📖 Overview
Susan E. Goodman is an American children's book author known for writing non-fiction books that make science and history accessible and engaging for young readers. She has a particular talent for taking potentially uncomfortable or unusual topics and presenting them in an educational and entertaining way.
Her book "The Truth About Poop" (2004) is one of her most well-known works, combining scientific facts with humor to explore the biological process of digestion and waste. The book received recognition for its ability to handle the subject matter appropriately for children while maintaining scientific accuracy.
Goodman's professional background includes work as a writer, journalist, and educator. She has written for various educational programs and publications, focusing primarily on subjects related to science, nature, and history.
The author regularly visits schools and educational institutions to engage with young readers and promote science literacy. Her work consistently demonstrates a commitment to making complex subjects understandable for elementary and middle school audiences.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Goodman's ability to make science topics engaging and digestible for young audiences. Parents and teachers note her books hold children's attention while delivering accurate information.
What readers liked:
- Clear explanations that don't talk down to kids
- Humor that appeals to elementary school readers
- Detailed research and factual accuracy
- Illustrations that complement the text
- Success at making "gross" topics educational
What readers disliked:
- Some feel the humor occasionally overshadows educational content
- A few parents consider certain topics inappropriate for younger children
- Limited depth on complex subjects
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: Average 4.5/5 stars across titles
Goodreads: 4.0/5 stars average
"The Truth About Poop" - 4.2/5 (2,100+ ratings)
"See How They Run" - 4.1/5 (890+ ratings)
One teacher wrote: "My second graders couldn't put it down. They learned while laughing." A parent noted: "Finally, science books that don't bore kids to tears."
📚 Books by Susan E. Goodman
The Truth About Poop
A scientific exploration of digestion and waste processes in humans and animals, explaining biological concepts through factual information and straightforward language for young readers.
👥 Similar authors
Seymour Simon writes straightforward science books for children that explain complex topics through clear text and detailed photographs. His extensive body of work covers astronomy, animals, and the human body with the same commitment to accuracy found in Goodman's writing.
Steve Jenkins creates science-focused children's books using detailed paper collage illustrations paired with factual information. His works cover animal biology, evolution, and natural systems while maintaining scientific precision and accessibility for young readers.
Vicki Cobb produces hands-on science books that combine experiments with explanations of scientific principles. Her books incorporate humor and interactive elements while maintaining educational value, similar to Goodman's approach to science topics.
Joy Hakim writes narrative non-fiction that makes complex subjects accessible to young readers through storytelling techniques. Her work spans science and history topics, focusing on making technical information engaging for children while maintaining accuracy.
Nicola Davies creates science-focused children's books that blend biological facts with clear explanations. Her work covers natural science topics including animal behavior and human biology, presenting scientific concepts in ways young readers can understand.
Steve Jenkins creates science-focused children's books using detailed paper collage illustrations paired with factual information. His works cover animal biology, evolution, and natural systems while maintaining scientific precision and accessibility for young readers.
Vicki Cobb produces hands-on science books that combine experiments with explanations of scientific principles. Her books incorporate humor and interactive elements while maintaining educational value, similar to Goodman's approach to science topics.
Joy Hakim writes narrative non-fiction that makes complex subjects accessible to young readers through storytelling techniques. Her work spans science and history topics, focusing on making technical information engaging for children while maintaining accuracy.
Nicola Davies creates science-focused children's books that blend biological facts with clear explanations. Her work covers natural science topics including animal behavior and human biology, presenting scientific concepts in ways young readers can understand.