Book Finder

A bright, science-minded boy goes to the beach equipped to collect and examine flotsam — anything floating that has been washed ashore. Bottles, lost toys, small objects of every description are among his usual finds. But there’s no way he could have prepared for one particular discovery: a barnacle-encrusted underwater camera, with its own secrets to share … and to keep. (2007 Caldecott Medal Winner)

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.

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.

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

Max and his soil scientist parents live in a marsh where Max discovers mud’s special properties. He gains super powers to put things right — including a way to effectively deal with a bully.

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

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.

Benjamin Franklin was always curious and thinking outside of the box, even as a boy. Youthful swimming (during a time when swimming was considered unhealthy) led Ben to invent paddles to be more fish-like. One episode from the life of a “smart, stubborn, sensible son of a soap-maker” is presented in humorous, detailed illustrations and lively language.

How many types of green exist? There’s “anaconda green, electric-eel green, green-iguana-in-the-sun green” and more as presented in the fresh language and imaginative illustrations that show a seemingly simple color in a rich new way.

Stink would have preferred a trip to James Madison’s home but is happy when his parents win a sleepover at the aquarium. At the aquarium, Stink likes learning about sharks and other creatures but he still finds it kind of creepy. Share the evening with Stink and his family, learning and laughing.

Can science find a peaceful resolution to the discord between Scientist’s friends, Viking and Pirate? Using the scientific method, Scientist demonstrates that it can be achieved! Comic illustrations and jaunty text not only show how the intersection of interests can lead to an unlikely friendship, but also introduce some science concepts.

Spectacular photographs (primarily from NASA) and a readable, up-to-date text present current information about our solar system. Moreover, the author’s interest in science and this topic are effectively shared and may inspire readers.

Jack and Annie share what they’ve learned about survival throughout their time travel adventures. They provide tips when lost in the wilderness, how to make it through a natural disaster and more. Practical advice even for unlikely events (such as surviving on spiders) adds another entertaining though factual “what-if” element.

Will Freddie Ramos’ super-power shoes work in the snowstorm? Not to worry! Inventor/maintenance man Mr. Vaslov has invented superpower snowshoes — just in time to help Freddie fight crime. The latest in the series is equally charming and highly readable.

The Beaver Brothers in all their silliness are back for another madcap adventure. This time, Ace and Bub decide to hit the ski slopes on their winter vacation. As with others in the series, nothing goes quite as planned. Fans of the zany comic book beavers will again find lots of chuckles here.

Really peculiar critters (in which the author includes himself) make for an engaging and informative book. Each double page spread introduces unique but real animals and insects from around the globe. Included with the informal text are scientific names, distribution and detailed drawings of each creature.

The first in the Accelerati Trilogy, 14-year old Nick, his younger brother and his father have moved from Tampa (FL) to a ramshackle Victorian house in Colorado Springs. Peculiar things happen when items from the attic are sold. Could they really be inventions from inventor Nicola Tesla? Intrigue with plenty of humor and likeable characters in a fast-pace will leave readers awaiting the next book.

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.

Middle school is tough enough but what happens when your grandfather — a scientist who has uncovered some really interesting jellyfish properties — attends with you as a 13-year old? It’s a totally new experience! Told with verve and humor (and a touch of science), this is a coming-of-age tale for 11-year old Ellie and Melvin, her teenaged granddad.

Some fly, others only walk but regardless of where they live or what they eat, the parrots presented are fascinating. They are pictured in handsome, realistic illustrations and a brief text. Further information about each parrot appears at the end, along with a glossary and additional resources, making this a book that can be enjoyed by many.

Everything one needs to know about triangles and angles is presented in a brief but informative and upbeat manner, all colorfully illustrated. A few triangle experiments are clearly delineated and illustrated and sure to engage and may lead to other activities.

Walter, Wendell, Woody, and Wilmer Wing Wing, feathered siblings, share comic adventures beginning with their first amazing feat, “Describing Relative Positions” (in front, behind, etc.). They continue by composing simple shapes, and conclude by partitioning a rectangle into equal parts. While wacky, the Wing Wings’s exploits enliven basic math concepts and vocabulary.

When ten mice start their day, they engage in routine activities — always equaling 10. Lively verbiage and numerical equations combine with animated illustrations to present the rodents’ antics (e.g., “10 mice wake.9 mice tidy. 1 mouse somersaults. 9+1=10”).

Playful situations from familiar situations and activities make math come alive. Questions for “wee ones”, “little” and “big kids” as well as bonuses make this humorously illustrated bedtime book fun at any time of the day. It’s a follow-up to Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late (opens in a new window).