STEM topics take the lead this spring, with an emphasis on how innovations can transform not only fields of study but also daily life. Audrey Sumser notes in “Technology, Pure and Simple” that “whether it’s a medieval healer’s approach to treating illness or the use of gene therapy to prevent disease, it’s clear that this season’s slate of science nonfiction is tech-centric.”

This centricity extends beyond science into other subject areas as well: engineering marvels provide insights into U.S. history, and arts and activities series on cooking can easily be incorporated into chemistry lessons. Vicki Reutter observes in “Future Problem-Solvers” that a demand for workers proficient in technology, especially social media, is a larger trend to keep in mind when discussing potential career options with students. How appropriate then that a season celebrated for change and renewal would be accompanied by a breadth of series centering on those very same themes, with titles that embrace technology and sustainability among the top choices offered.

Rebecca Gueorguiev reminds us in “Connecting with One Another” that communities are built upon and supported by the work of librarians and educators. As we prepare children and teens for the ever-increasingly technological world, let us also not forget the necessity of an ecologically healthy planet.

Editor, Series Made Simple dfarrell@mediasourceinc.com