(3) 4-6 The New Horizons spacecraft (launched in 2006) gathered data that has greatly enhanced our knowledge of dwarf planet Pluto. Scott interweaves explanations of solar system science, a history of Pluto and the Kuiper belt, background on the spacecraft's design and designers, and where the mission heads next. Amazing images of volcanic activity, glaciers, and craters provide evidence of Pluto's dynamic surface. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) 4-6 This dive into the science of the moon includes explanations of its formation and composition, as well as details about the Apollo missions. Most exciting is the final chapter, in which lunar missions from 2007 to 2014--and the scientists who worked on them--are profiled. Color photos and additional text boxes found on nearly every page are as informative as the main narrative. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by David Clark. Scott presents a history of money--from the barter system to today's world of finance--in her easy-to-understand narrative. Additional topics covered include depressions, recessions, budgeting, debt, interest, credit ratings, and using money wisely. Clever writing instills this somewhat mundane subject with interest, and the informational and timeline sidebars add an extra dimension. Humorous drawings embellish the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) 4-6 Using quotes liberally, Scott chronicles the 2010 San José Mine accident, favoring the human drama over the more technical aspects of the story. The book has a large trim size and numerous full-color photographs of the mine site, the families who waited there for weeks, the equipment used to rescue the miners, and ultimately the miners themselves. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2012

(2) 4-6 Scott covers the last approved repair mission for the Hubble Telescope (in 2009) as well as highlights of the Hubble-supported science and technology advancements of the past two decades. While the book is filled with amazingly clear, color-enhanced images of planets, stars, etc., Scott also explains the less showy but significant science made possible by the Hubble's instruments. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by John O'Brien. "Everyone agrees that sleep is necessary--as necessary as food and water." This accessible introduction to sleep science discusses past and present theories on how and why the body sleeps, circadian rhythms, brain waves, dreaming, and other slumber-related topics. Crosshatched black-and-white cartoons whimsically illustrate some of the concepts described. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(2) 4-6 Scott traces the history of our fascination with the possibility of life on Mars. She explains in detail how geologic findings could serve as evidence for the presence of water. Additional attention is focused on the challenges relating to spacecraft. Abundant color, color-enhanced, and black-and-white images give readers a feel for the Martian surface, and artistic renderings illustrate new technologies. Websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009

(4) 4-6 After her mother's death, fourteen-year-old Brigitte moves from Poland to Paris to live with her aunt and uncle and work in their Montmartre café. She quickly becomes involved with a network of circus performers, anarchists, and artists, including Pablo Picasso. The promise of suspense goes unfulfilled, but the story is historically intriguing, especially regarding Picasso's work and character.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(2) 4-6 The first two chapters offer information about planetary discovery. Scott then turns her attention to how scientists think, making clear the differences between hypotheses, theories, and laws. The fourth chapter outlines Pluto's planetary peculiarities. Throughout, the author reiterates that future discussions will change, because scientific knowledge is not static. Illustrations include photographs, artists' renderings, and diagrams of various planetary features. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(2) 4-6 In this attractive geographic history of the North and South Poles, nine chapters begin with the early history of Earth and continue with geographic features, seasons, the magnetic poles, human inhabitants of the Arctic, animals in the two regions, and a history of exploration. Well-chosen color photos enhance the clearly written text. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2005

(3) K-3 Photographs by Margaret Miller. A simple text introduces the concept of friendship, while questions such as "What are the names of your friends?" and "What new things have you learned from your friends?" involve readers in the discussion. The inviting color photos show boys and girls of different ethnicities playing and working together, helping one another and resolving differences. A note to parents offers advice on discussing the ups and downs of friendship with young people.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(2) 4-6 Scott provides a view of the universe that is now unfolding before the eyes of scientists and the rest of us through fascinating developments in photography. The striking photos are explained in captions and text, and the magnitude of time and distance conveyed by these images truly inspires wonder. A marvelous invitation to readers to further contemplate the "creative force at work in the universe." Ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 Photographs by Margaret Miller. An enthusiastic narrator presents basic facts about twins (the difference between fraternal and identical twins, problems of older siblings) in simple language, ending with a long note to parents emphasizing the need for all children to learn about twins and to understand that twins are individuals, too. A handsome design and crisp, oversized full-color photographs contribute to an appealing package.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.