Becoming Bionic

Take a tour of the science of superpowers and see how science fiction is becoming science fact

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Fly like Shazam? Turn invisible like Violet Parr? Or maybe have the super strength of the Hulk? Believe it or not, many of the extraordinary abilities we see in comics and movies are already a reality—or could become one soon!

This middle-grade nonfiction book uses superheroes to explore how science is transforming our bodies and our experiences. Engaging text, detailed timelines, and intricate diagrams break down how superhero traits have been reflected in technological innovations throughout history, and how they could appear in the future. Jetpacks and rocket belts can help us fly like Superman. Prosthetic limbs and lab-grown human tissue mirror the regenerative powers of Wolverine and Ms. Marvel. But readers are also invited to think critically about these incredible, and sometimes controversial, advancements—after all, with great power comes great responsibility!

A fresh and timely take on innovation, Becoming Bionic and Other Ways Science Is Making Us Super blends pop culture, history, and STEM for a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking look at the science of superpowers.

Order at your favourite bookstore, Bookshop.org or shop local.

Images copyright Owlkids Books.

NEWS AND REVIEWSHONOURS
– Publishers Weekly “The cool factor is high in this eye-opening portrayal of all the ways science is helping humans “become bionic.”
– Canadian Children’s Book News “Sure to become a dog-eared favourite in public, school and home libraries. Very highly recommended.”
– Cantastic Authorpalooza guest blog post: Truth, Justice, and the Nonfiction Way
– Blissfully Bookish interview
– Kirkus Reviews
– Cannonball Read
– Youth Services Book Review
– Sal’s Fiction Addiction		– Science Writers & Communicators of Canada Book Award 2023 shortlist
– 2024 Forest of Reading Yellow Cedar Finalist
– 2024 TD Summer Reading Club
– 2024 Outstanding Science Trade Book, National Science Teaching Association/ Children’s Book Council
– 2024/25 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award Nominee
– 2024/25 Red Cedar Awards Nominee