Science subject matter this season ranges from ocean trenches to the far reaches of the universe and everywhere in between. Breathtaking images, curious facts, and humor will draw readers in and hold their attention. Question-and-answer format and text chunking are used in addition to more traditional expository text to suit a variety of reading styles. Hands-on lab and makerspace ideas challenge students to put their knowledge into practice. Whether young readers are interested in odd rock formations, fast cars, or careers in space exploration, they will find something that appeals to them.

Elementary

Becker, Trudy. Millipedes. ISBN 9798889984009.
––––. Termites. ISBN 9798889984016.
––––. Worms. ISBN 9798889984023.

Doty, Abby. Larvae. ISBN 9798889983996.
Rossiter, Brienna. Bacteria. ISBN 9798889983972.
––––. Fungi. ISBN 9798889983989.
ea vol: 32p. (Decomposers). North Star/Focus. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 3-5–Readers interested in the icky and sticky will love this exploration of decomposers at work. Written with straightforward text and frequent large photos, each title covers a particular type of decomposer and its place in the ecosystem. “That’s Amazing!” is a special feature in each book that explains how Mycorrhizal fungi help store carbon, or why scientists don’t know exactly how many types of bacteria there are. “Did You Know?” fact boxes offer fun tidbits such as: beetles are nearly 25 percent of Earth’s animal species. A glossary and quiz questions finish off each title, along with a list for suggested reading. Educator resources are available online, including downloadable activities, links, and lesson plans. VERDICT A useful addition to collections for life science lessons, as well as individual interests.

Jones, Christianne. Dinosaur Tall and Dinosaur Small. ISBN 9780756582470.
––––. One Astronaut Suit and Two Moon Rocks. ISBN 9780756582630.
ea vol: 32p. (Smithsonian Museum Fun!). Capstone/Pebble. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.32.
K-Gr 2–Capstone has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution to use museum images in an interactive reading experience for young students. One title focuses on finding opposites within dinosaur exhibits. An illustrated museum guide named Sammy comments on the dinosaurs, and readers must decide if she is correct in saying they are long or short, big or small. The other title has readers counting asteroids, Mars rocks, and other space-related items forward, backward, and in patterns. Each title has a bonus activity that sends readers back through the book looking for more objects. For students who have not had the chance to visit the Smithsonian in person, these photos are a good introduction to the sort of items curated by the staff. VERDICT An additional purchase to expand science titles for the youngest readers.

Murray, Julie. Fossils. ISBN 9781098287153.
––––. Gems. ISBN 9781098287160.
––––. Minerals. ISBN 9781098287177.
––––. Ores. ISBN 9781098287184.
––––. Rocks. ISBN 9781098287191.
––––. Soils. ISBN 9781098287207.
ea vol: 24p. (Geology Zone). ABDO/Dash! Jan. 2025. Tr $32.79.
Gr 1-4–These leveled science texts target transitional readers who are moving to independent exploration of topics. Large-scale photos draw student interest while the limited number of sentences per spread provide information without an overwhelming amount of text. The various titles explain geology basics like fossil formation, how gems are used, and the properties of minerals. A chart of birthstones and diagrams of the rock cycle and crystal structures are some of the supporting text features provided. Vocabulary terms in bold are defined in the glossary. A final bulleted list of “More Facts” closes out each book. There are also additional online resources available through ABDO Booklinks. VERDICT A solid purchase to support budding geology students.

Phillips-Bartlett, Rebecca. Earth Questions and Answers. ISBN 9798892327589.
––––. Food Questions and Answers. ISBN 9798892327558.
––––. Space Questions and Answers. ISBN 9798892327565.
––––. Technology Questions and Answers. ISBN 9798892327572.
ea vol: 24p. (Tell Me Why Set Two). Bearport. Jan. 2025. Tr $30.95.
Gr 3-5–Each book in this series groups questions around a common theme. Earthanswers why earthquakes happen or if the sea is really salty, while Foodexplains why some cheese stinks or why different foods are eaten around the world. Each explanation is accompanied by illustrations and/or photos. A range of skin tones, hair textures, and eye colors are included in the images of each book. The text may be read from beginning to end, or dipped into for answers to specifics questions that readers may have in mind. Terms in bold are defined in the glossary. Each title ends with the exhortation, “So, stay curious, and keep asking questions!” VERDICT A handy set for classroom use, especially for the student who always has another “Why?” question to ask.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Amstutz, Lisa. Making Waves! The Physics of Sound. ISBN 9780716671527.
Hulick, Kathryn. Magnetic Magic! The Physics of Magnetism. ISBN 9780716671510.
Kukla, Lauren. Charge Up! The Physics of Electricity. ISBN 9780716671466.
LaPierre, Yvette. Scorching Science! The Physics of Heat. ISBN 9780716671534.
Lim, Angela. Inside Everything! The Physics of Matter. ISBN 9780716671503.
––––. Shining Bright! The Physics of Light. ISBN 9780716671473.
MacCarald, Clara. Get Moving! The Physics of Motion. ISBN 9780716671480.
Perdew, Laura. Incredible Machines! The Physics of Simple Machines. ISBN 9780716671497.
Ringstad, Arnold. Blast Off! The Physics of Space. ISBN 9780716671459.
––––. In the Driver’s Seat! The Physics of Transportation. ISBN 9780716671541.
ea vol: 48p. (Aha! Academy: Physics). World Book. Mar. 2025. Tr $22.
Gr 6-8–These books on physics basics are laid out with each spread as its own sub-topic. The heading includes some general comments, with the rest of the material broken into easily readable chunks accompanied by captivating images. Sidebars address subjects such as technical innovations, career connections, and other curious tidbits. Some images contain humorous speech bubbles to emphasize a point, as when the moon says “Bye-bye, Earth!” on the page discussing how scientists measure the rate at which the moon is drifting away. A hands-on activity at the back of each book helps apply what has been learned. For example, the title on electricity provides instructions on how to build a simple circuit with LED lights. VERDICT A good purchase for those looking to update collections and add reader appeal to the physics section.

Eason, Sarah. Asteroids and Comets. ISBN 9781916949829.
––––. Beyond the Solar System. ISBN 9781917187022.
––––. Earth and the Moon. ISBN 9781916949904.
––––. The Inner Planets. ISBN 9781916949942.
––––. The Outer Planets. ISBN 9781916949980.
––––. The Sun. ISBN 9781916949867.
ea vol: 48p. (Mission: Space Science). Cheriton. Jan. 2025. Tr $33.32.
Gr 4-9–Information in these titles is laid out with an introductory paragraph followed by chunks of text under subheadings. Captivating full-color photos and their captions add to the appeal and the details about each topic. Sidebars offer further details about related space science (such as exploration missions) and space history (recorded sightings of comets from early astronomers, etc.). Each book includes several activities that allow readers to apply their STEAM skills. Such missions might ask readers to plan what types of stars they would have a space telescope study or to consider what sort of skills a space exploration team would need. A glossary and a list of books and websites for further reading are also included. VERDICT A visually attractive addition to collections updating their space titles.

Lombardo, Jennifer. The James Webb Space Telescope. ISBN 9781499449822.
––––. The Parker Solar Probe. ISBN 9781499449884.
––––. The Voyager Space Probes. ISBN 9781499449945.
Pierce, Simon. The Artemis Program. ISBN 9781499449792.
Reynolds, Donna. The Perseverance Mars Rover. ISBN 9781499449914.
Washburne, Sophie. The OSIRIS-REx Mission. ISBN 9781499449853.
ea vol: 32p. (Mission Control). Rosen/PowerKids. Jan. 2025. Tr $27.93.
Gr 4-6–Current and future plans for space exploration are discussed in this collection of titles. Detailed explanations of solar and space probes, Mars rovers, and the Artemis program are among the topics presented with plenty of illustrations, fact boxes, and sidebars. Photos of distant stars captured by the James Webb Space Telescope as well as artist’s concept drawings of future planetary habitats are just some of the images provided along with explanatory captions. Sidebars discuss mistaken ideas of early astronomers, the inspiration behind naming space missions, and other related subjects. A glossary and suggested books and websites for further information are provided. VERDICT A smart update to collections to highlight current and future programs.

Upper Middle School to High School

Beth, Georgia. The Extreme Universe. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968895.
––––. Wildfires. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968758.
Braun, Eric. Sonar and Submarine Technology. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968796.
Davies, Monika. How Earth Tells Us Its Age. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968925.
McCallum Staats, Ann. All About Hurricanes. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968956.
––––. All About Water. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968741.
––––. Energy Reactions in the Kitchen. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968772.
Perlman Greathouse, Lisa. Ocean Trenches and Deep-Sea Life. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968918.
Schwartz, Heather. High Speed Cars. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968789.
––––. Human Effects on Earth. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968963.
––––. Sounds of the Universe. Jan. 2025. ISBN 9798765968802.
Wallace, Elise. All About Clouds. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9798765968949.
ea vol: 32p. (Smithsonian: Informational Text). Teacher Created Materials. Tr $12.99.
Gr 6 Up–A broad range of topics are covered in this collection, everything from clouds to high-speed cars and sounds of the universe. Chapters and subheadings organize the text and “Fun Fact” text boxes offer additional details. Full-color photos and diagrams make the text more accessible and add even more information with captions and labels. Glossary terms appear in bold print. Each book includes career advice from Smithsonian associates, review/reflection questions, and a STEAM challenge to apply skills and critical thinking. For example, readers of All About Clouds are asked to design a model demonstrating how air masses flow in the atmosphere. VERDICT A practical addition to classroom collections in support of science units, or for makerspaces in search of modeling and design ideas.

Clark, John O. E. The Basics of Heat. ISBN 9781499477993.
––––. The Basics of Light. ISBN 9781499478020.
––––. The Basics of Mechanics. ISBN 9781499478082.
Cooper, Christopher. The Basics of Magnetism. ISBN 9781499478051.
––––. The Basics of Nuclear Physics. ISBN 9781499478143.
––––. The Basics of Sound. ISBN 9781499478112.
ea vol: 96p. (Core Concepts (Second Edition)). Rosen. Jan. 2025. Tr $39.77.
Gr 6 Up–Basic elements of physics are covered in this set of titles. Each book focuses on a particular study within the field. An explanation of the phenomenon, how it is studied and measured, and various examples are given. Colorful photos and diagrams illustrate the concepts. Captions and sidebars explain the images and provide more details. Some sidebars also offer sketches of acclaimed scientists in the various fields or the details of particular experiments. There are two timelines in the back of each book; one lists dates related to the scientific background of the topic and the other covers the political and social background. A list of websites and organizations to contact for further information, as well as recommended reading are included. VERDICT A helpful collection for research, classroom support, or individual interest.

Scientific American Editors. COVID’s Lasting Impacts. ISBN 9781538312841.
––––. The Evolution of Computers. ISBN 9781538312872.
––––. The Science of Death. ISBN 9781538312902.
––––. Science’s Greatest Mysteries. ISBN 9781538312933.
ea vol: 160p. (Scientific American Explores Big Ideas). Rosen/Scientific American. Jan. 2025. Tr $43.95.
Gr 9 Up–Each title in this series collects articles that relate to a common topic—COVID’s impacts, the evolution of computers, the science of death, or science’s greatest mysteries. Separate sections within the book group the articles by theme. For instance, articles on death might address the body, the mind, or even life after death. Articles run anywhere from two to sixteen pages in length and there are no illustrations. A glossary and list of sources for further information round out each collection. One of the strengths of this series is the variety of viewpoints presented; each article has author information listed so that readers can see the background and expertise of the writer(s) and their particular perspective on the issue. That feature would make the articles particularly useful for classroom debate and discussion. VERDICT A suitable collection for research and exploring different aspects of the various topics.

Durnford, Megan. Our Plastic Problem: A Call for Global Solutions. 48p. Bk. 33. Feb. 2025. ISBN 9781459836709.
Ridge, Yolanda. Microbes to the Rescue: Using Bacteria, Algae and Fungi to Clean Up the Planet. 56p. May 2025. ISBN 9781459839137.
ea vol: (Orca Footprints). Orca. Tr $21.95.
Gr 7 Up–Titles in this imprint are written for middle school readers with questions about the environment and other social concerns. This season’s books discuss the growing problem of plastic and how microbes can be used to clean up pollution. Concepts such as genetic engineering and green chemistry are explained in age-appropriate terms, supported by eye-catching images. The microbes title includes directions for growing mycelium or baking focaccia, while the plastics title has practical suggestions for reducing the amount of plastics used in readers’ schools and homes. Glossary terms appear in bold print. A list of print and online resources is provided. VERDICT Especially useful for individual research or class units on environmental impact.

Two series stand out by offering challenging activities and opportunities to learn. “Mission: Space Science” (Cheriton) poses critical thinking questions and asks for goals and objectives, funding ideas, and what team characteristics they feel are needed on each mission. “Smithsonian: Informational Text” (TCM) has readers create and model a variety of innovations including designing and testing structures to withstand tsunamis and earthquakes or designing a self-driving car. These sorts of challenges help students apply what they’ve read and make the books extremely useful for teachers running labs and makerspaces.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS