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WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 50-year history of identifying the very best in science books for children. In [...]

We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 49-year history of identifying the very best in science books for children. In [...]

Ben Jeapes. Illustrated by Nick Ward. ABRAMS / Abrams Books for Young Readers. 154pp. Trade ISBN 9781419740756, $9.99. (3-5, 6-8) How did the first computer come to be? It started [...]

We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 48-year history of identifying the very best in science books for children. In [...]

We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 47-year history of identifying the very best in science books for children. In [...]

Science teachers and mentors continue to be challenged to meet the high expectations of A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Indeed the Framework urges us to help learners "[build] progressively more sophisticated explanations of natural phenomena ..." while the NGSS provide a model for "gathering, describing, and using information about the natural and designed world(s)." In the development of curricula that meet these challenges, literature is an essential partner. "The NGSS are aligned with the CCSS [Common Core State Standards] to ensure a symbiotic pace of learning in all content areas." Also noteworthy: The International Literacy Association supports our goal of increasing literacy for all learners. We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which greatly adds to our 43-year history. In these award-winning books, you'll find not only traditional science content but also engineering and design. We hope you'll enjoy enhancing your spirit of inquiry as you explore science through trade books. Earth and Space Science About Habitats: Forests. Cathryn Sill. Illustrated by John Sill. Peachtree Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-734-2, $16.95. (K-2) Full-page plates vividly depict concise text about types of forests, associated climates, and inhabitants. Additional information about each plate is presented in the extensive Afterword. Glossary, Bibliography. (KTR) Ocean: The Definitive Visual Guide. DK Publishing. 512pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-46541-968-2, $50. (6-12) The ocean is the biggest part of the planet, and we haven't seen all of it. This book has everything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about the ocean and its inhabitants. If you buy one ocean book, this should be it. Glossary, Index, Acknowledgments. (SLS) The Planets: The Definitive Visual Guide to Our Solar System. DK Publishing. 256pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-46542-464-8, $30. (6-8) Offering visually stunning and information-rich visuals and graphics, this "visual guide to the solar system" is an excellent resource. Glossary, Index. (BGH) Secrets of the Sky Caves: Danger and Discovery on Nepal's Mustang Cliffs. Sandra K. Athans. Millbrook Press, Lerner Publishing Group. 64pp. Library ISBN 978-1-4677-0016-0, $33.27. (6-8) Would you explore "sky caves" built into high, steep, dangerous cliffs in Nepal? What treasures were found in this incredible abandoned area? Join mountaineers, scientists, and two children as they uncover the fascinating secrets inside these caves. Timeline, Glossary, Bibliography, Index. (JMP) History and Nature of Science * Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It. Loree Griffin Burns. Illustrated by Ellen Harasimowicz. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54779-267-5, $18.99. (6-8) The captivating narrative and extensive photographs provide a firsthand account of how citizen scientists and forestry experts worked together to eradicate the invasive Asian longhorned beetle from trees in a New England town. Author's Note, Glossary, Additional Resources, Index. (KTR) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * The Griffin and the Dinosaur: How Adrienne Mayor Discovered a Fascinating Link Between Myth and Science. Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor. Illustrated by Chris Muller. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-42631-108-6, $18.99. (6-8) Did the mythological creature, the griffin, really exist? This book recounts Adrienne Mayor's efforts to answer this question and discover what the griffin may have actually been. The book can be used to introduce perspective and interpretation in science. Map that illustrates places referenced in book, Suggestions for Further Reading, Glossary, Index. (SAK) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Life Science About Parrots: A Guide for Children. Cathryn Sill. Illustrated by John Sill. Peachtree Publishers. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-795-3, $16.95. (K-2) Simple, informative text accompanies beautiful, illustrative plates of these colorful, distinctive birds in their habitats. Traits and characteristics are further described in an expansive Afterword. Glossary, Suggestions for Further Reading, Resources. (LSG) Amazing Giant Sea Creatures. DK Publishing. 16pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-46541901-9, $19.99. (K-5) Dive into the deep blue sea and discover many of the creatures that live there. See amazing animals (on foldout pages) and learn where in the world they live (with illustrated maps). (JMP) Animalium. Jenny Broom. Illustrated by Katie Scott. Big Picture Press, Candlewick Press. 112pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-76367-5080, $35. (3-8) Full-page plates of technical drawings support the descriptive text about selected invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals in a museum-like format with oversized pages. Index, Additional Resources. (KTR) Animals That Make Me Say Ouch!: Fierce Fangs, Stinging Spines, Scary Stares, and More. Dawn Cusick. Imagine Publishing, Charlesbridge. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-62354-042-5, $14.95. (K-5). This National Wildlife Federation book highlights the fascinating behaviors and adaptations of over 150 animals. Watch out! These animals may make you say OUCH! Bibliography, Glossary, Index. (DMH) Animals That Make Me Say WOW!: Secret Hideaways, Infrasonic Hearing, Bubble Gills, and More. Dawn Cusick. Imagine Publishing, Charlesbridge. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-62354-041-8, $14.95. (K-5) Beautiful photographs and incredible facts will take the reader on a journey through air, land, and water, learning about the lives of over 150 amazing creatures. Discover up-close and personal secrets of how these animals would make you say "wow!" Glossary, Index. (JMP) * At Home in Her Tomb: Lady Dai and the Ancient Chinese Treasures of Mawangdui. Christine Liu-Perkins. Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Charlesbridge. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-370-1, $19.95. (6-12) Journey through this incredible story of Lady Dai of Mawangdui, whose well-preserved body even revealed the remains of her last meal 2,000 years after her death. Enter this time capsule in a tombstone, where you will learn the secrets of daily life in ancient China. Author's Note, Glossary, Index, Bibliography, Timeline. (JMP) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A Baby Elephant in the Wild. Caitlin O'Connell. Photographs by Timothy Rodwell. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-544-14944-1, $16.99. (K-2). Follow the life of a baby elephant in Namibia through beautiful photographs. Learn about her amazing family and how they care for her and protect her from dangers from the moment of her birth. Includes "Did you know?" facts at the end of the book. (CLN) Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle. Cheryl Bardoe. Illustrated by Alan Marks. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-554-5, $16.95. (3-5) Ancient Egyptians aren't the only ones who will find the dung beetle impressive! This amazing account of the life cycle and important role this little creature performs is not nearly as disgusting as people might think. Author's Note, Glossary, Bibliography. (CAC) Beneath the Sun. Melissa Stewart. Illustrated by Constance R. Bergum. Peachtree. 34pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-733-5, $16.95. (K-2) This beautifully written and illustrated book describes how many different animals survive the heat in a variety of habitats. Stunning watercolors accompany rich text as readers learn how animals adapt to life beneath the sun. (CLN) Bone Collection: Skulls. Camilla de la Bedoyere and Rob Colson. Illustrated by Sandra Doyle. Scholastic. 96pp. ISBN 978-0-54572-457-9, $14.99. (3-5) This collection of skulls highlights a wide range of animals. Be a skull detective and discover what these skulls show about the adaptations needed to survive. Intro, Glossary, Index. (DMH) Dinosaur!: Dinosaurs and Other Amazing Prehistoric Creatures as You've Never Seen Them Before. DK Publishing. 208pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-46542-047-3, $24.99. (6-8) Not just another dinosaur book, this encyclopedia documents evolving life forms from the Triassic to the Cenozoic eras and includes anatomical adaptations, size comparisons, fossil evidence, paleontologists, connections to modern-day animals, and a chapter on fossilization and dinosaur biology. Glossary, Index. (LSG) Every Turtle Counts. Sara Hoagland Hunter. Illustrated by Susan Spellman. Peter E. Randall Publisher. 36pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-93180-725-8, $16.95. (K-5) This heartwarming story is based on the true-life plight of Kemp's ridley sea turtles and their struggle to survive. Many of these turtles are born on one particular beach in Mexico. What happens when an autistic girl finds one of these rare turtles? Author's Note. (DMH) * Feathers: Not Just for Flying. Melissa Stewart. Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-430-2, $17.95. (3-5) The many different, and sometimes surprising, functions of feathers in various bird species are described and well illustrated. The material is made relatable with comparisons to familiar life experiences or objects. Feather Classification, Author's Note. (LSG) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Get the Scoop on Animal Puke!: From Zombie Ants to Vampire Bats, 251 Cool Facts About Vomit, Regurgitation, and More! Dawn Cusick. Imagine Publishing, Charlesbridge. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-62354-045-6, $14.95. (3-5) Learn how biologists use this gross and disgusting mess to study animal anatomy. This book is full of facts that help us understand how animals use vomit for many different purposes--and discover differences in their digestive systems. (CLN) * Handle With Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey. Loree Griffin Burns. Illustrated by Ellen Harasimowicz (photographer). Millbrook Press, Lerner Publishing Group. 32pp. Library ISBN 978-0-7613-9342-9, $26.60. (3-8) Follow the remarkable journey that butterflies take, from a farm in Costa Rica to museums and science centers. Farmers assure that all are "handled with care," from egg to pupa to the final destination; beautifully photographed. Author's Note, Glossary, Bibliography, Websites, Index. (CAC) Neighborhood Sharks: Hunting With the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands. Katherine Roy. David Macaulay Studio, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-874-3, $17.99. (3-8) One of the feeding stops on the white shark migratory path is the Farallon Islands near San Francisco, California. Great descriptions of shark mechanics and behaviors and habits make this book an interesting read. (CAC) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Next Time You See a Maple Seed. Emily Morgan. Photographs by Steven David Johnson, Tom Uhlman, and Todd Amacker. NSTA Kids, NSTA Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-938946-35-6, $12.95 Library ISBN 978-1-941316-15-3, $18.95. (K-5) Delightful up-close and personal look at the twirling samaras of the maple tree is this installment of the "Next Time You See" series. Photos show in great detail the life cycle of this tiny "copter." Photo Descriptions, Author's Note, Websites. (CAC) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard. Mary Kay Carson. Illustrated by Tom Uhlman. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-054779-268-2, $18.99. (3-8) National Parks are protected wonderlands, preserved for people to enjoy the many treasured natural resources. Team up with a park scientist and become a citizen scientist, learning how to study various plants and animals and make a positive difference on our beautiful earth. Glossary, Bibliography, Index. (JMP) Polar Bears and Penguins: A Compare and Contrast Book. Katharine Hall. Arbordale Publishing. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-62855-209-6, $17.95. Paperback ISBN 978-1-62855-218-8, $9.95. (K-2) This book explores the top and bottom of the world. Learning about two animals that live in cold habitats while reading a book in a warm place sounds great, doesn't it? This book is all about the polar regions, polar bears, and penguins. Extra resources for teachers and students. (SLS) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Super Human Encyclopedia. DK Publishing. 208pp. Trade ISBN 978-146542-445-7, $24.99. (3-8) This book immerses readers in the incredible processes of our super human body. Readers will enjoy fascinating text with dazzling photography as well as engaging charts, diagrams, and fast facts. Glossary, Index. (DMH) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes. Nicola Davies. Illustrated by Emily Sutton. Candlewick Press. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-76367-315-4, $15.99. (3-8) At last, a book that explains the world of microbes in a way that elementary students can understand. Size, proportion, variations, and descriptions of microbes that are good for us and those that aren't. (CAC) Tooling Around: Crafty Creatures and the Tools They Use. Ellen Jackson. Illustrated by Renne Benoit. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-564-4, $17.95. Paperback ISBN 978-1-58089-565-1, $7.95. (K-2) This book, written partly in rhyme and accompanied by explanation, describes how animals use tools to achieve objectives. Meet crafty creatures and the unusual tools they use. Author's Note, Helpful Resources. (CLN) Ultimate Bodypedia: An Amazing Inside-Out Tour of the Human Body. Christina Wilsdon, Patricia Daniels, and Jen Agresta. National Geographic Kids. 272pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-42631-721-7, $24.99. (K-5) An amazing tour of the human body, inside and out! It's the "ultimate body-pedia"! The text is cool, clever, and creative, making it very engaging for students from fourth grade through high school. This National Geographic Kids book includes many "Did you knows?" and other amazing facts. The final section includes a body atlas that summarizes each fascinating body system. Glossary, Websites and Other Resources, Index. (DMH) Wild About Bears. Jeannie Brett. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-418-0, $17.95. Paperback ISBN 978-1-58089-419-7, $7.95. (3-5) Traits, adaptations, behaviors, and habitats of the eight bear species living on Earth today are described and compared in this beautifully illustrated book that reveals the uniqueness of each bear species. Habitat Glossary, World Map of Bear Locations, Resources (books and websites). (LSG) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Science as Inquiry The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Oceans. Elizabeth Rusch. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54409-999-9, $18.99. (6-8) How can ocean waves be used in the quest to generate more energy from renewable sources? Different ideas on how the energy in ocean waves can be transferred to electrical energy are discussed in this book, including challenges faced in each design. Glossary, Bibliography, Websites, Index. (SAK) Science in Personal and Social Perspectives Abayomi, the Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub. Darcy Pattison. Illustrated by Kitty Harvill. Mims House. 30pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-62944-000-2, $17.95. Paperback ISBN 978-1-62944-001-9, $11.99. (K-2) A heartwarming story of a puma cub that is abandoned when its mother is killed trying to steal chickens from a farmer. This book includes facts about the cub and the organization that helped it. (CLN) Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa's Fastest Cats. Sy Montgomery. Photos by Nic Bishop. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 80pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54781-549-7, $18.99. (3-8) Striking photographs of cheetahs and the helping hands of the Cheetah Conservation Fund highlight the plight of cheetahs in Namibia. This is what you would expect from the "Scientists in the Field" books. Bibliography, Index. (SLS) Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines. Paul Fleischman. Candlewick Press. 208pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-76367-102-0, $17.99. Paperback ISBN 978-0-76367-545-5, $9.99. (9-12) The author pulls no punches in his analysis of current environmental issues viewed through the lens of politics, economics, and psychology along with science. The author's passions will pull the reader in and offer much food for thought and discussion. Source Notes, Bibliography, Suggested Resources, Glossary, Index. (BGH) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla. Katherine Applegate. Illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54425-230-1, $17.99. (K-5) An emotional-rollercoaster, real-life story about a male gorilla named Ivan. The story is about how Ivan got to the United States, lived among people, and finally got a real home. Internet Resources. (SLS) Sally Ride: Life on a Mission (A Real-Life Story). Sue Macy. Aladdin, Simon & Schuster. 160pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-44248-854-0, $17.99. (5-8) The inspirational biography of this multi-talented astronaut, scientist, varsity tennis champ, author, and advocate for women in math, science, and technology includes the development of NASA's fledgling space program and its successes, failures, and challenges. Author's Note, Timeline, Further Reading and Viewing, Sources, Source Notes, Index. (LSG) Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and Their Noses) Save the World. Nancy F. Castaldo. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 160pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54408-893-1, $16.99. (3-8) A look at how dogs, many of which are rescued animals, are helping save lives and advance scientific research by using their sense of smell. Bibliography, Suggested Reading, Websites, Ways to Get Involved, Glossary, Index. (SAK) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos. Stephanie Roth Sisson. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-960-3, $17.99. (K-2) Focusing primarily on Carl Sagan's youth, this book offers a glimpse into how a sense of wonder developed Dr. Sagan's passion for science. Note: The story is written from young Carl Sagan's understanding of the solar system; therefore, Pluto is referred to as a planet and not a dwarf planet. Author's Note, Notes, Bibliography and Sources, Source Notes. (BGH) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Bloomsbury Children's Books. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-80273-618-5, $17.99. (5-8) If you love dogs, this book is for you. This book is all about how dogs on the job help humans. The dog nose is amazing, and this book proves that dogs are man's best friend. Author's Note, Index, Book and Internet Resources. (SLS) Science and Technology Batman Science: The Real-World Science Behind Batman's Gear. Tammy Enz, Agnieszka Biskup. Capstone Young Readers. 144pp. Paperback ISBN 978-1-62370-064-5, $9.95. (6-8) An exploration of the science behind the Caped Crusader's gadgets and tools that offers a hook for students who may not be engaged in the sciences. Index. (BGH) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Drones: From Insect Spy Drones to Bomber Drones. Scholastic. 96pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54566-476-9, $8.99. (3-8) Forty military and civilian drones are profiled in visual and text-based formats that highlight the relative sizes and unique facts about each machine. Index. (KTR) Extreme Laboratories. Ann O. Squire. Scholastic Library Publishing. 48pp. Library ISBN 978-0-531-20741-3, $29. Paperback ISBN 978-0-531-21552-4, $6.95. (3-5) Ending misconceptions that labs are rooms filled with glassware and people in lab coats, this book gives readers a tour of laboratories that soar and swim, high on mountains and deep in the Earth, and places in between. Resources, Glossary, Index. (BGH) Unifying Concepts and Processes Eye to Eye: How Animals See the World. Steven Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-54795-907-8, $17.99. (3-5) Structure and function are the basis of this title. The ways that eyes of various organisms are used and their adaptations are examined in a way that will interest students. Colorful illustrations of each organism are included with each description. Evolution of the Eye, Animal Facts, Bibliography, Glossary. (SAK) * Full Speed Ahead! How Fast Things Go. Cruschiform. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-1338-5, $18.95. (3-5) A visually powerful book that simply shows how fast things go. Each time you turn the page, you are presented with a group of objects that move at the same speed and on the opposite page how fast they go. Simple in design but powerful in effect. Designed for the lower grades, this book would be appropriate in any physical science classroom. (BGH) About the Reviews (SAMPLE) (1) * The Opryland. The Nashville (2) Brothers. Illustrated (3) with photographs. Tennessee Press. 168pp. Trade ISBN 0-592-67321-1, $18.95; Library ISBN 0-592-64213-X, $18.99. Paper (4) ed. (F). (5- (5) 12) Members of the Opryland crew take readers on a tour of a tropical indoor environment. Author's Note. (A (6) BC) In addition to standard publishing information, the reviews indicate the following: (1.) Titles marked with * are Selectors' Choices--books that individual panel members responded to with particular enthusiasm. (2.) International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN) are included for all available editions (trade, library, and paperback). (3.) The prices are current as of January 2015. (4.) The notation Paper ed. (F) indicates that a paperback edition is forthcoming and whether the publisher is different from the hardcover edition. (5.) Reading levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) are provided by the reviewers. They are intended as guidelines and are not meant to limit the potential use of titles. (6.) The reviewer's initials follow each description (see Members of the Book Selection Panel listed on page 53). About CBC and NSTA The Children's Book Council (CBC) is the nonprofit trade association for children's book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting and informing the industry and fostering literacy. The CBC offers children's publishers the opportunity to work together on issues of importance to the industry at large, including educational programming, literacy advocacy, and collaborations with other national organizations. The anchor sponsor of Children's Book Week, the CBC is proud to partner with other national organizations on co-sponsored reading lists, educational programming, and literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.cbcbooks.org. The books that appear in this list were chosen by a review panel made up of educators and other subject-area experts, all appointed by the National Science Teachers Association. NSTA and CBC have joined forces on developing this annual list since 1973, and over the years it has become the go-to resource for school librarians, science teachers, and parents eager to cultivate a love of science in young readers. Initially, the list was primarily targeted at grades K through 8. Beginning in 2002, it expanded to include high school. Through the years, this effort has had but a single mission--to highlight the very best in science trade books for young audiences. Members of the Book Selection Panel Connie Crittenden (CAC) Multiage 4th/5th Looping Teacher Explorer Elementary Williamston, MI Linda Schoen Giddings (LSG) Retired Science Consultant South Carolina Department of Education Columbia, SC Brian G. Hamilton (BGH) Science Department Chair Centennial High School Columbus, OH DeLene Hoffner (DMH) 4th-Grade Teacher School in the Woods, Academy District 20 Colorado Springs, CO Scott A. Kratzer (SAK) 5th-Grade Teacher Garrett Elementary, Hazelwood School District Hazelwood, MO Cathy Newton (CLN) Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Hartford School District White River Junction, VT Jean Pelezo (JMP) Science Lab Teacher Morganton Road Elementary Fayetteville, NC Kristin T. Rearden (KTR) Clinical Associate Professor University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN Stephanie Selznick (SLS) Science Specialist Curley K-8 School Jamaica Plain, MA Visit CBC's and NSTA's websites at www.cbcbooks.org and www.nsta.org. Expanded reviews of these award-winning books are available at www.nsta.org/recommends. About the Books and the Selection Process The books that appear in this annotated bibliography selected as Outstanding Science Trade Books were published in 2014. They are intended primarily for grades K-12. They were selected by members of a book review panel appointed by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and assembled in cooperation with the Children's Book Council (CBC). NSTA and CBC have cooperated on this bibliographic project since 1973. The panel looks at both content and presentation. Selection is based generally on the following criteria: * The book has substantial science content. * Information is clear, accurate, and up-to-date. * Theories and facts are clearly distinguished. * Facts are not oversimplified to the point that the information is misleading. * Generalizations are supported by facts, and significant facts are not omitted. * Books are free of gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic bias. The panel also uses rigorous selection guidelines relating to the presentation of material, including the following: logical presentation and a clear sequence of ideas; appropriate content level for the intended audience; compatible text and illustrations; illustrations that are accurate representations in size, color, and scale; appropriate trim size and format of the book for the subject and audience; and well-organized layout that advances the text. The panel also gives attention to the quality of binding, paper, reproduction, and the appropriateness of typeface. Each panel member reads all the books, but reviews reflect only the appraisal of the individual panelist whose initials appear at the end of each entry. Publishers' names appear in abbreviated form; complete names and addresses are available from the CBC and in standard reference works such as Children's Books in Print. CBC's Member List is available at www. cbcbooks.org/about/members.html. Titles are arranged by subject category. Although some titles are appropriate for more than one category, the books have been placed where their usefulness in science education appears greatest. Call for Submissions for 2016 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 Deadline for submissions: July 1, 2015 Eligibility * Titles should be for grades K-12. * All titles must originate from a children's publishing company or division and must be published (not simply distributed) by a publisher incorporated in the United States. * Titles must be published in 2015. * Titles originally published abroad are eligible only if they have a 2015 U.S. publication date; reprints or licensed editions of titles initially published in the United States before 2015 are not eligible. * Original paperbacks are eligible; paperback reprints are not. If a book is published simultaneously in hardcover and paperback, either edition may be submitted. If both editions are submitted, they constitute separate entries. * Revisions are eligible only if the book has been newly illustrated or if substantial text, constituting at least 25% of the book, has been changed or added. * Math books are not eligible unless the mathematical principles are applied to scientific functions such as measuring for experiments, using statistical models for scientific research, and so on. * Textbooks, workbooks, kits, experiment-only books, and activity books are not eligible. * Spanish-language editions of titles published in English before 2015 are not eligible. Spanish-language editions published simultaneously with English-language editions in 2015 are welcome. * Fiction is eligible if the book has substantial science content. Number of titles you may submit Each participating publisher may submit an unlimited number of titles. Submission guidelines Books should have value for both classroom studies and library collections supporting students' work. Full submission guidelines will be available throughout June 2015 at www.cbc books.org/outstanding-science. Fees There is no submission fee for CBC Regular and Affiliate Members. The fee is $75 per title for Associate and Initiating Members and $300 per title for nonmembers. All fees are non-refundable. Titles may not be substituted. There is no refund if a title is canceled or postponed.

BOOKS PUBLISHED in 2017 We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 45-year history of identifying the very best in science [...]

BOOKS PUBLISHED in 2016 We invite you to explore this year's list of Outstanding Science Trade Books, which builds upon our 44-year history of identifying the very best in science [...]

Science teachers and mentors continue to be challenged to meet the high expectations of A Framework for K--12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. Indeed the Framework urges [...]

This year, science teachers and mentors have been challenged to meet the high expectations of A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. The Framework urges [...]

This year, science teachers and mentors have been challenged to meet the high expectations of A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards. The Framework urges [...]

Our vision of what we call science has broadened. The practices we use to explore the natural world and to create new products now include mathematics and engineering. We also [...]

Our vision of what we call science has broadened. The practices we use to explore the natural world and to create new products now include mathematics and engineering. We also [...]

From east to west, from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the universe, good science trade books take us on journeys of the imagination. For the [...]

From east to west, from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of the universe, good science trade books take us on journeys of the imagination. For the [...]

Science is passion, science is wonder. The best books about science stir the minds and hearts of readers in very special ways; and when they do, the impressions they make [...]

Apples and oranges ... and lychees and loquats--how can one compare? That's the challenge when a team of NSTA's best science educators attempt to select the best of each year's [...]