Polymers Among Us by Conrad J. Storad
Ever tried explaining what a polymer is to a 7-year-old? This book actually does it in a fun way.
Polymers Among Us follows the little green Story Monster who is super curious and asks the exact question every kid would ask: “Wait, what’s a Polymer anyway?”
To find the answer, he meets Paul Polymer – the big, red, super-friendly blob – who takes him on a trip to River City, which is Akron, Ohio. And that’s where it clicks. Akron is the rubber capital of the world, so it’s the perfect playground to discover polymers.
What I loved about it is that it never feels like a science lesson. Pauly doesn’t provide boring definitions; he simply shows you. Your bouncy ball? That’s a polymer. The tires of cars, trucks, and bicycles? Those are polymers too! Your toothbrush, balloon, playground slide, and even you—because our DNA, hair, and skin are all made of natural polymers.
The art is bright, comic-style, and full of science fun and facts. My favorite characters are Pauly and Penny, who pop up and make the science super visual. Kids get the idea that polymers aren’t some scary lab chemical – they are literally hiding everywhere in everyday life.
It’s the kind of book that makes a kid look around the room after reading and go, “Whoa, that’s a polymer too?”
Perfect for 5-10 year olds, teachers, and any parent who has ever been stumped by a “why is this stretchy?” question.
Fun, clever, and surprisingly informative even for adults.
