In 1894, physicist Albert Michelson wrote: “The more important fundamental laws and facts of physical science have all been discovered, and these are now so firmly established that the possibility of their ever being supplemented in consequence of new discoveries is exceedingly remote.” We of course now know that not only is this statement erroneous, the exact opposite is true. The more we learn about science the more convinced we become that we have only reached the tip of the iceberg. The series reviewed below examine what we know about physics, space, our bodies, and several other topics–and many make sure that readers appreciate that there are always new discoveries to be made.

Preschool-Grade 4

ARNOLD, Caroline. Your Skeletal System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7452-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0106-8. LC 2011044175.
JANGO-COHEN, Judith. Your Respiratory System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7451-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-0105-1. LC 2011034278.
JOHNSON, Rebecca L. Your Digestive System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7448-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-0102-0. LC 2011034265.
–––– . Your Muscular System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7449-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0103-7. LC 2011044166.
RILEY, Joelle. Your Nervous System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7450-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-0104-4. LC 2011044176.
STORAD, Conrad J. Your Circulatory System. ISBN 978-0-7613-7447-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-0101-3. LC 2011034264.
ea vol: 40p. (Searchlight Books: How Does Your Body Work? Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Lerner. 2012. PLB $27.93; ebook $20.95.
Gr 3-5–This series will be useful in any collection needing updated texts about the human body. The titles clearly explain what functions each of the six systems performs. The design is eye-catching and attractive, with lots of clean white space and an easy-on-the-eyes font. Captioned photographs or colorful diagrams appear on every page. Many of the photographs were taken with a microscope and are sure to fascinate children. In every volume, the detailed photo captions and sidebars provide additional interesting factoids that complement the main texts. For example, readers learn in Respiratory that “You can sing high and low by tightening your vocal cords.” These titles will appeal to browsers, and the strong back matter makes them useful for reports as well.

BOOTHROYD, Jennifer. Eye Color: Brown, Blue, Green, and Other Hues. ISBN 978-0-7613-8938-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0084-9. LC 2011039376.
–––– . Facial Features: Freckles, Earlobes, Noses, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-8939-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0085-6. LC 2011042018.
–––– . Vision: Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-8940-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0088-7. LC 2011047643.
SILVERMAN, Buffy. Body Parts: Double- Jointedness, Hitchhiker’s Thumb, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-8942-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0083-2. LC 2011041995.
–––– . Hair Traits: Color, Texture, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-8941-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0086-3. LC 2011038977.
–––– . Unusual Traits: Tongue Rolling, Special Taste Sensors, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-8943-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0087-0. LC 2011045553.
ea vol: 32p. (Lightning Bolt Books: What Traits Are in Your Genes? Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Lerner. 2012. PLB $25.26; ebook $18.95.
K-Gr 2–This series is a serviceable introduction to genetics. Each book begins with a similar text, explaining what traits and genes are and how they are passed on by birth parents. The volumes then discuss specific traits as indicated by the various titles. Children are encouraged to examine their own bodies and those of friends and family to check for differences. Each page has only a few sentences, but a decent amount of information is nonetheless conveyed. The large color photographs are sharp, reinforce the concepts being explored, and are usually accompanied by clarifying captions. Every volume contains a “Track the Traits!” activity with clear directions.

CARR, Aaron. Solids. ISBN 978-1-61913-601-4; ISBN 978-1-61913-606-9. LC 2012942645.
RODRIGUEZ, Cindy. Gases. ISBN 978-1-61913-602-1; ISBN 978-1-61913-604-5. LC 2012942645.
–––– . Liquids. ISBN 978-1-61913-603-8; ISBN 978-1-61913-605-2. LC 2012942644.
ea vol: 24p. (What Is Matter? Series). photos. websites. Weigl. 2012. PLB $27.13; pap. $12.95.
K-Gr 3–These colorful titles provide basic information using simple sentences and clean layouts. While the facts about the three states of matter can be found in many other sources, the design of this series sets it apart. The background colors, which change for every spread, are vivid magenta, chartreuse, turquoise, etc. The items placed against those backgrounds have been carefully selected to contrast with that color. The photos, which are sometimes repeated across the books, are so sharp that at times the pictured items almost appear three-dimensional. All the titles end with questions that test readers’ knowledge. These volumes contain supplemental multimedia material that can be accessed through a website. Worthwhile additions to any collection.

HICKS, Kelli. I Can Prove It! Investigating Science. ISBN 978-1-61810-111-2; ISBN 978-1-61810-244-7. LC 2011943574.
–––– . Let’s Classify Organisms. ISBN 978-1-61810-098-6; ISBN 978-1-61810-231-7. LC 2012930299.
–––– . Using Tools to Understand Our World. ISBN 978-1-61810-097-9; ISBN 978-1-61810-230-0. LC 2012930298.
HUTMACHER, Kimberly M. The Night Sky. ISBN 978-1-61810-092-4; ISBN 978-1-61810-225-6. LC 2011943575.
–––– . Fossils and Rocks. ISBN 978-1-61810-103-7; ISBN 978-1-61810-236-2. LC 2011943573.
LUNDGREN, Julie K. Eating and the Digestive System. ISBN 978-1-61810-101-3; ISBN 978-1-61810-234-8. LC 2012930301.
–––– . How Do Humans Depend On Earth? map. ISBN 978-1-61810-105-1; ISBN 978-1-61810-238-6. LC 2012930303.
–––– . I Look Like My Mother. ISBN 978-1-61810-100-6; ISBN 978-1-61810-233-1. LC 2012930300.
–––– . Plants as Food, Fuel, and Medicine. map. ISBN 978-1-61810-102-0; ISBN 978-1-61810-235-5. LC 2012930302.
–––– . Reproduction in Plants. map. ISBN 978-1-61810-090-0; ISBN 978-1-61810-223-2. LC 2012930293.
–––– . Skeletons and Exoskeletons. ISBN 978-1-61810-088-7; ISBN 978-1-61810-221-8. LC 2012930291.
–––– . Why Plants Become Extinct. maps. ISBN 978-1-61810-089-4; ISBN 978-1-61810-222-5. LC 2012930292.
MAURER, Tracy Nelson. Changing Matter: Understanding Physical and Chemical Changes. ISBN 978-1-61810-107-5; ISBN 978-1-61810-240-9. LC 2012930305.
–––– . Mix It Up! Solution or Mixture? ISBN 978-1-61810-094-8; ISBN 978-1-61810-227-0. LC 2012930295.
–––– . The Scoop About Measuring Matter. ISBN 978-1-61810-093-1; ISBN 978-1-61810-226-3. LC 2012930294.
SILVERMAN, Buffy. The Amazing Facts About Sound. ISBN 978-1-61810-109-9; ISBN 978-1-61810-242-3. LC 2012930307.
–––– . Energy All Around. ISBN 978-1-61810-095-5; ISBN 978-1-61810-228-7. LC 2012930296.
–––– . Let’s Investigate Light. ISBN 978-1-61810-108-2; ISBN 978-1-61810-241-6. LC 2012930306.
–––– . Pull It, Push It. ISBN 978-1-61810-096-2; ISBN 978-1-61810-229-4. LC 2012930297.
ea vol: 24p. (My Science Library Series). diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. websites. Rourke. 2012. PLB $27.07; pap. $7.95.
Gr 3-6–Covering a broad spectrum of topics,these bright and well-designed volumes are impressive both in terms of content and presentation. All the titles are logically organized, and the writing style is relaxed and lively. Clear color photographs and well-labeled diagrams appear on every page and complement the texts nicely. Colorful boxes offering additional interesting facts (“Ancient scholars, called alchemists, believed they could change metals into gold or produce other amazing results.”) appear throughout the texts, and important words are highlighted in bold font and defined in the glossaries. All the books conclude with a “Show What You Know” quiz, which asks questions such as, “What characteristics are common for organisms in the Kingdom Plantae?” These titles will be useful for report writers and classroom instruction, but should attract their share of browsers as well.

PEPPAS, Lynn. How Do We Measure Matter? charts. ISBN 978-0-7787-0768-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-0775-2.
–––– . What Is a Gas? ISBN 978-0-7787-0769-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-0776-9.
–––– . What Is a Liquid? ISBN 978-0-7787-0770-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-0777-6.
–––– . What Is a Solid? ISBN 978-0-7787-0771-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-0778-3.
ea vol: 24p. (Matter Close-Up Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Crabtree. 2012. PLB $22.60; pap. $7.95.
K-Gr 3–Excellent introductions to the concept of matter. In each book, matter is clearly defined, as are the different forms it can take. Although the opening section is similar from book to book, different photographs and examples are provided, so the titles are not overly repetitive. Each one then moves on to describe the subject. Numerous “What do you think?” sidebars offer simple experiments that add interest and enhance understanding. For example, in Solid, readers are encouraged to dissolve sugar in milk. All photography is crisp and clear. These volumes will attract browsers and be invaluable for classroom teaching.

PETERS, Elisa. Earth. ISBN 978-1-4488-7387-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-7613-6. LC 2011048265.
–––– . The Moon. ISBN 978-1-4488-7386-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-7612-9. LC 2011044833.
–––– . Outer Space. ISBN 978-1-4488-7390-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-7616-7. LC 2011050054.
–––– . The Planets. diag. ISBN 978-1-4488-7389-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-7615-0. LC 2011048408.
–––– . Stars. ISBN 978-1-4488-7388-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-7614-3. LC 2011048267.
–––– . The Sun. ISBN 978-1-4488-7385-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-7611-2. LC 2011043723.
ea vol: 24p. (PowerKids Readers: The Universe Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.
K-Gr 2–These books contain 10 simple declarative sentences each (e.g., “The Sun is a Star.” and “Light travels very fast.”). Such brevity allows only minimal information to be conveyed and there are errors. For instance, Outer Space states that, “Meteoroids are bits of rock,” followed by, “They burn up when they get near Earth.” While some meteoroids are made of stone, some are made of iron and some of a combination of the two. Not all meteoroids burn up. Those that pass through the Earth’s atmosphere are termed meteorites. Sun begins, “Earth circles the Sun,” but Earth’s orbit around the Sun is elliptical, not circular. Many of the illustrations are also problematic. For example, in Earth, a sentence reads, “The Moon causes tides,” but the accompanying photograph shows the Moon shining down on giraffes with no water in sight. A hefty price tag for little substance.

Grades 5 & Up

ATKINSON, Stuart. Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors. ISBN 978-1-4109-4567-9; ISBN 978-1-4109-4576-1. LC 2011038925.
HUNTER, Nick. Earth. ISBN 978-1-4109-4568-6; ISBN 978-1-4109-4577-8. LC 2011038926.
–––– . The Sun. ISBN 978-1-4109-4574-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-4583-9. LC 2011039070.
OXLADE, Chris. Mars. ISBN 978-1-4109-4570-9; ISBN 978-1-4109-4579-2. LC 2011038995.
–––– . The Moon. ISBN 978-1-4109-4572-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-4581-5. LC 2011039066.
SOLWAY, Andrew. Jupiter and the Outer Planets. ISBN 978-1-4109-4569-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-4578-5. LC 2011038992.
THOMAS, Isabel. Mercury and Venus. ISBN 978-1-4109-4571-6; ISBN 978-1-4109-4580-8. LC 2011039057.
–––– . Stars and Galaxies. ISBN 978-1-4109-4573-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4582-2. LC 2011039069.
ea vol: 48p. (Astronaut Travel Guides Series). illus. map. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $32; pap. $8.99.
Gr 3-6–This series takes readers on an imaginary trip through the universe. Nicely paced conversational texts deliver full descriptions about “What’s Out There?” and instructions for how to prepare for the journey, including how to train and what to bring. The history of previous exploratory ventures is detailed, and information about what space scientists hope to discover in the future is covered. Sidebars providing interesting facts and profiles are sprinkled liberally throughout, and clear photographs and illustrations enhance every page. Interviews with a variety of astronauts, scientists, etc. are also included. Each book concludes with a map of the solar system, a “Fact File” page, a “Find Out More” section, and other back matter. These volumes truly capture the excitement and adventure of space travel and will attract both browsers and report writers.

BISKUP, Agnieszka. The Gripping Truth About Forces and Motion. ISBN 978-1-4296-8601-3; ISBN 978-1-4296-9298-4. LC 2011052723.
SWANSON, Jennifer. The Attractive Truth About Magnetism. ISBN 978-1-4296-8603-7; ISBN 978-1-4296-9296-0. LC 2012001750.
–––– . The Shocking Truth About Electricity. ISBN 978-1-4296-8602-0; ISBN 978-1-4296-9300-4. LC 2011051565.
WEAKLAND, Mark. The Solid Truth About Matter. ISBN 978-1-4296-8427-9; ISBN 978-1-4296-9302-8. LC 2011051566.
ea vol: illus. by Bernice Lum. 32p. (Fact Finders: LOL Physical Science Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Capstone. 2012. PLB $26.65; pap. $7.95.
Gr 5-8–This series operates on the premise that the way to get children interested in science is to pepper the text with feeble bathroom jokes and other lame attempts at humor. None of the titles is immune. It is difficult to determine what “Get your mind out of the toilet. This is isn’t about poop.” does to help explain Newton’s second law of motion, or why the section in Magnetism titled “Gotta Go” needs “You thought about pee, didn’t you?” as an aside. While some of the cartoon illustrations, photos, and diagrams do help clarify the texts, others are totally pointless. For example, a caption for a photo of a strange-looking machine raising a car in Forces reads: “We really have no idea what this picture is about. It’s just really cool, so we added it here.” All of the information presented is valid, but the approach is condescending.

GARDNER, Robert. Atoms and Molecules Experiments Using Ice, Salt, Marbles, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3961-2. LC 2011026508.
–––– . Electricity and Magnetism Experiments Using Batteries, Bulbs, Wires, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3960-5. LC 2011007628.
–––– . Energy Experiments Using Ice Cubes, Springs, Magnets, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3959-9. LC 2011007629.
–––– . Human Body Experiments Using Fingerprints, Hair, Muscles, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3958-2. LC 2011015585.
–––– . Simple Machine Experiments Using Seesaws, Wheels, Pulleys, and More. ISBN 978-0-7660-3957-5. LC 2011015586.
–––– . Solids, Liquids, and Gases Experiments Using Water, Air, Marbles, and More. charts. ISBN 978-0-7660-3962-9. LC 2011019957.
ea vol: 48p. (Last-Minute Science Projects Series). diags. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Enslow. 2012. PLB $23.93.
Gr 5-9–These books all begin with the same dilemma: a student has procrastinated. His or her science project is due tomorrow, but there’s a solution: projects that can be done in an hour or less. Unfortunately, many, if not most, of the items on the “What You Need” lists for several of the experiments are specialized. For example, in Atoms it is suggested that oleic acid be borrowed from a science lab; in Electricity, a microammeter is needed; Energy requires an immersion heater; etc. No sources for these items are given. There’s another big problem for quick experiments: Many of the formulas often require prior knowledge on the part of students. For example, the complicated equation to determine the kinetic energy of a basketball in Energy results in “joules or newton-meters”–neither of which is defined. Attractive volumes, but not very user-friendly.

MCAULIFFE, Bill. Galaxies. ISBN 978-1-60818-188-9. LC 2011040140.
WHITING, Jim. Black Holes. ISBN 978-1-60818-186-5. LC 2011040137.
–––– . Energy. ISBN 978-1-60818-187-2. LC 2011040138.
–––– . Gravity. ISBN 978-1-60818-189-6. LC 2011040142.
–––– . Light. ISBN 978-1-60818-190-2. LC 2011040143.
–––– . Mass & Matter. ISBN 978-1-60818-191-9. LC 2011040145.
–––– . Space & Time. ISBN 978-1-60818-192-6. LC 2011040146.
–––– . Stars. ISBN 978-1-60818-193-3. LC 2011040148.
ea vol: 48p. (Mysteries of the Universe Series). illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 5-9–This sophisticated series will appeal to report writers and serious astronomy students. Each book carefully examines the history behind attempts to unravel explanations for the subjects, going back to Anaxagoras’s work on energy in 450 B.C. all the way up to the contemporary findings of Stephen Hawking. The numerous theories put forth throughout the ages are meticulously detailed and put in context of how research was able to proceed despite political or religious pressures to suppress it. Sidebars bring in interesting tidbits, including information about how pop culture has used or misused science in fiction and film. The photographs, illustrations, and reproductions are impressive, but the texts are sometimes difficult to read because of the unusually small font, particularly when placed against a dark red background. As they bring together science, history, and philosophy, these volumes are exhaustive treatments of their subjects.

The standouts here include Heinemann’s “Astronaut Travel Guides,” Lerner’s “Searchlight Books: How Does Your Body Work,” and Rourke’s “My Science Library.” The first is clearly written, provides a great deal of information, and captures the excitement of a space adventure. The second is noteworthy for the clarity of its design and the stellar photography. The third covers a broad spectrum of topics and is a model of excellent nonfiction presentations. With its simple format, Crabtree’s “Matter Close-up” is also a solid choice if material is needed for younger scientists. Lerner’s “Lightning Bolt Books: What Traits Are in Your Genes?” is not badly written or illustrated, but in these days of shrinking budgets buying a single serviceable introduction to genetics might be more practical than purchasing an entire series. Creative Education’s “Mysteries of the Universe” does a fine job of covering its subject, but the writing style is not lively, and it’s not likely to be approached by children who are not already interested in the subject. Weigl’s “What Is Matter” is also worth consideration because of its unique interactive approach.