Sarah Albee – Inspiring Young Minds through History and Science

A journey of curiosity and creativity that captivates children and ignites their love for learning

Acclaimed author Sarah Albee shares her journey from diverse life experiences to crafting engaging children’s nonfiction that blends humor, history, and science, sparking curiosity and creativity in young readers.

Sarah Albee, a New York Times bestselling author, has captivated young readers with over 150 books spanning preschool to middle grade. Her work has received numerous accolades, including Junior Library Guild selections, Bank Street College of Education Best Books, and the prestigious Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Awards. Albee’s unique ability to intertwine history and science creates engaging educational experiences that spark curiosity in children.

Sarah Albee’s ability to blend humor, history, and science captivates young readers, transforming learning into an exciting adventure that inspires curiosity and a love for knowledge.

Her journey to becoming a prolific children’s nonfiction author is marked by a rich tapestry of diverse experiences. Before fully committing to writing, Albee played semi-professional basketball in Cairo, Egypt, and spent nine years at the Children’s Television Workshop, the creative force behind Sesame Street. These experiences helped her cultivate a unique perspective, allowing her to think like a child and infuse humor into her writing, resonating deeply with young audiences. Learning Arabic while bonding with Egyptian women through basketball and pursuing her interest in archaeology inspired projects like Accidental Archaeologists.

Albee’s creative process is a blend of curiosity and analysis, evident in her recent work, Fairy Tale Science. This book melds beloved fairy tales with scientific inquiry, inviting readers to explore whimsical questions through hands-on experiments. “As a kid, I loved fairy tales but had an analytical mind,” she explains. “I constantly wondered about the logistics of these stories. This curiosity laid the foundation for Fairy Tale Science.”

Albee’s focus on the unconventional aspects of history sets her apart. Her works like Bugged: How Insects Changed History and Poop Happened: A History of the World from the Bottom Up reveal the hidden narratives of ordinary people, making history accessible and entertaining for young readers. “I want to show kids that history isn’t just about battles and dates,” she says. “It’s about social history—what people did, wore, and how they lived.” Her books explore fascinating subjects, from sanitation to the challenges faced by women throughout history.

Her recent projects reflect her commitment to visual storytelling. “I believe kids need more visual support after losing ground during the pandemic,” she shares. As a result, Albee is venturing into nonfiction picture books aimed at slightly older readers. These books promise to engage kids through captivating illustrations and insightful narratives.

Among her most popular titles is Accidental Archaeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries, which highlights ordinary people who inadvertently made significant archaeological finds. However, it’s her book Poop Happened that Albee believes might define her legacy. This exploration of sanitation highlights its critical role in the history of human civilization, resonating with readers of all ages.

Looking ahead, Albee has exciting new releases on the horizon. This August, she is set to publish The Painter and the President: Gilbert Stuart’s Brush with George Washington, illustrated by Stacy Innerst. This picture book explores the intriguing relationship between the iconic portrait painter and his most famous subject, George Washington. In October, Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber will hit the shelves, illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen.

Through her innovative storytelling and commitment to education, Sarah Albee continues to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in young readers, guiding them on remarkable journeys through the intersections of history and science.