Since 2005, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (or AAAS) and Subaru have teamed up to acknowledge great science writing and illustrations for children and young adults. The prizes from the inaugural were awarded to authors and illustrators from previous decades, but since 2006, the awards go to newly published science books.
The AAAS is a non-profit that is focused on science education and outreach. In addition to promoting scientific education, the organization's goals include defending scientific freedom and encouraging cooperation among scientists. The AAAS was established in 1848, and is one of the world's largest scientific organizations.
Subaru has always been one of the more forward thinking auto manufacturers, so the collaboration between Subaru and the AAAS seems only right. Each year, the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence is given to science book authors who "promote science literacy by showcasing the importance of good science writing and illustration."
Last year's winners included:
- It's Our Garden: Seeds to Harvest in a School Garden, by George Ancona
- The Skull in the Rock: How a Scientist, a Boy, and Google Earth Opened a New Window on Human Origins, by Lee R. Berger & Marc Aronson
- Look UP!: Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard, by Annette LeBlanc Cate
- Frankenstein's Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech's Brave New Beasts, by Emily Anthes
This year, the focus was on exploration and the prize winners wrote about exploring our own world, or the prospect of exploring new ones. This year's winners include:
- Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes, by Nicola Davies
- Mission: Mars, by Pascal Lee
- Extreme Medicine: How Exploration Transformed Medicine in the Twentieth Century, by Kevin Fong
- The Kid’s Guide to Exploring Nature, by Brooklyn Botanic Educators
This is such a great prize because it promotes an interest
in and engagement with science and learning. President of Subaru America, Inc.
Tom Doll congratulated the winners saying, "As a technology company, we are
delighted to be able to support AAAS in activities that promote children's
exploration of science and technology."
