Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Sixth ITEST Summit in Washington, hosted by the Educational Development Center (EDC). Among the wide range of issues explored during the Summit, I had occasion to learn about some work, through EDC’s Center for Science Education, that seeks to integrate science and literacy. This got me thinking: My involvement with NSDL and this blog, NSDL Imprint, principally concern publishers and the content they produce. So what do publishers have to offer in addition to textbooks, journals, software, and reference materials?
A visit to a large chain bookstore such as Borders or Barnes and Noble provides a clear answer: a phenomenal selection of trade titles on all sorts of fascinating scientific fields and personalities. But which among these stacks and stacks of books might best enrich K-12 curricula or inspire self-directed exploration of topics in science?
A quick search of NSDL on the phrase “science trade books” revealed that each year a list called Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, is compiled. And who better than the National Science Teachers Association and the Childrens Book Council to create such a list!
What follows is the very list Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2009. Included with each bibliographic citation is a link to the NSTA-CBC review (reviews and alignments to relevant National Science Content Standards are prepared by a panel of experts) along links to each book’s page on the publisher’s website, providing additional information and purchase options; links to the book’s record in the WorldCat, allowing patrons to easily find the works at their nearest library; and level-appropriate resources held in the NSDL central and/or Pathways Collection. Selections for the NSTA-CBC 2009 list were published by Calkins Creek Press, Candlewick Press, Charlesbridge, Dorling Kindersley; Farrar, Straus, and Giroux; Henry Holt, Holiday House, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Lerner Publishing Group, Marshall Cabendish Benchmark Books, Mikaya Press, National Geographic Society, Peachtree Press, Picture Window Books/Capstone Publishers, Scholastic, Viking Children’s Books/Penguin, and Walker Books.
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Bodies From the Ice: Melting Glaciers and the Recovery of the Past. James M. Deem. Illustrated with prints and photographs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-618-80045-2
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Unifying Concepts and Processes
Earth and Space Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Glaciers held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Sabertooth Written and illustrated by Patrick O’Brien. Henry Holt and Company. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-8050-7105-9
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Sabedrtooths and the Ice Age held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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A Life in the Wild: George Schaller’s Struggle to Save the Last Great Beasts. Pamela S. Turner. Illustrated with photographs by George B. Schaller. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Books for Young Readers. 112pp. ISBN 978-0-374-34578-5
Reading Level: Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Mountain Gorillas held by NSDL
Mountain Gorilla Page
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Emperors of the Ice: A True Story of Disaster and Survival in the Antarctic, 1910-13. Richard Farr. Illustrated with photographs. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Books for Young Readers. 240pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-31975-5
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Earth and Space Science
Science in Personal and Social
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Antarctica held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Farmer George Plants a Nation. Peggy Thomas. Illustrated by Layne Johnson. Calkins Creek, an Imprint of Boyds Mills Press, Inc. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-460-0
Reading Level: Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Agriculture held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Life on Earth–And Beyond. Pamela S. Turner. Illustrated with prints and photographs. Charlesbridge. 112pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-133-2
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Physical Science Perspectives
Life Science
Earth and Space Science
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on the Conditions for Life on Earth and Other Planets held by NSDL
Would Life on Mars be On or Below the Surface?
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Moon Landing. Richard Platt. Illustrated by David Hawcock. Candlewick Press. 10pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-76364-046-0
(V, VIII)
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Earth and Space Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Lunar Exploration held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Over the Rivers: An Aerial View of Geology.Michael Collier. Mikaya Press. 128pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-931414-21-0
Reading Level: INtermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Earth and Space Science
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Rivers held by NSDL
The Mississippi River: Draining a Majority of the United States
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Animal Tracks and Signs: Track Over 400 Animals: From Big Cats to Backyard Birds. Jinny Johnson. Illustrated with photographs from various sources and black-and-white illustrations. National Geographic Society. 192pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0253-4; Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0254-1
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Tracking held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Animals on the Edge: Science Races to Save Species Threatened With Extinction. Sandra Pobst. Illustrated with photographs from various sources. National Geographic Society. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0358-6 Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0265-7
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Extinction held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai. Claire A. Nivola. Farrar, Straus, and Giroux Books for Young Readers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-374-39918-4
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
Science in Personal and Social
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Forests held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa. Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-15-206545-4
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science in Personal and Social
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Reforestation held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature’s Balance in Yellowstone. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Illustrated with photographs by Dan Hartman and Cassie Hartman. Walker Books for Young Readers. 36pp. Trade ISBN 0-8027-9686-9, Library ISBN 0-8027-9687-7
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on the Yellowstone Wolves held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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The Wolves Are Back. Jean Craighead George. Illustrated by Wendell Minor. Dutton?s Children’s Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-525-479475
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on the Reintroduction of Animals held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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All About Sleep From A to Zzzz. Elaine Scott. Illustrated by John O’Brien. Viking Children?s Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. 48pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-670-06188-4
Reading Level: Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Sleep held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Dr. Frankenstein’s Human Body Book. Richard Walker. Dorling Kindersley. 96pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7566-4091-0
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Anatomy held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Food as Foe: Nutrition and Eating Disorders. Lesli J. Favor. Illustrated with illustrations and photographs. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark Books, a division of Marshall Cavendish. 128pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7614-2553-3, $38.50; Library ISBN 978-0-7614-2553-3
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Nutrition held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Outbreaks: Science Seeks Safeguards for Global Health. Charles Piddock. Illustrated with photographs from various sources. National Geographic Society. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0357-9, Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0263-3
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Infectious Diseases held by NSDL
Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
The Influenza Pandemic of 1918
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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A Platypus’ World. Written and illustrated by Caroline Arnold. Picture Window Books, a division of Capstone Publishers. 24pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4048-3985-4, Library ISBN 978-1-4048-3985-4
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on the Platypus held by NSDL
Australian Platypus Conservancy
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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African Critters. Written and illustrated with photographs by Robert B. Haas. National Geographic Society. 96pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0317-3,Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0318-0
Reading Level: Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on African Animals held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Eggs. Marilyn Singer and Emma Stevenson. Holiday House. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9780823417278
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Eggs held by NSDL
ChickenScope: The Mathematics of Eggs
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Elephants of Africa. Written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons. Holiday House. 32pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8234-2168-8
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Elephants held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Fabulous Fishes. Written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale. Peachtree Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781561454297
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Fish held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Face to Face With Cheetahs. Written and illustrated with photographs by Chris Johns. National Geographic Society. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0323-4, Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0324-1
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
Science in Personal and Social
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Cats held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Face to Face With Elephants. Written and illustrated by Beverly and Dereck Joubert. National Geographic Society. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0325-8, Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0326-5
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Elephants held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Face to Face With Lions. Written and illustrated by Beverly and Dereck Joubert. National Geographic Society. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0207-7, Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0208-4
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediate
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Lions held by NSDL
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Finding Home. Sandra Markle. Illustrated by Alan Marks. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-122-6
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Koala Bears and Australia held by NSDL
Mrs. Rusch’s Australian Animals Page
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Genetics: From DNA to Designer Dogs. Kathleen Simpson. Illustrated with photographs from various sources. National Geographic Society. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0361-6, Library ISBN 978-1-4263-0327-2
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Resources on Genetics held by NSDL
Genetics: A Tour of the Basics
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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How Many Ways Can You Catch a Fly? Steve Jenkins and Robin Page. Full-color illustrations by Steve Jenkins. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-618-96634-9
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Food Chains/Web of Life
Ms. Thompson’s Food Chains and Webs Page
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Looking for Miza. Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, and Paula Kahumbu. Photographs by Peter Greste. Scholastic Press. 40pp. Trade ISBN 0-545-08540-3, Library ISBN 978-0-545-08540-3
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Mountain Gorillas
Animal Diversity Page: Gorilla
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Monarch and Milkweed. Helen Frost. Illustrated by Leonid Gore. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. 40pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-0085-6
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Monarch Butterflies
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Nic Bishop Frogs. Written and illustrated by Nic Bishop. Scholastic Reference. 48pp. Trade ISBN 0-439-87755-5, Library ISBN 978-0-439-87755-8
Reading Level: Primary/Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Frogs
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Praying Mantises: Hungry Insect Heroes. Sandra Markle. Lerner Publishing Group. 48pp. Library ISBN 978-0-8225-7300-5, Paperback ISBN 978-0-8225-8985-3
Reading Level: Intermediary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Science as Inquiry
Life Science
History and Nature of Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Praying Mantises
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Predators. John Seidensticker and Susan Lumpkin. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children?s Publishing Division. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-3863-7
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Predators
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Sharks. Beverly McMillan and John A. Musick. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children?s Publishing Division. 64pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-3867-5
Reading Level: Elementary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Sharks
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Wings. Sneed B. Collard, III. Illustrated by Robin Brickman. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-57091-611-3, Paperback ISBN 978-1-57091-612-0
Winter Trees. Carole Gerber. Illustrated by Leslie Evans. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-168-4
Reading Level: Elementary/Intermediary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Flight
NSDL/NSTA Web Seminar 2: Bringing the Field to the Classroom–Birds
The Evolution of Flight in Birds
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Winter Trees. Carole Gerber. Illustrated by Leslie Evans. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089-168-4
Reading Level: Primary
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Life Science
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Trees
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Car Science. Richard Hammond. DK Publishing. 96pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7566-4026-2
Reading Level: Intermediary/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Physical Science Perspectives
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on the Science of Cars
Look for More in the Central Collection!
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Cool Stuff Exploded. Chris Woodford. DK Publishing. 256pp. Trade ISBN 978-0-7566-4028-6
Reading Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Links:
Search Library Databases with WorldCat
National Science Content Standards
Physical Science Perspectives
Science and Technology
Browse/Search NSDL by AAAS Project 2061 Standards
Explore NSDL Resources on Technology
Look for More in the Central Collection!
