This Librarian's Quick Picks: How Things Work

How Things Work
by Tamara Resler
National Geographic Kids (2016)
Middle Grade Nonfiction

Summary:

Explains the science behind a variety of objects, such as erasers, hoverbikes, microwaves, and more.

Why You'll Love It:

• Revealing looks at the science behind over two dozen vehicles, household appliances, technological gadgets, and recreational challenges.
• Additional nuggets of information are included in “Tell Me More” and “Fun Facts” sections, while “Try This” invites kids to solve challenging experiments and ponder hypothetical questions.
• Profiles of scientists, engineers, and innovators responsible for these cool technologies are also found in this full-color book with plentiful photos, graphics, varied fonts, a glossary, further reading, and an index.

Who Should Read It:

Grade for 5th-8th graders.

What Else You Should Read: 

• The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay
• The Case of the Soda Explosion and Other True Science Mysteries by Darlene Stille
• Super Cool Tech from DK

This Librarian's Quick Picks: The Friendship Experiment by Erin Teagan

The Friendship Experiment
by Erin Teagan
HMH Books for Young Readers (November 2016)
Middle Grade Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Future scientist Madeline Little is dreading the start of middle school. Nothing has been right since her grandfather died and her best friend changed schools. Maddie would rather help her father in his research lab or write Standard Operating Procedures in her lab notebook than hang out with a bunch of kids who aren’t even her friends. Despite Maddie’s reluctance, some new friends start coming her way—until they discover what she’s written in that secret notebook.

Why You'll Love It:

• Teagan offers a smart, breezy narrative that is both clever and approachable, offering a fresh twist on the familiar topic of middle school angst.
• Science-minded readers will cheer to meet their match in Maddie as she conquers her demons and learns what exactly it means to have—and be—a friend.
• Her characters are realistic and funny as they fumble through early adolescence and grapple with the reality of change. 

Who Should Read It:

Great for 4th-7th graders...and here's an interview with the author, Erin Teagan!

What Else You Should Read:

• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
• The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
• The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Try This!!

Try This! 50 Fun Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You
by Karen Romano Young
National Geographic Children's Books (August 5, 2014)
Nonfiction

Summary:

Provides instructions for fifty kid-friendly science experiments and an explanation of the science involved, as well as more than twenty bonus experiments, science fair tips, and STEM connections for each project.

Why You'll Love It:

• The dynamic full-color photographs and layout meet the standard set by other National Geographic books and are undeniably appealing.
• Some experiments take days, while others take just minutes, but it is always obvious that the creators have tried each experiment.
• Readers shouldn't have major trouble gathering materials, following the steps or adapting most of the demos into science-fair projects.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 5 and up...and here's the educator guide.

What Else You Should Read:

•  Eat Your Science Homework: Recipes for Inquiring Minds by Ann McCallum
• Cool Optical Illusions: Creative Activities that Make Math & Science Fun for Kids! by Anders Hanson