Read Series Made Simple, School Library Journal's guide to the latest series nonfiction

Science experiment books are often checked out only at science-fair time, but some of the titles reviewed here are cool enough to get kids experimenting throughout the year. Robotics and “green” science are hot topics, and the quality titles below will make welcome additions. Some of these series prove that science can be fun for everyone.

Preschool—Grade 4

BELL-REHWOLDT, Sheri. Science Experiments that Surprise and Delight: Fun Projects for Curious Kids. ISBN 978-1-4296-5428-9; ISBN 978-1-4296-6253-6. LC 2010025205. LEW, Kristi. Science Experiments that Fly and Move: Fun Projects for Curious Kids. ISBN 978-1-4296-5426-5; ISBN 978-1-4296-6252-9. LC 2010025206. WHEELER-TOPPER, Jodi. Science Experiments that Explode and Implode: Fun Projects for Curious Kids. ISBN 978-1-4296-5427-2; ISBN 978-1-4296-6250-5. LC 2010027687. ————. Science Experiments that Fizz and Bubble: Fun Projects for Curious Kids. ISBN 978-1-4296-5425-8; ISBN 978-1-4296-6251-2. LC 2010025206. ea vol: 32p. (Edge Books: Kitchen Science Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $26.65; pap. $7.95. Gr 3-9—Attractive, colorful, and full of photos, these hi/lo titles will appeal to a wide range of kids. While they are written on a third to fourth grade reading level, the photos show a cast of multicultural middle graders, so children in the older end of the grade range won’t be shy about picking them up. Each project can be completed with simple household items, and most include six or fewer easy steps. The brief “Why it works” box at the end of each activity explains the science. Anyone looking for a straightforward, fun, and easy science experiment will want these titles close by.

BOYER, Crispin. National Geographic Kids : Everything Castles: Capture These Facts, Photos, and Fun to Be King of the Castle! Oct. ISBN 978-1-4263-0804-8; ISBN 978-1-4263-0803-1. LC 2010026962. CARNEY, Elizabeth. National Geographic Kid s: Everything Big Cats: Pictures to Purr About and Info to Make You Roar! ISBN 978-1-4263-0802-4; ISBN 978-1-4263-0806-2. LC 2010026963. MUSGRAVE, Ruth A. National Geographic Kids : Everything Sharks: All the Shark Facts, Photos, and Fun that You Can Sink Your Teeth Into! ISBN 978-1-4263-0802-4; ISBN 978-1-4263-0769-0. LC 2010049108. TOMECEK, Steve. National Geographic Kids : Everything Rocks and Minerals: Dazzling Gems of Photos and Info that Will Rock Your World! Oct. ISBN 978-1-4263-0801-7; ISBN 978-1-4263-0768-3. LC 2010038112. ea vol: 64p. (National Geographic Kids Everything Series). diags. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. National Geographic. 2011. PLB $25.90; pap. $12.95. Gr 3-6—Exploding with astounding full-color photographs and written in an appealing conversational tone, these are books for every kid. How often does one have the chance to see a photo of jaguar drool or a dogfish pup in the egg case? Not often enough. Beyond the photos, the texts will keep kids interested and turning pages to discover more and more facts. “Explorers’ Corners” provide first-hand accounts from the books’ photographers. Fun, interactive glossaries invite thorough reading and will help kids retain new words and facts. These compelling, browseable, and completely engrossing titles will delight readers.

DOUDNA, Kelly. Super Simple Things to Do with Balloons: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-627-5. LC 2010020825. ————. Super Simple Things to Do with Bubbles: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-673-2. LC 2010020823. ————. Super Simple Things to Do with Plants: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-674-9. LC 2010020860. ————. Super Simple Things to Do with Pressure: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-675-6. LC 2010020861. ————. Super Simple Things to Do with Temperature: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-676-3. LC 2010020862. ————. Super Simple Things to Do with Water: Fun and Easy Science for Kids. ISBN 978-1-61714-677-0. LC 2010021087. ea vol: 24p. (Super Simple Science Series). photos. glossary. CIP. ABDO. 2011. PLB $25.65. K-Gr 3—Each of these approachable volumes begins with an explanation of the scientific method to get young scientists started out on the right foot. Experiments include an opening question to consider, a list of materials, safety symbols, step-by-step instructions illustrated with clear photographs, and a well-written summary. The experiments, which are outlined on one spread, are simple without being boring. For example, students can create a simple jet (Balloons), turn soap into salt (Bubbles), and make multi-colored flowers (Plants).

ROOKE, Thom. A Germ’s Journey. illus. by Tony Trimmer. ISBN 978-1-4048-6268-5; ISBN 978-1-4048-6710-9. LC 2010033765. SLADE, Suzanne. A Dollar Bill’s Journey. illus. by Susan Swan. ISBN 978-1-4048-6265-4; ISBN 978-1-4048-6709-3. LC 2010033768. ————. A Plastic Bottle’s Journey. illus. by Nadine Wickenden. ISBN 978-1-4048-6267-8; ISBN 978-1-4048-6711-6. LC 2010033764. ————. A Raindrop’s Journey. illus. by Holli Conger. ISBN 978-1-4048-6266-1; ISBN 978-1-4048-6712-3. LC 2010033772. ea vol: 24p. (Follow It! Series). diags. illus. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Picture Window. 2011. PLB $25.99; pap. $6.95. Gr 1-3—Young readers deserve more respect than they are shown in these unimpressive titles. The books feature a story—how a boy’s classmates contract his cold or keep it at bay, for example (Germs)—or a factual description of a process, followed by a story, as in Dollar, which describes how money is “born” and then relates a tale about a cash birthday gift. The main narratives are accompanied by short sidebars that discuss related science. Often the information is simplified to a fault, leaving out necessary explanations. Inanimate objects, such as a raindrop and germs, say silly things in speech bubbles that attempt to entertain, but will probably just confuse. The mixed-media illustrations are fun to look at and represent a diversity of people, but the addition of facial features to dollar bills and water bottles is unappealing.

SOHN, Emily & Diane Bair. Food and Nutrition: Eating to Win. (Level C). 24p. chart. diags. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-424-4. LC 2010044545. ————. Sound: Music to Our Ears. (Level B). 24p. diags. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-419-0. LC 2010044708. SOHN, Emily & Frederick Fellows. Levers and Pulleys: Lift Anything! (Level C). 24p. diags. illus. reprods. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-426-8. LC 2010045061. SOHN, Emily & Barbara J. Foster. Animal Needs: Who’s New at the Zoo? (Level A). 24p. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-404-6. LC 2010044547. SOHN, Emily & Joel Gendler. Solids and Liquids: Who Messed Up My Sand? (Level A). 24p. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59953-410-7. LC 2010044528. SOHN, Emily & Adam Harter. Landforms: The Ever-changing Earth. (Level C). 24p. diag. illus. maps. reprods. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-425-1. LC 2010044725. ————. Sun, Moon, and Stars: A Cosmic Case. (Level B). 24p. diags. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-421-3. LC 2010044537. SOHN, Emily & Lisa Klobuchar. Fabric: It’s Got You Covered! (Level A). 24p. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-406-0. LC 2010044546. SOHN, Emily & Barbara M. Linde. Environments: Beetles in the Garden. (Level C). 48p. chart. diags. illus. reprods. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-423-7. LC 2010044534. SOHN, Emily & Patricia Ohlenroth. Living Systems: Life’s Inside Story. (Level C). 24p. diags. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-427-5. LC 2010044737. SOHN, Emily & Karen J. Rothbardt. Measurement: The Measured Mystery. (Level B). 24p. charts. diag. illus. reprods. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-417-6. LC 2010044550. ————. Trees: Worlds within Leaves. (Level A). 24p. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-411-4. LC 2010044535. SOHN, Emily & Laura Townsend. Water: Watch It Change. (Level B). 24p. diag. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-422-0. LC 2010044544. SOHN, Emily & Pamela Wright. Earth Materials: The Mystery Rocks. (Level B). 24p. diags. illus. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-418-3. LC 2010044543. ————. Paper from Wood: Dollhouse Decisions. (Level A). 24p. Web sites. ISBN 978-1-59953-412-1. LC 2010044539. ea vol: (iScience Readers Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Norwood House. 2011. PLB $21.27. K-Gr 6—This overambitious series attempts to do too much with too little. Divided into three reading (2.5, 3.5, and 5.5) and interest levels, indicated by an “A,” a “B,” or a “C” on the spine, each title includes a puzzle that carries readers through the texts to find the solutions at the end. For example, the opening spread of Animal Needs challenges readers to figure out which creature will be the newest exhibit at the zoo, and the spreads that follow pose questions and provide hints that will bring them closer to the answer. For the lowest level, the questions are an unsuccessful attempt to engage; children reading without an adult nearby will be confused. The higher levels are more successful with a good balance of information and a few thought-provoking queries. Photographs throughout the series feature children younger than the target audience, which will be a deterrent for the upper grades.

WEAKLAND, Mark. Bubbles Float, Bubbles Pop. ISBN 978-1-4296-5250-6; ISBN 978-1-4296-6141-6. LC 2010038874. ————. Gears Go, Wheels Roll. ISBN 978-1-4296-5253-7; ISBN 978-1-4296-6143-0. LC 2010038880. ————. Magnets Push, Magnets Pull. ISBN 978-1-4296-5251-3; ISBN 978-1-4296-6147-8. LC 2010038879. ————. Seeds Go, Seeds Grow. ISBN 978-1-4296-5252-0; ISBN 978-1-4296-6145-4. LC 2010038877. ea vol: 32p. (A+ Books: Science Starts Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $25.99; pap. $7.95. PreS-Gr 2—A few misleading sentences are unfortunately included in these otherwise stellar introductions to scientific topics. For example, Gears states that “There are many wheels and axles on a car,” and Magnets asserts that “A magnet can move the heaviest objects.” Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs, the accessible texts are for the most part informative and yet not overwhelming. Photographs range from the familiar bubble gum to the unfamiliar spittlebug and include an amazing photo of iron filings arranged along the energy lines of a magnet. The text size, jaunty placement, and few sentences per page are perfect for early readers. Purchase to supplement larger collections.

Grades 5 and Up

AASENG, Nathan. Weird Meat-Eating Plants. ISBN 978-0-7660-3672-7. LC 2010016602. ANDERSON, Margaret J. Bugged-Out Insects. ISBN 978-0-7660-3674-1. LC 2010006474. KNAPP, Ron. Bloodsucking Creatures. ISBN 978-0-7660-3671-0. LC 2010009761. ————. Mummy Secrets Uncovered. ISBN 978-0-7660-3670-3. LC 2010000976. POYNTER, Margaret. Doomsday Rocks from Space. ISBN 978-0-7660-3673-4. LC 2009053601. ea vol: 48p. (Bizarre Science Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $23.93. Gr 5-9—Aimed at reluctant readers, these titles are sure to disgust and delight in equal measure. The attention-getting topics are explored using gory facts and stomach-turning details and range from fun to terrifying, depending on the topic. If readers can stomach the army ants and potato-sized termite queen found in Insects, then it will be the potential future scenarios in Space that will keep them up at night. All of the titles will pique interest and get kids lining up at the reference desk looking for more. The text is complemented by illustrations and magnified photos of things that you would hope never to see.

CHAFFEE, Joel. Atomic and Molecular Structure. ISBN 978-1-4488-1230-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-2387-1. LC 2010015454. GALIANO, Dean. Electric and Magnetic Phenomena. ISBN 978-1-4488-1231-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-2388-8. LC 2010014546. MEYER, Susan. Gases and Their Properties. ISBN 978-1-4488-1233-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-2390-1. LC 2010015858. ORR, Tamra. Motion and Forces. ISBN 978-1-4488-1232-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-2389-5. LC 2010020535. STIMOLA, Aubrey. Cell Biology. ISBN 978-1-4488-1234-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-2391-8. LC 2010021319. WOLNY, Philip. Chemical Reactions. ISBN 978-1-4488-1235-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-2392-5. LC 2010018818. ea vol: 64p. (Science Made Simple Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $29.25; ebook $29.25. Gr 5-8—These introductions include a lot of detailed information, making them useful as resource materials for science projects and reports. Where applicable, the books also include brief discussions of scientists important in the field, the history of the topic, and current and future applications. Occasionally, comparisons to familiar phenomena are used, as when the movement of gas is likened to that of bumper cars. This helps make difficult points clear while still maintaining a scientific tone. The straightforward, no-nonsense narratives and simple design make this series a nice package for basic science.

CHAFFEE, Joel. How to Build a Prize-Winning Robot. ISBN 978-1-4488-1238-7. LC 2010025748. ————. Robots Through History. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4488-1236-3. LC 2010024139. PAYMENT, Simone. Robotics Careers: Preparing for the Future. ISBN 978-1-4488-1239-4. LC 2010024134. SHEA, Therese. The Robotics Club: Teaming Up to Build Robots. ISBN 978-1-4488-1237-0. LC 2010025750.| ea vol: 48p. (Robotics Series). photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $26.50. Gr 5-8— Detailed step-by-step building instructions are not included in Robot; instead, the author offers an overview and the encouragement and inspiration to forge ahead. History explains that robotics has quite a past, ranging as far back as ancient Greece, and that it has an equally exciting and unfathomable future ahead. Careers gives a practical overview of the years of study required, potential workplaces, and essential skills for a variety of robotics careers. Club will provide students with the information necessary to form a club and compete at making and using robots. Kids who are fascinated with robots will want these titles available.

COHEN, Marina. What Is Cell Theory? diags. ISBN 978-0-7787-7199-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-7206-4. LC 2010052633. HYDE, Natalie. What Is Germ Theory? ISBN 978-0-7787-7201-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-7208-8. LC 2010052631. MCLEAN, Adam. What Is Atomic Theory? diags. ISBN 978-0-7787-7197-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-7204-0. LC number unavailable. O’LEARY, Denyse. What Are Newton’s Laws of Motion? diags. ISBN 978-0-7787-7200-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-7207-1. LC number unavailable. SAUNDERS, Craig. What Is the Theory of Plate Tectonics? diags. maps. ISBN 978-0-7787-7202-6; ISBN 978-0-7787-7209-5. LC number unavailable. WALKER, Robert. What Is the Theory of Evolution? diags. ISBN 978-0-7787-7198-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-7205-7. LC number unavailable. ea vol: 64p. (Shaping Modern Science Series). illus. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree. 2011. PLB $22.95; pap. $10.95. Gr 5-8—Scientific theories and laws are thoroughly defined and put into context with plenty of background and historical knowledge. Readers will find enough information to appreciate the many scientific advances that we enjoy today and see the potential for future progress. These titles are not only written and organized well, but they are also gorgeous in design. Full-color photographs and illustrations are set over colorful backgrounds that add depth but not distraction. Each title includes thought-provoking quotes from famous authors and scientists and some eyebrow-raising “Quick Facts” throughout.

EAGEN, Rachel. Body Care Chemistry. ISBN 978-0-7787-5282-0; ISBN 978-0-7787-5288-2. LC 2010042060. ––––. Environmental Chemistry. ISBN 978-0-7787-5285-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-5302-5. LC 2010042063. FIELD, Jon Eben. Cleaning Chemistry. ISBN 978-0-7787-5284-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-5301-8. LC 2010042062. ––––. Kitchen Chemistry. ISBN 978-0-7787-5286-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-5303-2. LC 2010042064. ––––. Medicine Cabinet Chemistry. ISBN 978-0-7787-5287-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-5304-9. LC 2010042066. KNIGHT, Erin. Chemistry Around the House. ISBN 978-0-7787-5283-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-5300-1. LC 2010042061. ea vol: 32p. (Chemtastrophe! Series). illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree. 2011. PLB $19.95; pap. $8.95. Gr 5-8—These slim volumes miss the mark for the intended audience. There is not enough information here for reports and yet they are too dry to welcome general-interest reading. The theme of the series, that accidents in science can lead to great discoveries, is not carried through with enough real-world examples. Each title explains chemistry as it relates to the topic, discusses the scientific method, and concludes with experiments. A few of thes are incorrectly numbered, and one even suggests that fifth graders ask an adult to help use a measuring cup even when working with a safe substance.

GARDNER, Robert. Air: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet. ISBN 978-0-7660-3646-8. LC 2010001120. ————. Earth’s Cycles: Green Science Projects about the Water Cycle, Photosynthesis, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3644-4. LC 2010025816. ————. Energy: Green Science Projects About Solar, Wind, and Water Power. ISBN 978-0-7660-3643-7. LC 2009043927. ————. Recycle: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet. ISBN 978-0-7660-3648-2. LC 2009037903. ————. Soil: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet. ISBN 978-0-7660-3647-5. LC 2009043928. ————. Water: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet. ISBN 978-0-7660-3645-1. LC 2009037902. ea vol: 128p. (Team Green Science Projects Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. appendix. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $31.93. Gr 5-9—Gardner’s in-depth exploration of green topics will inspire interested students to think outside of the book to discover dynamic science-fair projects and perhaps even pursue careers in the ever-expanding field of green science. Each title opens with a basic introduction to the topic, which is followed by a definition of the scientific method and a note about science fairs, letting students know that taking an experiment directly from a book will not impress the judges. In keeping with this advice, Gardner provides plenty of information, well-designed experiments, and demonstrations, and then shares brief science-fair ideas that range from simple variations and expansions to suggestions that readers fully design experiments. Experiments and demonstrations are presented with clear step-by-step instructions and occasional illustrations and represent a wide range of complexity. Supplies range from simple household items to specialized scientific equipment, making it easy for everyone to find something to try.

HARTMAN, Eve & Wendy Meshbesher. The Scientists Behind Medical Advances. ISBN 978-1-4109-4048-3. LC 2010031263. ————. The Scientists Behind Space. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-4049-0. LC 2010031264. SNEDDEN, Robert. The Scientists Behind Living Things. ISBN 978-1-4109-4047-6. LC 2010031260. ————. The Scientists Behind the Environment. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-4046-9. LC 2010031259. SOLWAY, Andrew. The Scientists Behind Earth’s Processes. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-4044-5. LC 2010031257. ————. The Scientists Behind Energy. diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-4045-2. LC 2010031258. ea vol: 48p. (Sci-Hi Scientists Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree. 2011. PLB $32. Gr 6-9—These hi/lo titles provide brief retrospective tours of the highlighted topics by featuring scientists from around the world who made important advances. They drive home the point that each new discovery or piece of information is a building block and clearly demonstrate that any small idea or combination of old ideas can forever change the future of science. Wonderful additions where budding scientists are looking for role models and inspiration.

SOBEY, Ed. Electric Motor Experiments. ISBN 978-0-7660-3306-1. LC 2009037895. ————. Radio-Controlled Car Experiments. ISBN 978-0-7660-3304-7. LC 2009037896. ————. Robot Experiments. ISBN 978-0-7660-3303-0. LC 2009037897. ————. Solar Cell and Renewable Energy Experiments. ISBN 978-0-7660-3305-4. LC 2010027430. ea vol: 128p. (Cool Science Projects with Technology Series). charts. diags. illus. photos. appendix. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $31.93. Gr 5 Up—These titles are winners. For example, Radio-Controlled Car Experiments is bursting with fast-paced experiments that have easy-to-follow instructions and are sure to interest young car enthusiasts. Also, while Robot Experiments includes some suggestions for science-fair projects and a few experiments throughout, it also provides a detailed description of each component and step-by-step instructions for building a robot. This highly complicated process is explained using understandable terms and in a well-organized manner and includes information as detailed as computer-programming codes. Some steps in the process require scavenging or purchasing specific parts and the directions to do so are included. The color photographs in these titles don’t always have the best lighting or focus, but they are serviceable.

Most of the science-project books reviewed above are winners, but be sure to find room for Enslow’s “Team Green Science Projects” and its “Cool Science Projects with Technology.” Many of the series for younger elementary students fall short, but consider ABDO’s “Super Simple Science” series to complement experiment collections. Capstone’s “Edge Books: Kitchen Science” and Raintree’s “Sci-Hi Scientists” are perfect additions for libraries in need of hi/lo science materials. National Geographic’s “National Geographic Kids Everything” has enough color and excitement to enhance any children’s collection, and middle school librarians should also consider Crabtree’s excellent “Shaping Modern Science” and Rosen’s well-executed “Science Made Simple” series where fresh titles on these topics are needed.

Read Series Made Simple, School Library Journal's guide to the latest series nonfiction