Ana María Rodríguez

Selected Works

Nonfiction, science, medicine, health
Autism and Asperger Syndrome, November 2008
Learn the possible causes of autism and Asperger Syndrome, new treatments and diagnostic toos, and more in this insightful overview.
Nonfiction, science, intermediate school readers
SECRET OF THE SLEEPLESS WHALES...AND MORE! Society of School Librarians International Honor Book 2008!
What is the secret of the sleepless whales? Join the scientists and their animal partners in a amazing adventure that will reveal the secrets of these amazing aquatic mammals! Find out...
A Day in the Life of the Brain (read an excerpt here)
It doesn't look cool and it doesn't feel pleasant, but it rules everything you do. The brain is the most intriguing and still mysterious organ in the body. Follow fellow classmate Mark through a regular day and see how his brain makes it possible for him to learn, feel pain, get stressed, and have fun.
Edward Jenner Conqueror of Smallpox (read reviews here)
The fascinating life of the 19th Century British doctor who discovered the first safe vaccine against smallpox, the most deadly disease of his time.
"Fires" BOOKS
Fires are one type of disasters that grab media news because they impact people's lifes dramatically and present an impressive display of fury and destruction. This work will lively describe famous fire disasters in cities and nature, and also discuss current debates, and modes of prevention and combating this relentless powerful element.
Periodicals/Nonfiction Articles
The Kids Who Fought Smallpox
The story of how 19th century Spanish orphans carried a life-saving vaccine in their bodies to America.
Colour Is the “Mane” Thing
“I found it cool that lion’s health can be determined by its looks.”
--Keegan, age 12

Colour Is the “Mane” Thing

photo by Stolz, Gary M/USFWS

© Ana María Rodríguez

YES MAG:The Science Magazine for Adventurous Minds

January/​February 2003

Long, dark hair is attractive, isn’t it? You bet, just ask the next lioness you meet on the African plains. She prefers males with long, brunette manes to short, blonde ones. Who knew the queen of the beasts was so, well, shallow! Maybe not. A lion’s mane is an indicator of health, say scientists from the University of Minnesota. They’ve discovered that lions with darker and longer manes are healthier, stronger and have better recovery from injuries than lions with light-coloured, shorter manes.

This is the end of the excerpt. To find out how the real lions reacted to the toy lions, look up YES MAG of Jan/​Feb. 2003 in your library.