Betty Faye Nugent Blends STEM and Faith in New Children’s Book

The narrative follows Lina and her friends Jackson, Maya, and Sam as they clear debris from a neighborhood landscape following a severe weather event. Armed with Lina’s "Treasure Box of Words," the group encounters fundamental scientific principles while navigating the physical demands of moving heavy branches and hauling wagons. By grounding these lessons in collaborative action, the book introduces young readers ages four to eight to core concepts like energy and direction, while featuring a diverse cast that includes a child with a prosthetic leg.

Author Betty Faye Nugent, an educator with experience ranging from kindergarten to college, designed the Backyard Adventures series to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and Christian faith. The text aligns with Next Generation Science Standards, positioning it for use in classrooms and homeschool settings. Nugent stated that she aims to show children that scientific forces are woven into the natural world, allowing young readers to experience discovery as both a technical exercise and an act of gratitude. The book is currently available through major online retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.