Are you looking for top-notch science books for middle-grade-aged children? Here are my picks for some of the best of 2012.
Sometimes a science book may have a lot of large color illustrations and look like a picture book. However, the text and reading level of these books are intended for children roughly 9-12 years old. (If you are looking for picture books for younger kids, try this previous post about science picture books.)
Note:Â “My review” links take you to full reviews of the books at Wrapped In Foil blog, many with suggestions for hands-on activities. “Related science activities” links take you to posts here at Growing With Science, often inspired by the book. Linked titles go to Amazon for further information.
2012 Science Books for Middle Grades:
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Awesome Snake Science!: 40 Activities for Learning About Snakes by Cindy Blobaum
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Albert Einstein and Relativity for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities and Thought Experiments (For Kids series) by Jerome Pohlen |
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A Black Hole Is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano and illustrated by Michael Carroll |
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Sneed B. Collard III’s Most Fun Book Ever About Lizards by, you guessed it, Sneed B. Collard III
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Citizen Scientists: Be a Part of Scientific Discovery from Your Own Backyard by Loree Griffin Burns and Ellen Harasimowicz (Photographer) |
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Giant Squid: Searching for a Sea Monster (Smithsonian) (Smithsonian) by Mary M Cerullo and Clyde F.E. Roper
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Moonbird: A Year on the Wind with the Great Survivor B95 by Philip Hoose
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The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field Series) by Elizabeth Rusch |
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The Plant Hunters: True Stories of Their Daring Adventures to the Far Corners of the Earth by Anita Silvey* |
* I do have a slight reservation about this book, due to a few errors (tigers are not found in South America, for example). Others, however, have been very positive about it.
Do you have any favorite science books for middle-grade-aged children that were published in 2012? We’d love to hear about them.
Thanks for the list – I love when I see my boys curled up on the couch reading. This will give me some ideas for Christmas gifts.
Ah yes, that sounds very nice. Thanks for stopping by.
I would add The Skull in the Rock By Aronson & Berger.
It came out in October but is a great science book for kids.
I just saw this mentioned yesterday. I will definitely look into it. Thank you for letting me know.