Summer Reading for NCCS Middle School Students 2025

Jerry Pinkney, Caldecott Medal winner and illustrator of over one hundred books, tells the story of his childhood and how he developed his artistic talent. Grades 3-7

A narrative nonfiction about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world-and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:780).

Legendary photographers Dorothea Lange, Toyo Miyatake, and Ansel Adams all photographed the Japanese American incarceration, but with different approaches-and different results. This nonfiction picture book for middle grade readers examines the Japanese-American incarceration-and the complexity of documenting it-through the work of these three photographers. Grades 6-9 (Lexile: 990)

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

Pedro Martin's grown up in the U.S. hearing stories about his legendary abuelito, but during a family road trip to Mexico, he connects with his grandfather and learns more about his own Mexican identity in this moving and hilarious graphic memoir. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 530)

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

Math in space, sports calculations, symmetry in nature, weird math facts, math in art, and mind-boggling number conundrums are just some of the topics explored in this fascinating, illustrated look at math. Grades 2-5

From a lowly mixture of stone, sand, water, and cement have sprung sidewalks, streets, and skyscrapers, . . . lighthouses and . . . palaces, long bridges and massive dams. In ancient building practices, in modern engineering, and in the architecture of the future, humble concrete plays a mighty role in the creation of the human-made world. Grades 2-5

The city of Paris wanted to tear down the Eiffel Tower! Gustave Eiffel, an engineer and amateur scientist, had built the incredible structure for the 1889 World's Fair. Created using cutting-edge technology, it stood taller than any other building in the world! More than a million delighted people flocked to visit it during the fair. But the officials wondered, beyond being a spectacle, what is it good for? It must come down! But Eiffel loved his tower. He crafted a clever plan to make the tower too useful to tear down by turning it into "a laboratory such as science has never had at its disposal." As the date for the tower's demolition approached, Eiffel raced to prove its worth. Could science save the Eiffel Tower? Grades 2-5

For fans of David Macaulay, this beautiful picture book explains the technology of how the world's most impressive architectural marvels work. Grades 2-5

Explores why and how people have constructed taller and taller buildings over the course of human history. Grades 4-8

A stunning and intimate biography of Margaret Hamilton, the computer engineer who helped Apollo 11 and mankind get from the Earth to the moon. First-hand accounts, exclusive interviews with the legendary Margaret Hamilton, and detailed science populate the pages of this remarkable biography. In 1969, mankind successfully left our atmosphere and landed on the moon. It took countless hours of calculations, training, wonder, and sacrifice from all of the men and women who worked hard to make that landing. One of those people was Margaret Hamilton. A young computer engineer, Hamilton was hired to develop the completely new software used in the groundbreaking Apollo Space Program. Soon she became the lead engineer, one of the few women in the almost entirely male-dominated profession. But it wasn't always easy. Grades 6-9 (Lexile: 1100)

Explores the incredible ways animals detect, respond, and adapt to wildfires, as well as how climate change is affecting the frequency and severity of these devastating events in nature. Grades 5-8

Parasites are all around you, all the time, quietly running the world. You might think of them as slimy, disgusting freeloaders – tapeworms and roundworms and ticks and lice, too small to be important and too selfish to be valued. But by the end of this book, you’ll realize that sometimes parasites are the good guys. Learn where you’re most likely to find parasites in your own food (heads up, you might not want to eat any uncooked fish right before reading this book), and how parasitic infection changes the behavior of many organisms―including human beings. Parasites might be weird and mysterious, but the better we understand them, the less we have to fear about them. Grades 4-8

Examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire. Gtrades 6-10

One hundred years ago, a small-town science teacher ignited a nationwide debate over what students should learn in school--and who should decide. In 1925, when Tennessee lawmakers banned the teaching of evolution in public schools, teacher John Scopes challenged the law--and set off a gripping circus of a legal battle. Two masterminds faced off in a blistering courtroom debate over creationism and natural selection, each armed with the books they believed belonged in classrooms. Celebrity politician William Jennings Bryan relied on the Bible to make his case, while legal luminary Clarence Darrow defended Charles Darwin's groundbreaking books On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. Their clash would go down in history as the Scopes Monkey Trial. A century later, here is the riveting truth of what happened and why it matters. Grades 6-9

Shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who've transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American today. Grades 5-8

An in-depth look at voting rights in the US, particularly examining when certain groups of people won the right to vote. Special features expand on the text and highlight why voting is important. Grades 4-8

Poet Naomi Shihab Nye shines a spotlight on the things we cast away, from plastic water bottles to refugees. Grade 3-6

A feminist-forward new collection of poetry celebrating the little-known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance--paired with full-color, original art from today's most talented female African-American illustrators. Grade 5-8

n a rich embroidery of visions, musical cadence, and deep emotion, Andrea and Brian Pinkney convey the final months of Martin Luther King's life -- and of his assassination -- through metaphor, spirituality, and multi-layers of meaning.

Andrea's stunning poetic requiem, illustrated with Brian's lyrical and colorful artwork -- brings a fresh perspective to Martin Luther King, the Gandhi-like, peace-loving activist whose dream of equality -- and whose courage to make it happen -- changed the course of American history. And even in his death, he continues to transform and inspire all of us who share his dream. Grade 4+ (Lexile: 730)

What can you find in a poem about a robin's nest? Irene Latham ... discovers 'nestlings, ' or smaller poems about [a] ... variety of subjects--emotions, wild animals, natural landmarks on all seven continents, even planets and constellations. Each poem is a ... spark of wonder that will prompt readers to look at the world afresh. Grade 3-8

Originally performed for ESPN's The Undefeated, this poem by the Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover and artwork from a two-time Caldecott Honoree is a love letter to black life in the United States, highlighting the unspeakable trauma of slavery; the faith and fire of the Civil Rights Movement; and the grit, passion and perseverance of some of the world's greatest heroes. Grade 3-6

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didnt turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets. Grades 4-7

A deep-dive exploration into the many theories and discoveries surrounding the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond Earth, Grades 4-6

An exploration of the building of the Hoover Dam, revealing the causes, effects, and lasting legacies of one of America's most recognizable and misrepresented landmarks. Grades 4-9

Remarkable stories, groundbreaking events, and inspirational people, that have made a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. Grades 3-7

In the winter of 1924 two sled dogs, Togo and Balto, race against time to deliver a diptheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska and stop the deadly illness from spreading. Grades 4-7

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo’s incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture. Grades 5-8

After the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese Americans became the subject of racism and discrimination within the United States. Many were rounded up and put in concentration camps. But even while this was happening, there were many Japanese American soldiers who fought to ensure that all Americans were safe during the biggest conflict in world history. Facing the Mountain is the story of three Japanese American soldiers: Rudy Tokiwa, Fred Shiosaki, and Kats Miho, who volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to fight for their country in World War II. The book covers the three soldiers' deployment to Europe and the struggles of their families back home. Woven throughout is the chronicle of Gordon Hirabayashi, one of a cadre of patriotic resisters who stood up against the government in defense of their own rights. Grades 6-8 (Lexile: 1080)

Behold 20 ... hilarious adaptations of classic tales from Greek mythology, written by the dynamic duo behind the ... podcast Greeking Out. Grades 2-5

Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson. They grew up and lived in very different worlds-Lincoln was poor and uneducated, his frontier cabin home deep in the harsh wilderness; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City and traveled the world with his family; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family's rural estate where he was the center of attention; and Lyndon Johnson's modest childhood home had no electricity or running water but provided a window into Texas politics. So how did each of them do it-rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually-and have in common-that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times? Grades 5-7

A fascinating and informative journey back in time to find out what it was really like to live in Ancient Rome and the sprawling Roman Empire. Grades 3-6

Loch Ness Uncovered is an extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world's most famous monster hoax-the Loch Ness Monster-and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation. Grades 5-8

Shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who've transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American today. Grades 5-8

A narrative nonfiction about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world-and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:780).

Explores why and how people have built walls all over the world throughout the course of human history. Grades 4-8

An exploration of the building of the Hoover Dam, revealing the causes, effects, and lasting legacies of one of America's most recognizable and misrepresented landmarks. Grades 4-9

In the winter of 1924 two sled dogs, Togo and Balto, race against time to deliver a diptheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska and stop the deadly illness from spreading. Grades 4-7

Animals know a lot more about numbers than you might think. Guppies can tell large numbers from small ones, hyenas can count, and chimpanzees can use Arabic numerals! Readers will get to know these extraordinary animals and more--and how scientists study their number sense. Each chapter wraps up with an interview with a researcher and a hands-on activity that give readers the chance to challenge their own math skills. Grades 4-7

Real-life animal brainiacs and the scientists who study them come to life in this detailed look at how animal -- and human -- brains work and the incredible things they can do. Meet goldfish who drive their own special car in search of treats; brilliant octopus problem-solvers who can probe, taste, and even make decisions with their arms; and squirrels who use mnemonic devices to remember where they've hidden their nuts! Readers will explore brains large and small, smooth and wrinkly, through fascinating sidebars, plenty of real science vocabulary, and full-color illustrations and photos. They can even put their own brains to the test through DIY neuroscience activities, from honing memory skills to getting focused through meditation. Grades 4-7

Loch Ness Uncovered is an extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world's most famous monster hoax-the Loch Ness Monster-and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation. Grades 5-8

A behavioral ecologist's riveting account of his decades-long obsession with octopuses: his discoveries, adventures, and new scientific understanding of their behaviors. Grades 5-8

Parasites are all around you, all the time, quietly running the world. You might think of them as slimy, disgusting freeloaders – tapeworms and roundworms and ticks and lice, too small to be important and too selfish to be valued. But by the end of this book, you’ll realize that sometimes parasites are the good guys. Learn where you’re most likely to find parasites in your own food (heads up, you might not want to eat any uncooked fish right before reading this book), and how parasitic infection changes the behavior of many organisms―including human beings. Parasites might be weird and mysterious, but the better we understand them, the less we have to fear about them. Grades 4-8

Newly reintroduced along with his pack to Yellowstone National Park, Wolf 8 struggles at first. Small and often bullied by his siblings, he must learn to fend for himself in his new home. Soon enough, though, little 8 grows into one of Yellowstone's greatest leaders. Grades 3-6 (Lexile: 1010)

Birds are not only beautiful and fascinating, but they also serve an essential role in our ecosystem. This book shows how birds and humans are intrinsically connected, sometimes helping and sometimes hindering each other. Perfect for dedicated birdwatchers—or for anyone who simply delights in noticing birds in their neighborhood. Readers can explore, share, and return to the pages again and again, each time gaining a broader appreciation for our enchanting feathered friends. Grades 6-10

Explores the science of road ecology and what happens when highways, wildlife and habitats intersect. Illustrated with photographs throughout. Grades 4-7

Takes readers on a deep dive into the process of decay, from the science behind it to an up-close and personal look at the organisms that do the dirty work to make our planet livable. With a touch of humor and quirky full-color illustrations, kids will learn about the life-recycling system happening all around us-in the sea, in the soil, and even inside our own bodies. Grades 3-6

Brings to life the exhilarating true story of Operation Cowboy and the miraculous survival of the Spanish Riding School. Featuring rare family photos. Grades 4-7

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

From Howard University to the red carpet at the Academy Awards, from James Brown to the Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman was a talented and multi-award-winning actor and performer. Prior to his death from colon cancer in 2020, Boseman's rise to fame might have seemed overnight to some, but decades of hard work and dedication to his craft brought him to the highest levels an actor can achieve. Grades 3-5

Features historical giants of music like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven alongside 20th-century composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Meredith Monk. Showcasing the true range of classical music history not typically acknowledged – exhibiting a wide number of genders, races, and nationalities – celebrates 50 composers who have influenced the field of music and collectively broadened its scope. Grades 4-7

Examines how artists are using their creativity to help the environment and build a more sustainable world. Grades 3-6

Twenty poets each share a poem about a mistake they made as a young person and also provide a short statement on what they learned from it. Grades 3-8

A narrative nonfiction about how the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre, how the robbery made the portrait the most famous artwork in the world-and how the painting by Leonardo da Vinci should never have existed at all. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:780).

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

A fascinating guide to Van Gogh's itinerant life, with vibrant images and stories about the many places he lived and worked. Grades 4-8

In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! Grades 4-8

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo’s incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture. Grades 5-8

Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker, and writer Alexi Pappas shares the touchstone moments in her life that helped her learn about confidence and self-reliance, compassion and forgiveness, and loss and hope. Grades 5-8

From Howard University to the red carpet at the Academy Awards, from James Brown to the Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman was a talented and multi-award-winning actor and performer. Prior to his death from colon cancer in 2020, Boseman's rise to fame might have seemed overnight to some, but decades of hard work and dedication to his craft brought him to the highest levels an actor can achieve. Grades 3-5

The remarkable true story of a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Poland who escaped near death to join -- and fight -- with the Soviet partisans in the woods. Grades 4-7

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1050)

Features historical giants of music like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven alongside 20th-century composers such as Astor Piazzolla and Meredith Monk. Showcasing the true range of classical music history not typically acknowledged – exhibiting a wide number of genders, races, and nationalities – celebrates 50 composers who have influenced the field of music and collectively broadened its scope. Grades 4-7

After surviving World War II and the Holocaust as children, nine survivors share their memories in first-person interviews. Grades 5-8

This is the story of Jella Lepman, who escaped the Nazi regime in Germany and returned after the war to build a traveling library of books for children that evolved into the International Youth Library in Munich. Grades 3-7

Presents profiles of the best and most memorable players and all the up-to-date facts and figures young baseball enthusiasts want to know, along with new photos.. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1060)

Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson. They grew up and lived in very different worlds-Lincoln was poor and uneducated, his frontier cabin home deep in the harsh wilderness; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City and traveled the world with his family; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family's rural estate where he was the center of attention; and Lyndon Johnson's modest childhood home had no electricity or running water but provided a window into Texas politics. So how did each of them do it-rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually-and have in common-that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times? Grades 5-7

Shines a light on the generations of Asian Americans who've transformed the United States and who continue to shape what it means to be American today. Grades 5-8

The thrilling tale of America's early paleontologists and the discovery of the first T. Rex fossil, now adapted for young readers. Grades 5-8

When eleven-year-old Matthew Henson ran away from his cruel stepmother to find a new life in the big city, no one could have predicted that he would become the first man to reach the North Pole. With a little luck and a lot of hard work, Matthew found a life of adventure on the high seas and in the Arctic. But back home in America his achievements were largely overlooked because he was Black. Grades 4-7

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

The gripping story of America’s first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Grades 5-8

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

A fascinating guide to Van Gogh's itinerant life, with vibrant images and stories about the many places he lived and worked. Grades 4-8

An inside look at the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, This Boy is a perfect book for any young reader embracing their inner Beatlemania. Grades 5-8

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes [an] ... illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too), inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes. Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 880)

Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker, and writer Alexi Pappas shares the touchstone moments in her life that helped her learn about confidence and self-reliance, compassion and forgiveness, and loss and hope. Grades 5-8

Remarkable stories, groundbreaking events, and inspirational people, that have made a lasting impact on the history and culture of the United States. Grades 3-7

From the big stage to the US Navy, from laboratories to the boardroom, from the Olympics to the pages in books, these girls and women lead every line. Bold, bright, and empowering profiles by Geisel Honor–winning and #1 New York Times bestselling artist Niña Mata place these incredible changemakers at the very front and inspire readers to tap into their own greatness. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1050)

This is the story of Jella Lepman, who escaped the Nazi regime in Germany and returned after the war to build a traveling library of books for children that evolved into the International Youth Library in Munich. Grades 3-7

The perfect book for troubled times, this collection of over twenty-five real-life stories shows how heroic acts of kindness can change our world for the better. Grades 4-7

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes [an] ... illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too), inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes. Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's point of view, allowing them to see the world through his disabling eye conditions. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 880)

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didnt turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets. Grades 4-7

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

Animals know a lot more about numbers than you might think. Guppies can tell large numbers from small ones, hyenas can count, and chimpanzees can use Arabic numerals! Readers will get to know these extraordinary animals and more--and how scientists study their number sense. Each chapter wraps up with an interview with a researcher and a hands-on activity that give readers the chance to challenge their own math skills. Grades 4-7

On Eglin Air Force Base, scientists and soldiers work together to protect endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and reticulated flatwoods salamanders. Discover the challenges endangered species face and how the military works to protect them. Grades 4-7

A spellbinding, moment-by-moment account of seventy-two hours in the lives of eight young fishermen-some of whom would never set foot on dry land again-as they fight to survive a deadly storm in the middle of winter. Grades 4-8

Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. Adapting from her New York Times-bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning adult nonfiction, Elizabeth Kolbert explores how humans are altering life on Earth. Grades 5-8

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

Brings to life the exhilarating true story of Operation Cowboy and the miraculous survival of the Spanish Riding School. Featuring rare family photos. Grades 4-7

The unlikely true story of why we know the name William Shakespeare today, and the four-hundred-year-old book that made it possible. Four hundred years ago, no one bothered to write down the exact words of stage plays. Characters' lines were scribbled on small rolls of paper (as in, an actor's role) and passed around, but no master script was saved for the future. The main reason we've heard of Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, and Shakespeare himself is that a group of people made the excellent choice to preserve the plays after the Bard died. If they hadn't created the book known as the First Folio, Shakespeare and his works would surely have been lost to history. Part literary scavenger hunt (the search for every existing First Folio continues today), part book trivia treasure trove, and part love letter to Shakespeare, this behind-the-scenes, sharply funny true story is an ideal introduction to the Bard and his famous plays. Grades 5-8

Father-son scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez piece together one of the greatest mysteries of all time: What really happened to the dinosaurs? Dive into this fun and informative book, which outlines the many important scientific discoveries that aided the Alvarezes in their search for answers. Grades 5-8

A journey through the evolution of knowledge, communication, and information. Grades 4-7

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:1100)

Exploring the amazing ways animals perceive the world is an excellent way to help understand the world itself. And this young readers adaptation of the mega-bestseller AN IMMENSE WORLD is perfect for curious kids and their families. Sure to capture young readers' interest it is filled amazing animal facts and stunning full-color illustrations. Along the way are tons of amazing animal facts. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 980)

Presents profiles of the best and most memorable players and all the up-to-date facts and figures young baseball enthusiasts want to know, along with new photos.. Grades 3-7 (Lexile: 1060)

This easy-to-use stargazing guide for kids explores the popular night sky constellations, visits the brightest stars, and tours our solar system. As they learn step-by-step how to find the most fascinating sights in the night sky, readers will learn how the sky changes with each season, when to look for meteor showers, how to see the milky way, and much more! Grades 3-7

Loch Ness Uncovered is an extensively researched, myth-busting account of the world's most famous monster hoax-the Loch Ness Monster-and a cautionary tale on the dangers of misinformation. Grades 5-8

America's "first river," the Hudson, and the Riverkeepers who protect it, offer insight into the history of environmental activism and how individuals and communities can learn by example to protect watersheds all over the globe. Grades 5-8

This tween-friendly handbook encourages kids to seek out nature for health benefits and planet protection. Kids who spend more time in nature benefit in mind, body, and spirit! And likewise, benefit the Earth. Grades 4-8

In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! Grades 4-8

Behold 20 ... hilarious adaptations of classic tales from Greek mythology, written by the dynamic duo behind the ... podcast Greeking Out. Grades 2-5

Examines how animals think and the ways scientists study their cognitive abilities. Grades 4-7

Meet Ham, Minnie, Enos, Roscoe, Tiger, and Rocky. When the United States was scrambling to catch up to the Soviets after their successful launch of Sputnik, they didnt turn to Mercury Seven astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn. Rather, they began bringing chimpanzees to Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico for a top-secret program. The goal? To do everything America needed to make space travel safe for humans and beat the Soviets. Grades 4-7

Have you ever wondered what the universe looked like billions of years ago, or asked yourself what might happen if galaxies collided? The James Webb Space Telescope gives us never-before-seen glimpses of the answers to these questions, showing us the birth and death of stars and galaxies, helping scientists find Earthlike planets, and even revealing asteroids closer to home. This book explains the amazing science of the James Webb Space Telescope in a fun and accessible way, helping kids understand the big questions the telescope will help us answer. Grades 3-6

An empowering guide for kids on how to STOP climate change and START building a better world--from rising-star activist Mikaela Loach. It's easy to see news about the climate crisis and feel powerless to stop it. But there's another way of looking at things. The author offers an inspiring and optimistic road map toward a brighter future for everyone! Using stories from her life and work, she explains the climate crisis and how it connects with other social issues. She writes about friends from around the world who are experiencing the worst of climate change and what they are doing to fight back. She delivers a message not only of hope but of excitement to save our planet and create better lives for everyone in the process, Grades 4-7

On Eglin Air Force Base, scientists and soldiers work together to protect endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and reticulated flatwoods salamanders. Discover the challenges endangered species face and how the military works to protect them. Grades 4-7

Father-son scientists Luis and Walter Alvarez piece together one of the greatest mysteries of all time: What really happened to the dinosaurs? Dive into this fun and informative book, which outlines the many important scientific discoveries that aided the Alvarezes in their search for answers. Grades 5-8

A spellbinding, moment-by-moment account of seventy-two hours in the lives of eight young fishermen-some of whom would never set foot on dry land again-as they fight to survive a deadly storm in the middle of winter. Grades 4-8

Explores the incredible ways animals detect, respond, and adapt to wildfires, as well as how climate change is affecting the frequency and severity of these devastating events in nature. Grades 5-8

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions. Grades 4-8 (Lexile:1100)

Exploring the amazing ways animals perceive the world is an excellent way to help understand the world itself. And this young readers adaptation of the mega-bestseller AN IMMENSE WORLD is perfect for curious kids and their families. Sure to capture young readers' interest it is filled amazing animal facts and stunning full-color illustrations. Along the way are tons of amazing animal facts. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 980)

This easy-to-use stargazing guide for kids explores the popular night sky constellations, visits the brightest stars, and tours our solar system. As they learn step-by-step how to find the most fascinating sights in the night sky, readers will learn how the sky changes with each season, when to look for meteor showers, how to see the milky way, and much more! Grades 3-7

Dive into the world of Alvin the submersible, learn the stories of what lies beneath the waves, including lost hydrogen bombs, underwater volcanoes, storied shipwrecks, and hundreds of new species. Grades 4-7 (Lexile: 1110)

Examines the biology, habitat and environmental threats facing bioluminescent species on land and in the water. Grades 4-7

We all travel sometimes--by car, by public transport, or by plane. But there are some means of transport that we will never be able to use. Let's open this book and learn how come we don't travel in flying cars, why trains don't ride on a single rail, or why there are no life-size remote control cars.

You're about to be flooded with infamous ideas, prototypes, and crazy attempts at coming up with something new over the course of the last century. The means of transport presented in this book may have not led to a technological revolution but did help us progress. After all, people learn from their mistakes. Grade 5-8

With their stunning black-and-orange wings, monarch butterflies are one of the most recognizable insects on the planet. But despite their delicate beauty, these creatures are warriors. The moment they hatch, they're fighting for their lives. Everything is the enemy: from the very leaf they live on to the humans and animals around them to nature itself. How does such a tiny egg survive to become a butterfly? And even after emerging from the cocoon, unimaginable danger awaits: migration. Every year, monarchs take flight, making one of the greatest migrations in the world. However, for a long time, their destination was unknown within the scientific community. Through the research of scientists in Canada and the United States and the support and efforts of ordinary people as well as Indigenous knowledge in Mexico, that mystery was finally solved. But to do so would involve years of searching across three countries and encounters with feuding scientists, the consequences of colonialism, and life-and-death stakes. Grades 5-8

The thrilling tale of America's early paleontologists and the discovery of the first T. Rex fossil, now adapted for young readers. Grades 5-8

Packed with activities to help young eco-warriors make a positive difference. From growing your own veg and learning how to sew to organizing a school seed bank and making a bird box, each colorful page is filled with practical tips, fascinating facts, and engaging activities that empower kids to become environmental superheroes as they recycle, reuse, reduce and repair. Grade 4-6

Explores the concept of open science and how scientists around the world are working together to make research available to everyone. Grades 4-7

A riveting book about diseases that have shaped the course of human history. Grades 4-7

Parasites are all around you, all the time, quietly running the world. You might think of them as slimy, disgusting freeloaders – tapeworms and roundworms and ticks and lice, too small to be important and too selfish to be valued. But by the end of this book, you’ll realize that sometimes parasites are the good guys. Learn where you’re most likely to find parasites in your own food (heads up, you might not want to eat any uncooked fish right before reading this book), and how parasitic infection changes the behavior of many organisms―including human beings. Parasites might be weird and mysterious, but the better we understand them, the less we have to fear about them. Grades 4-8

America's "first river," the Hudson, and the Riverkeepers who protect it, offer insight into the history of environmental activism and how individuals and communities can learn by example to protect watersheds all over the globe. Grades 5-8

Build your very own Rube Goldberg Machines in this must-have guide for builders of all ages! To build a Rube Goldberg Machine, all you need is a pile of junk and a great imagination. World-renowned Rube Goldberg Machine builder Zach Umperovitch and STEAM educator Tori Cameron have teamed up to show us just how true that is in this comprehensive guide to building Rube Goldberg Machines at home. Written in partnership with Rube Goldberg's granddaughter herself, Jennifer George, this book breaks down how to build a variety of machines that solve simple problems in complex ways. Progressing in difficulty with each chapter, kids (and builders of all ages) will learn how to construct super simple machines that fit on a tabletop, to hard ones that take up entire rooms or yards! Learn how to start chain reactions that refill your popcorn automatically on movie night, open umbrellas, and even pack a picnic, one step at a time. Filled with famous quotes from Rube Goldberg, jokes, fun facts, and tips and tricks to make building as successful as possible, this book is sure to satisfy every family's most curious and inventive of minds! Grades 3-7

Discover how poop can actually help protect our planet in this nonfiction book on the nutrient cycle and scientific problem solving. What could be more revolting, useless, and downright disgusting than poop? But in nature’s endless and complex cycles, there’s no such thing as waste. The poop of wild animals is full of surprising power: it can be food, shelter, a way for creatures to communicate, and more. For scientists, scat can reveal clues about how animals are responding to climate change threats. From researchers in India using tiger poop to track the endangered big cat to scientists in Mexico using bat guano to help replant a forest destroyed by fire, Scat shows how scientists are getting creative when it comes to studying animals and protecting ecosystems from climate change. Grades 3-6

The extraordinary true story of America’s first female astronauts. Grades 5-8

Over the last half-billion years, there have been five mass extinctions, when the diversity of life on earth suddenly and dramatically contracted. Scientists around the world are monitoring the sixth extinction, predicted to be the most devastating extinction event since the asteroid impact that wiped out the dinosaurs. Adapting from her New York Times-bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning adult nonfiction, Elizabeth Kolbert explores how humans are altering life on Earth. Grades 5-8

50 bigger, bolder, next-level STEAM experiments for the whole family, including even more diverse science biographies and stories, from Emily Calandrelli, host of Netflix's Emily's Wonder Lab and author of the national bestseller Stay Curious and Keep Exploring. Grades 2-6

This tween-friendly handbook encourages kids to seek out nature for health benefits and planet protection. Kids who spend more time in nature benefit in mind, body, and spirit! And likewise, benefit the Earth. Grades 4-8

Explores why and how people have built walls all over the world throughout the course of human history. Grades 4-8

Birds are not only beautiful and fascinating, but they also serve an essential role in our ecosystem. This book shows how birds and humans are intrinsically connected, sometimes helping and sometimes hindering each other. Perfect for dedicated birdwatchers—or for anyone who simply delights in noticing birds in their neighborhood. Readers can explore, share, and return to the pages again and again, each time gaining a broader appreciation for our enchanting feathered friends. Grades 6-10

A deep-dive exploration into the many theories and discoveries surrounding the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond Earth, Grades 4-6

Examine how Indigenous people, farmers, and forestry departments have used fire to manage resources and how climate change is impacting the future of fire. Gtrades 6-10

An exploration of the building of the Hoover Dam, revealing the causes, effects, and lasting legacies of one of America's most recognizable and misrepresented landmarks. Grades 4-9

Explores the science of road ecology and what happens when highways, wildlife and habitats intersect. Illustrated with photographs throughout. Grades 4-7

Takes readers on a deep dive into the process of decay, from the science behind it to an up-close and personal look at the organisms that do the dirty work to make our planet livable. With a touch of humor and quirky full-color illustrations, kids will learn about the life-recycling system happening all around us-in the sea, in the soil, and even inside our own bodies. Grades 3-6

Explore the solar system, see the stars, and experience life in a world beyond ours?! Blast off with bestselling authors Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, hosts of the mega-popular podcast Wow in the World, as they take you on an intergalactic tour of outer space. Jam-packed with eye-popping illustrations, jaw-dropping facts, jokes, quizzes, comics, and everything else that makes up our universe, this is your one-stop shop for all things space. The who, what, when, where, why, how, and WOW--all in one place! Grades 3-6

This is the life story of Cudjo Lewis, as told by himself.

Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America to be enslaved, eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis was then the only person alive to tell the story of his capture and bondage—fifty years after the Atlantic human trade was outlawed in the United States. Cudjo shared his firsthand account with legendary folklorist, anthropologist, and writer Zora Neale Hurston.

Adapted with care and delivered with age-appropriate historical context by award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi, Cudjo’s incredible story is now available for young readers and emerging scholars. With powerful illustrations by Jazzmen Lee-Johnson, this poignant work is an invaluable contribution to our shared history and culture. Grades 5-8

Without diminishing the words of Dr. King, More Than a Dream looks at the march through a wider lens, using Black newspaper reports as a primary resource, recognizing the overlooked work of socialist organizers and Black women protesters, and repositioning this momentous day as radical in its roots, methods, demands, and result. Grades 5-8 (Lexile: 1090)

In this vital and accessible survey, a prominent activist for racial justice answers questions from real children, giving them the tools and the confidence to shape a more just society.Using questions canvassed from children around the United Kingdom as her framework, writer, activist, engineer, and broadcaster Yassmin Abdel-Magied provides a clear overview of racism’s history, what it looks like today, and how to recognize, resist, and disrupt racist conversations and attitudes that can appear anywhere. This book is a practical guide for taking actionable steps, but it acknowledges that talking about racism invites complex feelings and offers tips and tactics for expressing those emotions safely, stepping back when needed, and prioritizing self-care. The book’s warm and assured tone, friendly illustrations, and supplementary charts, sidebars, infographics, and glossary offer an authentic way to open a dialogue with middle-grade readers, providing an eloquent call to nurture compassion and change, challenge inequality, and strive toward racial justice for all. Grades 4-7

Dan SaSuWeh Jones brings to light the forced assimilation and cultural erasure of Indigenous people by government-run residential schools with first-person accounts that breaks down the truth of America's hidden past. Grades 4-7

Olympic runner, actress, filmmaker, and writer Alexi Pappas shares the touchstone moments in her life that helped her learn about confidence and self-reliance, compassion and forgiveness, and loss and hope. Grades 5-8

After the Japanese military bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese Americans became the subject of racism and discrimination within the United States. Many were rounded up and put in concentration camps. But even while this was happening, there were many Japanese American soldiers who fought to ensure that all Americans were safe during the biggest conflict in world history. Facing the Mountain is the story of three Japanese American soldiers: Rudy Tokiwa, Fred Shiosaki, and Kats Miho, who volunteered for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team to fight for their country in World War II. The book covers the three soldiers' deployment to Europe and the struggles of their families back home. Woven throughout is the chronicle of Gordon Hirabayashi, one of a cadre of patriotic resisters who stood up against the government in defense of their own rights. Grades 6-8 (Lexile: 1080)

The remarkable true story of a Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied Poland who escaped near death to join -- and fight -- with the Soviet partisans in the woods. Grades 4-7

After surviving World War II and the Holocaust as children, nine survivors share their memories in first-person interviews. Grades 5-8

The true story of a young girl and a Holocaust survivor whose friendship led to a significant change in their community and beyond. Grades 5-8

The gripping story of America’s first female cryptanalyst, Elizebeth Smith Friedman, who busted Nazi spy rings. Grades 5-8

Brings to life the exhilarating true story of Operation Cowboy and the miraculous survival of the Spanish Riding School. Featuring rare family photos. Grades 4-7