on a dear friend. I really hope Mr. Stephen gives us that chance sometime soon.

"Room on the Roof"

I deeply wish "Room on the Roof authored by Ruskin Bond had a sequel. It portrays the hardships faced by a 16-year-old Anglo Indian Boy. Rusty. It is a story of suspense and turning points. But the novel obscured the whereabouts of Rusty and Kishen (Rusty's friend, also orphaned) after they left Haridwar and went to Dehradun to finally live with their best friends. I am still seeking answers to some questions on my mind about the end. That's why I hope to read a thrilling sequel.

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