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What makes an outstanding book for a young reader? Although it would be hard to create a rubric for every book, experienced teachers recognize them quickly. They fascinate and captivate with both their content and style. Award-winning trade books inspire young readers to want more... more information, more books, more inquiry, more science. The Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 lists the best science trade books published in 2009.

There's no better way to celebrate 2009, the International Year of Astronomy, than by curling up with a good book under summer skies. To every civilization, in every age, the skies inspired imagination and scientific inquiry. There's no better place to start your summer reading than under their influence. Here are a few selections identified by NSTA Recommends' network of reviewers to help get you started.

If there is a discrepancy between the scope of your imagination and the depth of your bank account, this may be the ideal summer to stretch your horizons by diving into a good book. You can take a virtual vacation to almost any place or time by reading. You will not need to fill your gas tank or empty your pocketbook. Reading has a small carbon footprint and a big capacity for expanding your world. This article presents the NSTA Recommends "science stimulus plan." To help teachers explore on a budget this summer, we have tapped into our reviewers, who suggest investments in some outstanding choices for your downtime that are guaranteed to make your learning stock rise. (Contains 1 online resource.)

Ready to kick off your shoes and make tracks toward vacation? Whether you run to the nearest beach, or just prop your feet up and relax, there's no better path to renewal than one that runs through the pages of a good book. Again this year, the team at NSTA Recommends has volunteered to be your guide; reviewers have convened a virtual meeting in order to come up with some good ideas for your summer reading pleasures. Step right up and take your pick!

Today's classrooms have no real walls! Students explore the world on field trips, during virtual journeys on the world wide web, and through the books they read. These pathways help them fly to the ends of the universe to satisfy their scientific curiosity. Again this year, the professionals of the NSTA/CBC Review Panel for Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 have been pleased to serve as travel guides, identifying the best in trade books for student explorations. Not only are these books accurate, up-to-date, and attractive, but they also represent a new, creative path to inquiry. The journey begins here--come along!

Each of these outstanding selections defies the traditional image of a child "curling up with a good book." Yes, they can be a source of great personal reading, encouraging students of all ages to stretch their skills and their imagination as they interact with the printed page. But these journeys of the scientific imagination seldom end with the final chapter. They have the capacity to draw the reader out from that cozy seat and into the natural world--to observe, investigate, and continue the process of discovery that has characterized scientists from Aristotle to Hawking. The adventures begin here.

Each of these outstanding selections defies the traditional image of a child "curling up with a good book." Yes, they can be a source of great personal reading, encouraging students of all ages to stretch their skills and their imagination as they interact with the printed page. But these journeys of the scientific imagination seldom end with the final chapter. They have the capacity to draw the reader out from that cozy seat and into the natural world--to observe, investigate, and continue the process of discovery that has characterized scientists from Aristotle to Hawking. The adventures begin here.

School is out and the summer is full of both official and unofficial holidays that prompt us to enjoy science and the profession of sharing it. As in past years, the reviewers and editors of "NSTA Recommends"--ready and willing to share their enthusiasm for reading with you--have been gathering suggestions for the summer. So along with your beach chairs, flags, and fireworks schedules; collect some reading material for a summer of personal enrichment.

With each passing year, the public expects more of schools and teachers. Curricula become more complex, student populations become more diverse, responsibilities are added, and, except for resources, very little is taken away. Fundamentally, teachers are held responsible for everyone and everything that goes on in their classrooms, an awesome responsibility--and a world of opportunity. As classroom teachers and science teachers, they need to consider safety as broadly as possible. Investigative science activities usually generate more excitement and more physical movement than most other activities, so it's best to avoid adding adult or student guests to these activities. Since teachers are responsible for the safety of everyone present during laboratory investigations, they have the right to insist everyone acknowledge and comply with all safety procedures prior to joining or observing their class. In today's litigious society, they cannot prevent a lawsuit from being filed. No matter how unreasonable the complaint, the legal system provides the opportunity for people to take their grievances to court. Well-insured schools may be viewed as sources of "deep pockets" and targets of frivolous suits. Many things teachers can do to prevent being found at fault or liable are discussed.

Is that the sound of the last bus leaving the schoolyard? Or the staff's collective sigh of relief? School's out. Now it's time to nurture the lifelong learner deep inside with a summer reading list that will allow teachers to renew, reflect, and refresh. The National Science Education Standards reminds us, "Becoming an effective science teacher is a continuous process?teachers require the opportunity to study?and to share with colleagues what they have learned" (NRC 1996). Endorsing a move from "flu-shot inservice" to a thoughtful, personal program, they remind us to take time for "intellectual professional growth." So, this summer, teachers should schedule some time for that curious child inside, put a book bag next to their beach chairs, and make time to read. NSTA Recommends, a great group of teachers reviews books for our searchable electronic database all year long. Some are strictly for students, but many are valuable and thoroughly enjoyable reads for adults, too. This community of learners--like you--has compiled a suggested list of summer reading for professional and personal pleasure.