Muddy Max: The Mystery of Marsh Creek

Her mom takes the crayons away when Liza uses the wall as her canvas, but she discovers a world of color anyway.

Move over Tom Edison! This intriguing look at Tesla’s importance in early use of electricity is well documented and handsomely illustrated first look at an important scientist and inventor.

The perilous, adrenaline-fueled, life-saving work of an international volcano crisis team and the sleeping giants they study, from Colombia to the Philippines, from Chile to Indonesia.

The life of Wolfgang’s older sister, Maria Anna, follows the form of a piano sonata which combines with evocative illustration to portray the 18th century musicians and their music.

Young people see a need and work to better their world in this upbeat chronicle of youthful activists.

For his 8th birthday, young Mario Molina got a microscope, which launched a career in science. His interest in chemistry led to a doctorate and work on the atmosphere. In an epilogue by Mario, the Mexican-born chemist declares he has now taken on global warming. Additional back matter adds even greater interest in this accessible and appealing biography. The book is also available in Spanish: Mario y el agujero en el cielo: Cómo un químico salvó nuestro planeta (opens in a new window).

This book tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes — and heart — of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

Meet the Mikes, both of whom grew up to study oceans, energy, and more. The science comes into focus as readers explore with the actual scientists working in the field and share their discoveries. For those interested in land-based issues, Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It (opens in a new window) (Houghton) explores a voracious creature and its impact on the environment with an equally engaging personal perspective.

Why the once-planet Pluto was demoted to a lesser planetary status is explained in readable text and engaging illustrations.

Volcanoes erupt on land and in the sea and are found all around the world. Eruptions are both “creative and destructive” but all start with “gooey rock called magma.” Volcano facts are combined with specific locations and striking, textured collages for an absorbing introduction to a fascinating natural phenomenon.