science

The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 5, 2024

The Observologist is a fun and fascinating introduction to wonders of creation available for viewing in your own back yard. The Observologist: A Handbook for ...

100 Things to Know About Inventions by Clive Gifford

By Megan Saben | Oct 13, 2023

A fun, visual book about the history of inventions and some relationships between them, ideal for those who are mechanically minded. 100 Things to Know ...

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2023

The Brilliant Calculator is a good introduction to a woman engineer whose work allows us to communicate better. For that, I am grateful. The Brilliant ...

The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 10, 2021

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...

STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 12, 2021

STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...

Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 28, 2021

Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...

Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification

By Megan Saben | Mar 24, 2021

Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...

How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 4, 2020

How We Got to the Moon details the almost overwhelming amount of expertise and problem-solving required to accomplish one human footprint. How We Got to ...

A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2020

A World of Discovery introduces pre-teens to the basics of technology and invention. A World of Discovery by James Brown and Richard Platt. Candlewick Studio, ...

*Honeybee by Candace Fleming

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2020

The brief but complex life of a honeybee literally unfolds in these gorgeously illustrated pages. *Honeybee: the Busy Life of Apius Mellifera by Candis Fleming. ...

Fever Year by Don Brown

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 5, 2020

Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer ...

Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2020

A fact-packed and tongue-in-cheek resource for dinosaur fans, with a distinct evolutionary slant. Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts by Mike Lowery. Orchard ...

Trees: a Rooted History by Socha and Grazhowski

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2020

Trees: a Rooted History explores the wonderful variety of tree life in a lavishly illustrated compendium. Trees: a Rooted History by Wojciech Grazkowski and Piotr ...

Go Build Something! Engineering Books for Boys (and Girls)

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 21, 2019

STEM is big in schools and publishing today, and many educators add an A to make STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Engineering ties ...

Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2019

Graphic artist Don Brown give us a comprehensive visual account of the Apollo space program. Rocket to the Moon! (Big Ideas that Changed the World ...

A Lunar List: New Books About the Moon

By Betsy Farquhar | Jul 8, 2019

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. And there are lots of new books commemorating that event and the moon itself! ...

Wile E Coyote, Physical Science Genius

By Megan Saben | Jun 19, 2019

Find out why that poor coyote never actually catches the speedy roadrunner in these clever science books for young physicists. Wile E. Coyote, physical science ...

Crossing on Time by David Macaulay

By Janie Cheaney | May 14, 2019

David Macaulay again turns his drafting ability and clear prose on a massive engineering project, and this time it's personal. Crossing in Time: Steam Engines, ...

Birds of a Feather: Bird Books for Kids

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 23, 2019

Do you have a young bird lover in your house? A bird nerd who, at age 10, can tell you all the migratory species that ...

Zap by Martha Freeman

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2019

A days-long power outage is the premise for Zap, a STEM-based, character-driven novel for middle graders. Zap by Martha Freeman. Simon & Schuster, 2018, 288 ...

The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 23, 2019

“The Disappearing Spoon” is one mystery solved by the periodic table, in this entertaining grab-bag of historical oddities from chemistry. The Disappearing Spoon (Young Readers ...

Science Ideas in 30 Seconds by Mike Goldsmith

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 11, 2018

In spite of some outdated ideas about science and faith, these 30-second explanations form an interesting tour of science history. Ages 8-15 Science Ideas in ...

Science Picture-Book Roundup

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 18, 2018

Four new science picture books entertain while informing young readers about microbes, sparrows, hawks, and deep-sea exploration. Ages 6-10 The Bacteria Book: the BIG World ...

The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 13, 2018

The Hyena Scientist takes readers on safari to observe a misunderstood species. Ages 8-14 The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery, photography by Nic Bishop. Houghton ...

Impossible Inventions by the Mizielinskis

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 29, 2018

Impossible Inventions, by the same team who brought you Maps, is quirky, informative, and possibly inspiring. Ages 8-12 Impossible Inventions: Ideas that Shouldn’t Work by ...

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 18, 2018

The story that inspired the movie chain: Jurassic Park is more complex than the movie in every way--and not for kids. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. ...

Look at the Weather by Britta Techentrup

By Janie Cheaney | May 29, 2018

This picture book for all ages encourages readers to "look at the weather" while learning the basic causes of it. Look at the Weather by ...

Summer Fun Booklist: Full of Activities and Things to Do!

By Betsy Farquhar | May 25, 2018

Summer Days Ahead The glorious weeks of summer are upon us (if you live in the Southeast) or soon to be (if you live in ...

The Monarchs Are Missing: A Butterfly Mystery by Rebecca Hirsch

By Janie Cheaney | May 11, 2018

Why is the population of Monarch butterflies declining? This book invites readers to ponder the mystery, and participate in the solution. The Monarchs Are Missing: ...

How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth

By Janie Cheaney | May 11, 2018

This engaging picture book explains in simple terms the complex system that makes a house “work” How Does My Home Work? by Chris Butterworth, illustrated ...

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 19, 2018

A beautifully crafted middle grades biography of a girl who drew butterflies back in the 1600s, changing the study of natural history in the process. ...

Nonfiction Picture Books Round-up: Biographies, Science, and Words

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 8, 2018

A round-up of 2018 nonfiction picture books on all sorts of subjects and for all sorts of ages! The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra and ...

Grand Canyon by Jason Chin

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 26, 2018

A father-daughter hike from Phantom Ranch to the south rim of Grand Canyon reveals its geological wonders. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook, 2017, ...

Bound by Ice by Sandra Neil Wallace

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 9, 2018

This gripping true tale of first North Pole exploration takes middle-graders into the frozen wastes for a saga of endurance. Ages 10-15 Bound by Ice: ...

Exploring Space by Martin Jenkins

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 9, 2018

Future astronauts will find many of their questions answered in this comprehensive, informative picture book, with fascinating cutaway illustrations. Ages 8-12 Exploring Space: from Galileo ...

Get Ready for the Eclipse! Space and Sci-Fi Booklist

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 16, 2017

Ready for the Eclipse? Have you tested out your eclipse glasses? Do you know where you're going to be on August 21 when the eclipse ...

Superstar by Mandy Davis

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 15, 2017

This sympathetic portrait of an autistic youngster explores relationships, coping strategies, and the scientific method. Superstar by Mandy Davis. HarperCollins, 2017, 320 pages Reading Level: ...

The Many Worlds of Albie Bright by Christopher Edge

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 15, 2017

This middle-grade science fiction novel includes enough human interest to make it engaging, enough real science to make it educational. The Many Worlds of Albie ...

Exploring Space by Jenkins and Biesty

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 14, 2017

Explore space--and humans' attempts to explore space--in this information-packed and expertly illustrated coffee table sized book. Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and ...

American Eclipse by David Baron

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2017

This summer a full solar eclipse will cross the United States. This captivating history examines the last time that happened, and its effect on American ...

Isaac the Alchemist by Mary Losure

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 25, 2017

This biography for middle graders is an engaging introduction to Isaac Newton’s singular genius and his peculiar obsessions. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, ...

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 16, 2017

Elon Musk and the Quest for a Fantastic Future (Young Readers edition) by Ashlee Vance. HarperCollins, 2017, 273 pages Reading Level: Teens, ages 12-15 Recommended ...

Hidden Figures (Young Reader Edition) by Margo Shetterly

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 10, 2017

The contributions of four black women to the Space Race form an inspiring story of talent overcoming prejudice and receiving its reward. Hidden Figures Young ...

Middle Grade Fiction with Fibonacci, Tesla, and More!

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

a post from the archives! (originally published March 26, 2014) When I was a child I read large numbers of mysteries and was always somewhat irritated ...

The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 22, 2016

This update of Macaulay's classic reference guide to technology embraces the digital revolution with wit and (mostly) clarity. The Way Things Work Now by David ...

The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 31, 2016

A perfect instruction manual for young tinkerers who want to know how things work and how to leverage the six simple machines to build cool ...

The 101 Coolest Simple Science Experiments by Miller, Homer, and Harrington

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 31, 2016

There's no excuse to be bored with this book lying around: chemistry, physics, the natural world, and even the human body are just a page ...

Science Experiments You Can Eat by Vicki Cobb

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 24, 2016

Kids will love getting to eat their science projects in this clever, well organized book all about science. Science Experiments You Can Eat, Revised and ...

*Water is Water by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 6, 2015

*Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 7, 2015

William Kamkwamba's own story of his efforts to bring reliable electrical power to his impoverished African village makes fascinating reading, especially for mechanically-minded middle-graders. The ...

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 16, 2015

The Spider (Disgusting Creatures) by Elise Gravel. Tundra Books, 2015. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: Ages 4-8 Children are fascinated by ...

Finding Spring by Carin Berger

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 9, 2015

Finding Spring by Carin Berger. Greenwillow, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8 Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Maurice the bear just wants to find ...

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 9, 2015

Click, Clack, Peep! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books (ages 0-4) Recommended for: Ages ...

By Megan Saben | Mar 11, 2015

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Some Bugs is a fun, ...

The Queen’s Shadow by Cybele Young

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 5, 2015

The Queen’s Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybele Young. Kids Can Press, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended ...

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 22, 2015

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm. Random House, 2014. 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Recommended for: Ages 10-12 Bottom Line: A quirky, ...

*Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 24, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 1, 2014

Junk Drawer Physics: 50 Awesome Experiments That Don’t Cost a Thing by Bobby Mercer. Chicago Review Press, 2014. 187 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay

By Megan Saben | Sep 29, 2014

Eye: How it Works by David Macaulay. David Macaulay Studio, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Easy/Leveled Reader, ages 4-8Maturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up ...

Explore Gravity!: With 25 Great Projects by Cindy Blobaum and illustrated by Bryan Stone

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 29, 2014

Explore Gravity!: With 25 Great Projects by Cindy Blobaum and illustrated by Bryan Stone. Nomad Press, 2013. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 8-12)Recommended for: ...

Eye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 29, 2014

Eye Benders: The Science of Seeing and Believing by Clive Gifford. Ivy Press, 2013 (U.K.) and 2014 (U.S.A.). 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, 8-12 ...

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 29, 2014

Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World by Steve Jenkins. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8Recommended for: Ages ...

National Geographic Kids Biographies: Thomas Edison

By Megan Saben | Sep 24, 2014

Thomas Edison by Barbara Kramer. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up National Geographic ...

National Geographic Kids: Robots

By Megan Saben | Sep 24, 2014

Robots by Melissa Stewart. National Geographic Kids, 2014, 48 pages. Reading Level: Early reader, leveled readerMaturity Level: 2 (ages 4-8) and up It can be hard ...

Zoobots by Helaine Becker

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 22, 2014

Zoobots: Wild Robots Inspired by Real Animals by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Alex Ries. Kids Can Press, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ...

Water Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas

By Megan Saben | Sep 10, 2014

Water Can Be… by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Millbrook, 2014, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookMaturity Level: All Water Can Be is a fun ...

A Leaf Can Be…by Laura Purdie Salas

By Megan Saben | Sep 10, 2014

A Leaf Can Be... by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Violeta Dabija. Millbrook, 2012, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture BookMaturity Level: All Who would have imagined that ...

Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Steve Jenkins

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 8, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mama Built a Little Nest by Jennifer ...

What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 1, 2014

What in the World?: Fun-Tastic Puzzles for Curious Minds by Julie Vosburgh Agnone. National Geographic Society, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, 4-8 Recommended ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 5, 2014

*National Wildlife Federation World of Birds: a Beginners Guide, by Kim Kirki. Black Dog & Levanthal, 2014, 80 pages including glossary and index. Reading Level: ...

Award-Winning Science Picture Books

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 7, 2014

The Animal Book: a Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest—and Most Surprising—Animals on Earth, by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013, 208 pages. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 18, 2013

Flood, by Alvaro F. Villa. Capstone, 2013, 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 8-10 It’s hard to imagine rain doing ...

Our Favorite Science Book Picks (and a Printable List!)

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 30, 2013

We've thrown a lot of titles at you during our Science September for science-related informational texts. Because we know many of you, like us, love ...

More Favorite Science Books

By emily | Sep 23, 2013

Welcome back to Science September at Redeemedreader! Last week, we heard from Janie on Science Biographies, as well as Betsy on some of her favorite ...

Solving Mysteries with Science (and a disappointing collective biography)

By Megan Saben | Sep 19, 2013

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! by Eric Yoder and Natalie Yoder. Science Naturally, 2013. When I was growing up, ...

Science Picture Books: Authors and Illustrators of Note

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 16, 2013

It's Science September at RedeemedReader! The world of picture book nonfiction (or "information books, " as nonfiction is being called now) is exploding with very ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 19, 2013

*The Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012, 40 pages Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8 Recommended for: ages 4-8 and up (especially ...

*Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard by Annette Cate

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 19, 2013

*Look Up! Bird-Watching in Your Own Backyard, by Annette le Blank Cate. Candlewick, 2013, 54 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ...

Hard Science

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2012

God particle, Higgs boson—it's been news since Independence Day (no relation to said holiday) and most of us scratch our heads. It’s too hot to ...

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 21, 2011

Part One. Part Two. In the second essay of The Abolition of Man, “The Way,” Lewis showed that humanity seemed to have only one code ...