(2) YA Approximately fifty years after Apollo 17, NASA’s last mission to the moon in 1972, Americans are planning to return. This time the goals are different: landing a diverse crew of astronauts; establishing a base from which to launch deep-space exploration; and studying the moon’s resources. But how will these goals be managed? Will the proposed base belong to a single nation or be constructed cooperatively by many nations? What about private companies that go to the moon -- would they operate under the same treaties and norms as nations? And then there is space junk -- approximately thirty-five thousand pieces of debris littering outer space. Should there be laws dealing with this problem? Beginning with a concise history of the space race, the authors outline the accomplishments and tensions inherent in occupying space. They also discuss the myriad definitions of space itself, asking the question: where does a nation’s air space end and become outer space? A thoughtful discussion of the Outer Space Treaty, developed in 1967 to govern space law, and its modifications allows readers the background to consider these critical issues. Sidebars, diagrams, and photographs smartly break up and enhance the conversational text. Appended to this informative account is an authors’ note, a list of acronyms, documentation, a select bibliography, and an index.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2025

(3) 4-6 It’s fascinating to imagine: an underwater forest of cypress trees, which can grow up to eighty feet tall, submerged for tens of thousands of years, somewhere off the Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico, its exact location kept secret for preservation and protection due to the wood’s value. Swanson accompanied a group of scientists who were sanctioned to investigate and attempt to map the site. Her six accessible, engaging chapters touch on the researchers, their discoveries (shipworms!), setbacks (from murky water to COVID-19), technologies, and more. Useful sidebars, plentiful photographs, and QR codes to videos of the forest and scientists are included, as well as activities (e.g., “Grow Your Own Underwater Plants”), a reading list, and glossary, in the back matter.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison. This biography about a lesser-known African American figure follows Montague’s inspiring path from her 1940s Arkansas childhood to her groundbreaking work with the U.S. Navy, emphasizing the countless race- and gender-based obstacles placed in her way. With determination and vision, Montague eventually became the first person to create a computer program that could “calculate every part of a [navy] ship’s design.” Jamison’s engaging illustrations enhance Swanson’s clear-eyed text about this STEM trailblazer. Back matter includes more about Montague’s life, an author’s note, and sources.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. Each volume details the life of a significant person in a STEM-related field. Emphasis is placed on the individual's childhood, education, and development of a specific interest, as well as notable contributions. The prose is stilted but informative, and many photographs are included alongside sidebars of related information and "Tech Talk" quotes by the featured trailblazer. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Google Cybersecurity Expert Parisa Tabriz, Astronaut and Physicist Sally Ride, Code-Breaker and Mathematician Alan Turing, NASA Astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, Science Educator and Advocate Bill Nye, and Environmental Activist Wangari Maathai.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Swanson examines two extreme environments--the deep sea and space--to consider the effects on people who might live and work in these conditions. The scientific and technological information about space and the oceans is excellent, despite the quick transitions between "up" and "down" and a design that crowds pages with text, photographs, and sometimes unnecessary graphics. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Edge Books: Boredom Busters series. Swanson presents eight experiments that can be performed with household materials and varying amounts of adult supervision. Each teaches a scientific concept such as static electricity or the behavior of gases. Along with a brief introduction to the scientific method, each activity's materials list, step-by-step instructions, and large color photographs provide clarity. Overall the projects are fresh and intriguing. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) YA This well-researched and clearly formatted book outlines some of the most modern theories and research about possible solutions to climate change. The narrative, supported by relevant photographs and diagrams, introduces the problem then organizes potential solutions by category, with explorations of pros and cons included. Inserts and sidebars provide additional facts on related topics. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristine Caldwell

(3) 4-6 National Geographic: Everything series. With Shah Selbe. Combining National Geographic Kids' signature packed magazine-like design with appealing material, this installment is an accessible, engagingly laid-out introduction to the evolving world of robotics. Over four chapters full of captioned photographs, readers discover real, potential, and fictional uses of robots and learn about international research and innovation. Contains a "robotics challenge" and an "interactive glossary." Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 With precise language but also an easygoing conversational tone, Swanson examines the science behind and impact of nanotechnology in sports--the equipment, clothes, stadiums, and even the ethics of competition now that revolutionary advancements have created the possibility of better performances. Relevant color photos, clear diagrams, and simple experiments effectively complement the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 This tie-in to the National Geographic Channel's program of the same name is divided into five chapters covering processing, memory, emotion, decision-making, and movement. Combining anatomical information with optical illusions, physical and mental challenges, puzzles, quizzes, and more, the volume is highly engaging, but design details, such as tiny white type on bright backgrounds, make it visually exhausting. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Great Achievements in Engineering series. These substantial books begin with a brief introduction and history, then validate the "Amazing Feats" label with remarkable projects including the International Space Station, a thought-controlled bionic leg, the Canadian Confederation Bridge, and the driverless car; challenges and problem-solving are emphasized. Illustrations include both color photos and diagrams. Career advice, facts, and a hands-on project are appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Great Achievements in Engineering titles: Amazing Feats of Biological Engineering, Amazing Feats of Civil Engineering, Amazing Feats of Aerospace Engineering, and Amazing Feats of Electrical Engineering.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: Scary Science series. Top-secret weapons, projects, human experiments, spy programs--this book looks at various clandestine government-sanctioned programs from different countries. The high-interest topic will attract readers, even though the actual information is cursory. The choppy text, which plays up the sensational, is supported by captioned photos and fact boxes. Budding conspiracy theorists will find this a good entry point. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Edge Books: Tiny Creepy Creatures series. These introductory books present their microscopic subjects accurately if briefly, leaning heavily on the sensational to attract attention, such as "Ewww Fact!" comments. Each volume has several short chapters, e.g., "Food Poisoning." Although harmful microbes are emphasized, helpful ones are also noted. Colorful photos and microphotographs--all well-documented--on busy backgrounds illustrate the information. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Edge Books: Tiny Creepy Creatures titles: Food Intruders and Body Bugs.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian