Science Comics: Computers. How Digital Hardware Works - Jerel Dye;Perry E. Metzger;Penelope Spector

Boot Up! Science Comics: Computers is a new volume in First Second's middle grade nonfiction STEM series!

The whole world now runs on computers. They're everywhere, from your pocket phone to your microwave oven. But, what exactly is a computer? How could you possibly build machines that calculate things, play video games, and dim the lights on command? Professor Isabella Brunel, Victorian Era Computer Expert (and a Tyrannosaurus Rex), narrates a screwball comedy romp through the fundamentals of computer architecture. The madcap cast teaches you how these extraordinary devices really work, but the book's real message is this: technology is not magic, it's created by human beings, and what other people have figured out, you can understand too.

Perry E. Metzger doesn’t think of himself as that old, but he’s been programming computers since the 1970s, which is most of the time they’ve existed. He loves teaching people how they work, even if they don’t want to know and actively resist finding out, but so far he hasn’t been brought to justice. He was born in New York City and has spent most of his life there because there just aren’t good bagels in other places. He has a computer science degree, a terrible sense of humor, and a taste for garlic in inappropriate foods.

Penelope Spector is a writer and editor based in New England. She has written many books under many pen names, mostly for children. She only owns one computer, which she hasn’t eaten yet.

Jerel Dye has been slinging ink and steeping in wonder for many, many years. His graphic novel Einstein (written by Jim Ottaviani) was selected by Booklist as one of the top 10 graphic novels of 2023. In addition to being an illustrator, Jerel teaches courses in comics, drawing, and cartooning to the next generation of aspiring artists. Originally from the Midwest, he now lives in Massachusetts with his partner and a menagerie of cats.