This is the 2011 list of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, from the National Science Teachers Association and the Childrens Book Council.

1. Click here to link to the press release
(Books published in 2010)
The National Science Teachers Association, in collaboration reading, encouraging children of all ages to stretch their skills
with the Children’s Book Council, is pleased to announce and their imagination as they interact with the printed page.
that the following titles have been selected for the 2011 list But these journeys of the scientific imagination seldom end
of Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12. with the final chapter. They have the capacity to draw readers
Reading science trade books is the perfect way for students into the natural world—to observe, investigate, and continue
to build literacy skills while learning science content. These the process of discovery that has characterized scientists from
outstanding selections can be a source of great personal Aristotle to Hawking.
At Home with the Gopher Tortoise
Madeleine Dunphy
Web of Life Children’s Books
This impassioned author writes about a keystone
species and delivers a valuable message about habitats.
Case Closed?
Susan Hughes
Kids Can Press
These nine mysteries have a great mix of science and
anthropology; readers will enjoy the narrative tone.
Come See the Earth Turn
Lori Mortensen
Tricycle Press
The life of Foucault is beautifully portrayed, and
readers will see the link between science and history.
Dark Emperor and
Other Poems of the Night
Joyce Sidman
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Poetry and prose describe nocturnal animals; fact
boxes relate directly to poetry.

2. Dinosaur Mountain Great Migrations
Deborah Kogan Ray Elizabeth Carney
Farrar, Straus, and Giroux National Geographic
Primary source quotes and clear diagrams Children’s Books
make this an excellent book on paleontology. The maps and descriptions of habitats
help this book rise above; individual
Earth: Feeling the Heat animals are showcased.
Brenda Z. Guiberson
Growing Patterns
Henry Holt BFYR
Surprising elements and new details enhance Sarah C. Campbell
this book about global warming; its freshness Boyds Mills Press
will enrich lessons. What a beautiful way to illustrate
Fibonacci numbers; it shows that math
holds the secrets to nature.
Earth Heroes: Champions of
Wild Animals Hip-Pocket Papa
Bruce and Carol Malnor Sandra Markle
Dawn Publications Charlesbridge
Shows how citizen scientists’ actions can Readers will love the specific details about
help with current concerns. an unusual frog in a distant habitat; weaves
Australian drought into the story.
Erased by a Tornado! Honey Bees
Jessica Rudolph Stephen Buchmann
Bearport Publishing Delacorte Books for Young Readers
A student begins a narrative that puts An ideal description of the study methods and
a personal touch on this weather lesson. hypotheses related to hive collapse.
Every Bone Tells a Story
Jill Rubalcaba and Peter Robertshaw
How to Clean a Hippopotamus
Charlesbridge
This mystery is a page-turner, and the Steve Jenkins and Robin Page
book itself is sumptuous; handling it is Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
a pleasure. The unique topic of symbiosis is described
in interesting text (with great context cues)
and beautiful illustrations.
Face to Face with Manatees
Brian Skerry
I Dreamed of Flying Like a Bird
National Geographic Children’s Books
Authentic, new information is combined with Robert B. Haas
beautiful photographs. National Geographic
Children’s Books
The aerial views are wonderful, and the
photos and explanations complement one another; first-person
Global Warming observations make this special.
Seymour Simon
Collins, an imprint of HarperCollins If Stones Could Speak
Children’s Books Marc Aronson
Photojournalism makes a difficult topic
National Geographic Children’s Books
easier for elementary through secondary
The story of Stonehenge discoveries is
students to comprehend.
augmented by maps and new technology;
highlights the fact that no idea is immune
from examination.

3. It’s Harvest Time! Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas
Jean McElroy National Geographic Children’s Books
Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & This unique animal book stands out from
Schuster Children’s Publishing the rest because of its maps and focus on
Developmentally appropriate book on ecosystems; good for interdisciplinary lessons
farming for children; sized and formatted with social studies.
as a handy fold-out.
National Geographic Little Kids
Just One Bite First Big Book of Animals
Lola Schaefer Catherine D. Hughes
Chronicle Books National Geographic Children’s Books
Great for the youngest scientists because of Organization by biome is so useful in this
its big-book style, illustrations, and scaling. book for young children; different formats
facilitate reading instruction.
Kakapo Rescue Newton and Me
Sy Montgomery Lynne Mayer
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children Sylvan Dell Publishing
The story of this night-loving, giant, One of the few primary-level books available
flightless parrot includes citizen science, on force and motion; great information
history, conservation, and culture. conveyed in a simple, direct way.
Looking Closely in the Rain Forest Nic Bishop Lizards
Frank Serafini Nic Bishop
Kids Can Press Scholastic Nonfiction
Incredible photos make you want to re-read A history of phenomenal photography and
the text; fosters inquiry in the pages of a book. fresh information about this familiar topic;
end notes are especially valuable.
Mammoths and Mastodons Oceans
Cheryl Bardoe Johnna Rizzo
Abrams Books for Young Readers National Geographic Children’s Books
Clear comparisons of species, very current In a crowded field, this book on oceans
information, and movie-clip style presents new and amazing facts in a great
descriptions. format for children.
Micro Monsters Pierre the Penguin
Nam Nguyen Jean Marzollo
Kingfisher Sleeping Bear Press
Enlarged views of tiny creatures will capture The author takes a fresh look at penguins
readers’attention while grossing them out; it through a web cam; features problem solving
features state-of-the-art delivery. and character education.
National Geographic Kids: The Poetrees
Ultimate Dinopedia Douglas Florian
Don Lessem Beach Lane Books, an imprint of Simon
National Geographic & Schuster Children’s Publishing
Children’s Books Non-traditional poetry and outstanding
Very well organized and accurate; above artwork illustrate components of plant life.
and beyond the average dinosaur book.

4. Project Seahorse The Complete Human Body + DVD
Pamela S. Turner DK Publishing
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children Current and accurate with an excellent
Scientists in the field (inspired by their supporting DVD; a well-organized and
science teachers) offer their methods, comprehensive look at anatomy.
supported by outstanding photos.
S is for Scientists The Hive Detectives
Larry Verstraete Loree Griffin Burns
Sleeping Bear Press Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Truly unique descriptions of the diverse A detailed look at this timely topic. The author
methods of science. speaks with authority and passion about this
vital species.
Slow Down for Manatees
Jim Arnosky The Robin Makes a Laughing
Putnam Sound
Designed for K–2 readers, this is a unique Sallie Wolf
look at the rescue, revitalization, and release Charlesbridge
of an endangered species. Excellent birder’s journal includes advice on
how to keep records and biological drawings;
a great model for children.
Survival at 40 Below
Debbie Miller
Walker Books for Young Readers Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out!
This amazing story of survival will fill April Pulley Sayre
readers with wonder and surprise. Charlesbridge
With plenty of conservation information, this
book is unique in a crowded field because people
The Buffalo Are Back are not the villains, they save habitats. The
Jean Craighead George narrative voice makes the book approachable.
Dutton
This inspirational book features the Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s
comeback of an endangered species and Survivors
hope for America’s wild places. Joyce Sidman
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
The Buzz on Bees Lyric poetry and accurate facts.
Shelley Rotner and Anne Woodhull
Holiday House
Photos enhance the story of bees’ life cycle, What in the Wild? Mysteries of
and readers will learn of many possible Nature Concealed… and Revealed
theories behind their disappearance. David Schwartz and Yael Schy
Tricycle Press
The Chiru of High Tibet Great to read aloud. The mystery premise,
Jacqueline Briggs Martin fact choices, and descriptions make this book
special.
Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
A unique topic illustrated in art and poetry;
one person’s efforts perpetuate a species.
Full reviews of these books will be available in the March 2011 issues
of NSTA’s K–12 journals and online at www.nsta.org/ostb.