How We Know What We Know

How We Know What We Know is a captivating tour through the stories of science and discovery. Blending history, curiosity, and plain-spoken wonder, this collection presents fifty remarkable accounts of people who chased answers until they found them. Written for curious readers of all ages—from eager middle graders to lifelong learners—the tone is inspiring and educational, inviting you to see knowledge as a living, evolving adventure. In How We Know What We Know, Rao uses fifty stories to illuminate how discoveries happen and how we come to trust what we know. The book spotlights scientists and thinkers who chased answers, turning questions into investigations and ideas into evidence. The range spans practical puzzles—pirates coveting maps, conversations about Mars’ quirks—and the quiet clues trees give about the distant past—each tale a reminder that curiosity drives progress. The writing is warm, inviting, and accessible, designed to engage both young readers and curious adults without talking down to them. The experience blends engaging storytelling with concise explanations, creating a readable rhythm that makes learning feel like an adventure. Each account introduces key ideas in a natural way and shows how knowledge grows—from observation to hypothesis to validation—so readers come away with a clearer sense of how we know what we know. If you love stories that illuminate science with humanity and humor, this book delivers a memorable journey. 50 concise, story-driven accounts of discoveries and the methods behind them Engaging, warm storytelling that makes science approachable for readers of all ages Clear explanations of core concepts such as evidence, hypothesis, and the scientific method Connections to real-world questions—maps, Mars, trees—that spark curiosity about the world Flexible pacing for independent reading or family read-aloud sessions After finishing How We Know What We Know, readers carry a sense that knowledge is a living journey—ready to ask questions, seek answers, and wonder at the world. This book leaves you inspired, thoughtfully curious, and confident in your own ability to learn and discover.