Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12: 2008

(Books published in 2007)

Dennis Kunkel

To science teachers, there’s a special meaning to the term “literacy” that goes far beyond language arts. For over a decade, the National Science Education Standards have focused our attention on scientific literacy, a golden umbrella that encompasses not just reading, writing, and speaking but the attitudes, content knowledge, and process skills that make it possible to investigate natural phenomena and understand the results.

Those are the qualities we look for in the books that earn each year’s NSTA/Children’s Book Council Outstanding Trade Book awards. It isn’t just the facts between their covers that make them great selections—although getting those facts correct in text and graphics is certainly the most basic requirement for consideration. But beyond content, each book must have the capacity to entice young readers to be active participants in the scientific endeavor from the earliest years onward. In a really good trade book, the processes of science jump off every page, drawing readers into the adventure of exploring the natural world.

In this year’s collection, which is our 35th anniversary, you can fly Over the Mountains or peer down from a Satellite to explore the Earth from far above. With professional researchers, readers can puzzle the mysteries of A Dinosaur Named Jane or follow the Tracks of a Panda. The important new facts about personal health in Sneeze and Breast Cancer Update can help readers make better personal decisions. Even the youngest students can become apprentice scientists as they listen to the lyric prose of Here Is the Wetlandor Guess What Is Growing Inside This Egg.

The books that earn the committee’s highest recognition in this annual competition often go even further, nurturing important skills for tomorrow’s citizens. This year’s winners challenge readers to think about public health and public policy. In Superbugs Strike Back, readers become public-health detectives, following the emergence of new and devastating antibiotic-resistant diseases. Both Einstein Adds a New Dimension and The Ultimate Weapon ask readers to consider the difficult ethical and environmental problems involved in the development of nuclear energy for war and peace.

Each of these outstanding selections defies the traditional image of a child “curling up with a good book.” Yes, they can be a source of great personal reading, encouraging students of all ages to stretch their skills and their imagination as they interact with the printed page. But these journeys of the scientific imagination seldom end with the final chapter. They have the capacity to draw the reader out from that cozy seat and into the natural world—to observe, investigate, and continue the process of discovery that has characterized scientists from Aristotle to Hawking. The adventures begin here.

Juliana Texley,
Lead Reviewer NSTA Recommends

Archaeology, Anthropology, and Paleontology

Dinosaurs: The Most Complete, Up-to-Date Encyclopedia for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. Illustrated by Luis V. Rey. Random House Children’s Books. 432pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-375-82419-7, $34.99; Library ISBN 978-0-375-92419-4, $37.99. Paper ed. (F). (I, A) This beautifully written and illustrated adventure about the world of dinosaurs will encourage readers to learn more about these mind-boggling creatures that roamed Earth for 178 million years. Sort through the fossil record to learn about the earliest dinosaurs, the diversity of dinosaurs, and their extinction 65 million years ago. Introduction, 33 Expert-in-the-Field Vignettes, Dinosaur Genus List, Glossary, Index, Photo Credits. LS (V, VI)

Dinosaur Eggs Discovered! Unscrambling the Clues. Lowell Dingus, Luis M. Chiappe, and Rodolfo Coria. Illustrated by Stephanie Abramowicz. Twenty-First Century Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 112pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-6791-2, $30.60. (I) Share the exciting experiences of a group of paleontologists on a fossil trek in Patagonia, Argentina, who stumble across one of the most prolific dinosaur egg discoveries in history. Follow the scientists as they unravel the egg-laying dinosaurs’ identity, their geologic age, and their calamitous extinction. Glossary, Bibliography, Further Reading and Websites, Index, Acknowledgments, Photo Credits. LS (V, VI, VIII)

The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane. Judith Williams. Enslow Publishers. 48pp. Library ISBN 978-0-7660-2730-5, $23.93; Paperback ISBN 978-0-7660-2709-1, $13.26. (I) Join members of the Burbee Museum’s paleontology team as they engage in the laborious task of searching for and identifying a young mysterious dinosaur that they name Jane. Learn interesting facts about Jane and her life on Earth. Glossary, Index, Suggested Further Readings. CRB (II, IV,VIII)

Giant Sea Reptiles of the Dinosaur Age. Caroline Arnold. Illustrated by Laurie Caple. Clarion Books. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-618-50449-7, $16. (I) This book describes giant sea reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic Era from 250 to 65 million years ago, and it often relates physical characteristics to probable behaviors. This book also tells about fossil discoveries and the ongoing, challenging work of scientists to excavate, exhibit, and understand them. Watercolor illustrations add to the text. Table of Contents, Index. PLB (IV, VIII)

SuperCroc: Paul Sereno’s Dinosaur Eater. Paul Sereno and Natalie Lunis. Illustrated with photographs and illustrations. Bearport Publishing. 32pp. Library ISBN 978-1-59716-255-5, $18.95. (E) Paleontologist Paul Sereno and his team traveled to Niger in search of dinosaur bones. Instead, they uncovered the remains of a giant dinosaur-eating crocodile. Learn about this amazing creature and the environment in which it lived. Bibliography, Glossary, Index. CRB (II, IV)

Biography

Isaac Newton: The Scientist Who Changed Everything. Philip Steele. Illustrated with prints and photographs. National Geographic Society. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0114-8, $17.95; Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0115-5, $27.90. Paper ed. (F). (I) In a way that will draw young readers in, this book begins with Newton’s childhood and describes his difficulties at home, in school, and with bullies. It moves onto his work throughout adulthood. This text is a strong resource for teaching about the nature of science. Table of Contents, Glossary, Bibliography, Index. PLB (VIII, II)

Giants of Science: Marie Curie. Kathleen Krull. Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Viking Children’s Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. 144pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-670-05894-5, $15.99. Paper ed. (F). (I) Readers will learn about the dark side of a woman and her devotion to science—the politics of science, her depression, and the drive to succeed. It is a brutally honest portrayal of a woman in a field dominated by men. Bibliography, Index, Websites. DLW (VII, VIII)

Tycho Brahe: Pioneer of Astronomy. Don Nardo. Illustrated with prints and photographs. Compass Point Books. 112pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7565-3309-0, $34.60; Library ISBN 978-0-7565-3309-0, $25.95; Paperback ISBN 978-0-7565-3310-6, $9.95. (I) This fascinating biography reveals the life of Tycho Brahe, a privileged, eccentric astronomer whose interest in the newfound science of astronomy led him to create a more accurate map of the sky. Beautiful paintings by masters, timelines, charts, and photographs enrich and add historical perspective to this remarkable chronicle. Glossary, Bibliography, Index. PJC (V, VIII, II)

Earth and Space Science

The Story of Science: Einstein Adds a New Dimension. Joy Hakim. Illustrated by Marleen Adlerblum. Smithsonian Books in Association with NSTA. 468pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58834-162-4, $27.95. (A) Take a journey through time with an author who understands the politics, intrigue, and human nature of science inquiry. Be prepared to spend hours of delightful reading learning about everything you wanted to know about the quantum world, physics, and relativity. Author’s Note, Index. DLW (V, VII, VIII)

Close to the Wind: The Beaufort Scale. Written and illustrated by Peter Malone. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-399-24399-8, $16.99. (P) This beautifully illustrated book, filled with magnificent paintings and detailed diagrams, vividly portrays the 13-point wind scale created by British naval officer Francis Beaufort. The Beaufort scale is brought to life through the fascinating letters of a midshipman at sea and his encounters with the effects of the wind. Author’s Note, Glossary. PJC (V, III, VIII)

Map: Satellite. DK Publishing. 360pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-756626419, $40. (I, A) This book contains fantastic images of Earth from space illustrating phenomena such as Arctic ice anomalies, ozone depletion, and seasonal changes. Readers can easily visualize coastlines, mountain ranges, fault systems, rivers, lakes, and other landscape phenomena. Many world cities are highlighted, illustrating their development respective to their geology and geographic setting. Foreword, Map Key, Index: A Selection of Major Settlements and Features, Credits. LS (V, VI, II)

Environment and Ecology

Over the Mountains: An Aerial View of Geology. Michael Collier. Photographs by Michael Collier. Mikaya Press. 128pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-931414-18-0, $29.95. (I,A) This book shows fabulous photographs, taken from the air, of real-world landscapes such as Denali, the San Andreas Fault, and Shenandoah. Photographs are explained via colorful diagrams and/or well-written descriptions. The photography leaves the reader with a desire to inquire more about the magnificent vistas illustrated. What a marvelous way to study geology! Foreword, Introduction, Map of Photo Locations, Glossary, Selected Bibliography, Acknowledgments, Index. LS (V, VI, II)

Health and Science

Circulating Life: Blood Transfusion from Ancient Superstition to Modern Medicine by Cherie Winner. Text© 2007 by Cherie Winner and Cover iMage © Tom Schierlitz/Stone/Getty Images.

Belly-Busting Worm Invasions! Parasites That Love Your Insides! Thomasine E. Lewis Tilden. Franklin Watts. 64pp. Library ISBN 978-0-531-12068-2, $26; Paperback ISBN 978-0-531-18736-4, $7.95. (I) Imagine a four-foot-long guinea worm in your leg, or perhaps a peashaped tapeworm in your brain. These true-life case studies just might repulse you, but they’ll also completely intrigue you! This book includes parasite-related historical information, news, and career possibilities and is part of the 24/7 Science Behind the Scenes Medical Files series. Table of Contents, Resources, Glossary, Index, Author’s Note. PLB (IV, VII)

The Breast Cancer Update. Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn. Enslow Publishers. 128pp. Library ISBN 978-0-7660-2747-3, $31.93. (I) This book has the latest on diagnosis, treatment, patient survival, and diet in the war against breast cancer. Stories from survivors put names and faces to the disease. Chapter Notes, Glossary, Websites, Index (Note: graphic content/ illustrations). DLW (IV, VII)

Circulating Life: Blood Transfusion From Ancient Superstition to Modern Medicine. Cherie Winner. Twenty-First Century Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 112pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-6606-9, $30.60. (A) This book is a fascinating account of the roles that blood has played in human medicine throughout history and of current areas of transfusion research. It’s an excellent portrayal of ways our understandings change over time. Primary sources, photographs, and sidebars add to the text. Table of Contents, Glossary, Bibliography, Further Reading and Websites, Index. PLB (VII, VIII, IV)

Gut-Eating Bugs: Maggots Reveal the Time of Death! Danielle Denega. Franklin Watts. 64pp. Library ISBN 978-0-531-11824-5, $26; Paperback ISBN 978-0-531-17525-5, $7.95. (E, I) Can bugs tell the time of death? This book has three case studies that explore how insects found on dead bodies help scientists solve the crime and tell the time of death by studying the insects’ life cycles. This very energetic book has lots of great illustration and content connections. Resources of Professional Organizations, Suggested Books for Further Reading, Websites, Dictionary (Glossary), Index, Authors Note, Sources. DTC (IV, II, VII)

Life Science

©2008 by Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn and Cover Image © Tim Flach/STone/Getty Images.

Adaptation. Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn. Twenty-First Century Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 112pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-3434-1, $31.93. (I) Packed full of information, this text describes multiple aspects of adaptation. Specific attention is given to evolution, extreme habitats, seasonal changes, night life, predator/prey relationships, and human adaptations. Examples help illustrate complex concepts. Many readers will find the discussion of human adaptations especially meaningful. It’s appropriate for advanced audiences as well. Table of Contents, Glossary, Bibliography, For Further Information, Index. PLB (IV, I)

Being Caribou: Five Months on Foot With a Caribou Herd. Karsten Heuer. Walker & Company. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8027-9565-6, $17.95; Library ISBN 978-0802795663, $18.85. (E) The amazing five-month migration of a caribou herd to the Alaskan calving grounds is articulately told through firsthand accounts of the author. Vivid details and extraordinary photographs vicariously take readers on the journey, and readers become aware of the importance of protecting these grounds. Maps, Index, Suggested Bibliographic and Internet Resources. DLK (IV, VII)

Box Turtles. Lynn M. Stone. Lerner Publications Company, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 48pp. Library ISBN 978-1-57505-869-6, $26.60. (I) Learn about the four species of box turtles found in North America and gain interesting information about their habitats, feeding habits, and reproductive behavior. Bibliography, Glossary, Index. CRB (IV)

Face to Face With Caterpillars. Darlyne A. Murawski. Illustrated with photographs by Darlyne A.Murawski. National Geographic Society. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0052-3, $16.95; Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0053-0, $25.90. Paper ed. (F). (E) Firsthand information and stunning photographs give readers a rare glimpse into the form, diet, defenses, habitat, and geographic range of many extraordinary caterpillars. Included are tips for locating and observing these organisms, as well as exciting accounts of face-to-face encounters. Glossary, Index, Bibliography. PJC (IV, II, VIII)

Guess What Is Growing Inside This Egg. Written and illustrated by Mia Posada. Millbrook Press, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8225-6192-7, $15.95; Library ISBN 978-0-8225-6192-7, $15.95. (P) Readers are given rhyming clues to help them guess which animals are growing inside eggs depicted in illustrations. Eggs of birds, reptiles, spiders, and mollusks are featured. Answers are given on subsequent pages, with additional information about each featured species. Scaled pictures provide size comparisons of eggs. Incubation Timeline. KTR (IV)

Here Is the Wetland. Madeleine Dunphy. Illustrated by Wayne McLoughlin. Web of Life Children’s Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-9773795-9-0, $16.95; Paperback ISBN 978-0-9773795-8-3, $9.95. (P) With the text of each page building on the previous page’s lyrics, this book presents the abiotic and biotic features of a wetland using simple but rich language. Vivid watercolor illustrations capture the essence of this environment. Author’s Note. KTR (IV)

It’s a Butterfly’s Life. Written and illustrated by Irene Kelly. Holiday House. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-1860-2, $16.95. (E) Through engaging text and beautiful illustrations, learn about the life cycle of butterflies and many more interesting facts about these colorful insects. CRB (IV)

Nic Bishop Spiders. Written and illustrated by Nic Bishop. Scholastic Nonfiction. 48pp. Trade ISBN 0-439-87756-3, $16.99. (A) Remarkably detailed photographs present close-up views of these intriguing creatures. Nic Bishop’s study of spiders is documented through astonishing photos and exciting text. Unusual facts (a spider’s blood is pale blue!), as well as information concerning how the organism molts, hunts, eats, and dances will fascinate readers. Glossary, Index. PJC (IV, II, VIII)

Octopuses. Sandra Markle. Lerner Publications Company, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 40pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-6063-0, $25.26; Paperback ISBN 978-0-8225-6066-1, $7.95 (First Avenue Editions, a division of Lerner Publishing Group). (E, I) Fascinating details abound as the life of the octopus is described, both as a predator and prey. Extraordinary, full-page photographs parallel each page of articulate text. Extremely clear writing makes the book very accessible and engaging. Bibliography, Glossary, Index, “Looking Back” for Further Inquiry and Study. DLK (IV)

Sneeze! Alexandra Siy. Illustrated by Dennis Kunkel. Charlesbridge Publishing. 44pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-57091-653-3, $16.95; Paperback ISBN 978-1-57091-654-0, $6.95. (P, E) Connecting the science of a sneeze with the different things in nature that make this happen, this book uses remarkable micrograph pictures to tell the story from both the macro and microscopic world. Great physiology, readability, and illustrations combine for excellence for multiple age levels. Micrographs relate scale of pictures. Additional Content, About Micrographs, Resources, Glossary. DTC (IV, VI, VII)

Superbugs Strike Back: When Antibiotics Fail. Connie Goldsmith. Twenty-First Century Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 112pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-6607-6, $30.60. (A) From the earliest explorations of bacteria to present-day super“bug” bacteria, this book explores the evolution of bacteria and resistance in our world. From the common sources in food and soil to the search for new drugs, readers will be fascinated by both the level of content and readability. Glossary, Source Notes, Selected Biography, Further Reading and Websites, Index. DTC (IV, VI, VII)

Tracks of a Panda. Nick Dowson. Illustrated by Yu Rong. Candlewick Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7636- 3146-8, $16.99. Paper ed. (F). (P) This engaging book relates the nature, diet, and environment in which a baby panda develops. Deftly created watercolor illustrations are perfectly matched to the factually accurate, lyrical poetry. Nonfiction “fact boxes” on each double page further enhance the content. Author’s Note, Index. DLK (IV)

Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed…and Revealed. David M. Schwartz and Yael Schy. Photographs by Dwight Kuhn. Tricycle Press. 44pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58246-207-3, $15.95. (E) Clever poems describe each camouflaged animal before readers are asked to find the animal within a magnificent photograph of its natural habitat. Opening the folded page reveals the animal, and then detailed information is provided about the animal. The presentation is very engaging. DLK (IV, I)

Physical Science

Rockets by Ron Miller, Text and Illustrations ©2008 by Ron Miller.

Rockets. Ron Miller. Twenty-First Century Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group. 112pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-7153-7, $31.93. (I, A) Rockets from ancient Chinese history to modern-day applications in space exploration are the topic of this book. Containing content with which many readers are not familiar, this book explores the invention and use of rockets throughout history with many little-known applications. There are good descriptions of physical science and technological applications. Glossary, Source Notes, Bibliography, Further Reading: Books, Museums, and Websites, Index. DTC (III, V, VI)

Technology and Engineering

Great Inventions: Microscopes and Telescopes. Rebecca Stefoff. Illustrated with prints, photographs, and diagrams. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark. 128pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7614-2230-3, $39.93; Library ISBN 978-0-7614-2230-3, $27.95. (A) “It started with spectacles.” From tiny worlds too small to be seen by the unaided eye to the vastness of space, this book explores the history of microscopes and telescopes that changed the world as we see it. Glossary, Bibliography, Websites, Index. DLW (VI,VII)

The Ultimate Weapon: The Race to Develop the Atomic Bomb. Edward T. Sullivan. Holiday House. 208pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8234-1855-8, $24.95. (I) This book traces the development of the atomic bomb from its theoretical inception in the minds of scientists to the dropping of “Little Man” and “Fat Boy” in Japan. Supported by many photographs, the text highlights the political, scientific, and cultural aspects of the development of the ultimate weapon. Bibliography, Glossary, Index, Chronology. KTR (III, VIII, VI)

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12: 2009—Call for Submissions

Deadline for submissions: June 16, 2008

Eligibility

• Titles should be for grades K–12.
• All titles must originate from a children’s publishing company or division and must be published (not simply distributed) by a publisher incorporated in the United States.
• Titles must be published in 2008.
• Titles originally published abroad are eligible only if they have a 2008 U.S. publication date; reprints or licensed editions of titles initially published in the U.S. before 2008 are not eligible.
• Original paperbacks are eligible; paperback reprints are not. If a book is published simultaneously in hardcover and paperback, either edition may be submitted. If both editions are submitted, they constitute separate entries.
• Revisions are eligible only if the book has been newly illustrated or if substantial text, constituting at least 25% of the book, has been changed or added.
• Math books are not eligible unless the mathematical principles are applied to scientific functions such as measuring for experiments, using statistical models for scientific research, and so on.
• Textbooks, workbooks, kits, experiment-only books, and activity books are not eligible.
• Spanish-language editions of titles published in English before 2008 are not acceptable. Spanish-language editions published simultaneously with English-language editions in 2008 are eligible.
• Fiction is eligible if the book has substantial science content.

Number of titles you may submit
Each participating publisher may submit an unlimited number of titles.

Submission guidelines
Books should have value for both classroom studies and library collections supporting students’ work.

Full submission guidelines will be available in late April at www.cbcbooks.org.