(2) YA When Skye was six years old, her parents, both physicists, divorced. She and her brother, Finn, spent alternate weekends with their dad, but he became increasingly obsessed with physics and would forget to feed and interact with the kids, leaving them to fend for themselves. When the book opens, Skye (now twelve), her mother, and her mother's kind boyfriend are celebrating Finn's "MIA birthday," because Finn was kidnapped by their father and has been missing for four years. Miraculously, he is found soon after and returns home: "And then he's there. A tall Black boy with short, tiny dreads, fat headphones looped around his neck. Finn. My brother. My Finn." Skye is excited that her brother is back, but she realizes that the boy who has returned is a different person. This Finn is "so sad and lost, like he carries so much pain inside"; rather than accept the fact that her brother has changed, Skye believes that he is an imposter, whom she calls "Not-Finn." Skye must come to terms with some tough and tangled truths, including admitting to herself that she feels rejected because her father didn't kidnap her. This engaging coming-of-age story gives voice to complicated and traumatic feelings caused by divorce and estrangement, to changes in family and friendships, and to the difficulty of accepting the inevitability of change.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Jeremy Holmes. As a product of the Age of Reason, Thomas Jefferson was long fascinated by science in general and the natural world in particular. Consequently, when he first read a French encyclopedia by the renowned scientist Comte de Buffon that declared the American colonies inferior because the native animals were neither as large nor as ferocious as their European counterparts, Jefferson questioned Buffon's reasoning -- partly because of the audacious comments, partly because of national pride, and partly because Jefferson did not want to discourage immigration. For years he challenged these assumptions by asking questions; creating counterarguments; conducting experiments (which included the shipping of a dead moose to France to verify its large size); and formulating and publishing his conclusions. In other words, he followed the scientific method, nicely summarized in the back matter. The mixed-media illustrations, crafted with woodblocks and pencil, are highlighted in unusual and effective layouts. The written narrative appears in text boxes, acting either as previews for the often-humorous illustrations (for example, ideas explode from Jefferson's head as he writes his own book challenging Buffon) or as comic panels. A concluding author's note explains the sources and dangers of misinformation and ways to identify and combat such rumors, as well as a timeline of Jefferson's life and a bibliography -- appropriately, for the topic -- divided into primary and secondary sources.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Adria Meserve. Seventeenth-century "natural philosophers" Galileo Galilei (who looked out into the universe using a telescope) and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (who looked closely into water droplets with a microscope) made their important scientific discoveries in astronomy and microbiology, respectively, using innovative improvements to the glass lens. As the cleverly constructed narrative moves chronologically through the lives of both scientists, it steps back and forth between them, highlighting the parallels in their experiences as well as emphasizing the practices and passions of science. Both men had creative aha moments, were meticulous inventors, and remained patient in the face of setbacks on their paths to discovery. They also depended on the scientific community and larger society for patronage and acceptance or rejection of their published scientific models, which led to challenges -- Galileo with the Catholic church and Leeuwenhoek with his unwillingness to share his lens technologies. Meserve's entertaining and informative illustrations are filled with details about the scientists, their objects of study, and the places and times in which they lived; the compositions employ inventive designs to underscore common features of the scientists' lives and work. Galileo and Leeuwenhoek are united in spirit in the final illustration of stars, planets, and the Milky Way filling the sky above a pond crowded with bacteria, microbes, and other tiny living creatures.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(1) 4-6 Win "Coal" Keegan is moving to another foster home; the McKay family seems nice enough, and Coal is relieved that he's remaining at the same school with his best friend, nicknamed Door. After a case of police brutality that leaves a woman dead, Coal processes his emotions in his usual way: making chalk art throughout the neighborhood. He is caught in the act by an irate neighbor and, in the midst of a potentially deadly situation, unexpectedly becomes invisible. Coal and Door work together to discover the source of Coal's newfound ability. Their questions lead them to the company Mirror Tech, where all visitors are encouraged to "find out what you are made of." Coal meets a scientist who guides him down a path that leads to more questions. As he warms up to the McKay family, Coal finds himself in increasingly intense situations with Mirror Tech, compromising his safety as well as his loved ones'. The book's conclusion raises the possibility that Coal's powers defy all scientific explanation. The tone shifts from analytical to heartwarming, with well-rounded characters and witty dialogue; the author's love of literature is also evident, with references to Danez Smith and Chinua Achebe. Baptiste has created imperfect but sympathetic heroes whom readers will champion throughout the story.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) 4-6 After months of unusual seismic activity, Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. The catastrophic results included a thick cloud of ash, debris, devastating mudslides and floods, and more than fifty deaths; the event permanently altered the mountain and the surrounding landscape in Washington State. In a dramatic narrative, Barone tracks the efforts of a devoted team of scientists to observe and record what was happening -- and predict when, if ever, it might happen again. The volcano did, after all, have a history of periodic eruptions over the past several hundred years, which lived in the memory of the Indigenous inhabitants of the region. As the fateful day grew closer, the mountain increasingly drew visitors, creating a dilemma for public officials who wanted to discourage tourism but also provide some degree of freedom for residents and loggers. After the eruption, the book segues into wilderness survival as Barone follows various groups of campers trying to escape the aftermath, while the concluding chapters provide an update on Mount St. Helens today. Barone's engaging narrative contains a wealth of detail and a large cast of characters, but the information is carefully organized into brief paragraphs and short chapters, propelling readers through a story with equal parts science, history, and action. The front matter includes a couple of maps and a list of characters, while an author's note and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) YA Charles Bolden credits Ron McNair, NASA's second Black astronaut, with encouraging him to apply to be an astronaut. Despite having been a Marine pilot and holding a master's degree in a STEM subject, Bolden did not think NASA would consider a five-foot-seven Black man -- but to his surprise he was accepted into the astronaut program. An accessible, conversational text, written with veteran nonfiction author Tonya Bolden (no relation), covers the subject's training, his first mission (to deploy a communication satellite), and his appointment as head of the Johnson Space Safety Division after the Challenger flight explosion. Three years after that tragedy, Bolden and his crew went back into space to deploy the Hubble telescope. Color photos from his four missions support the text and reinforce the scientific information. An author's note provides more detail about Bolden's life before and after his NASA career, along with a timeline and personal photos. Nicholl Denice Montgomery

Reviewer: Nicholl Denice Montgomery | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. In this first-person novel in verse, Burg (Serafina's Promise, rev. 9/13) imagines the life of the groundbreaking environmentalist from age eleven through adulthood. Rachel possesses a heightened awareness of nature and makes close observation of the plants, birds, and animals in the surrounding fields and woods. When a teacher praises her writing, she vows to become a writer of fiction. Many obstacles thwart her success, including multiple family crises, so she shifts her career ambitions to studying science. While the limitations on women in the field keep her from capitalizing on all the skills and scientific knowledge she acquires, she is persistent and publishes articles, pamphlets, letters, reports, and books -- laying the foundation for a global movement of environmental awareness and action. Burg's lyrical language keeps the focus on Carson's love of nature and raises many questions that prompt the reader to think critically; e.g., "Why is science considered / the realm of men? / Are we not all people?" and "When will man realize that he / is a part of nature, not its master?" Along with interspersed "Field Notes," Blackall's occasional black-and-white illustrations of plants and animals aptly suggest a kind of nature journal.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) K-3 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. No matter where one lives in the continental U.S. -- rural areas, suburbs, major cities -- coyotes share that space. In Chicago alone, thousands of coyotes live and thrive, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project, whose work is presented in this informative book. Carson's engaging text highlights the project's goals, which include determining where coyotes live, what they eat, and how they can best coexist with humans. Project members tag and track coyotes and gather data ranging from DNA samples to the condition of their nails (which indicates travel on concrete surfaces) -- tasks that require patience, skill, and some luck. Uhlman's compelling photographs show researchers at work as well as glimpses of coyotes in their natural habitats. Maps and charts group data into easy-to-decipher graphics. Conclusions, such as the role coyotes play in regulating the rodent and geese populations, are all based on the collected data. The book provides information on non-lethal animal-hazing practices and ways to coexist with these unusual neighbors. Appended with a glossary, a list of sources, and areas for further inquiry.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Nikki McClure. This previously unpublished essay from "poet of science" Carson (1907–1964) is paired beautifully with McClure's cut-paper and swirling ink-wash art. In 1956, a children's television program asked Carson to respond to a child's request for "something about the sky." Her thoughts are as wonderfully ruminative as one might expect from the environmental scientist and nature-writing icon. She chooses the familiar -- clouds -- and connects them to "the ocean in the air," detailing natural phenomena with emphasis on the interconnectivity of Earth's air and water systems. Or, better summarized by Carson: "Clouds are as old as the earth itself -- as much a part of our world as land or sea. They are the writing of the wind on the sky. They are the cosmic symbols of a process without which life itself could not exist on earth." McClure's illustrations are limited mostly to blue, black, and white, highlighting the space and movement of air, wind, oceans, and sky in background washes. Cut-paper images of people in the foreground connect the science concepts to human experiences. In an endnote, McClure explains the origins of Carson's essay, how the book project came about, and the thoughtful and resourceful process she used to create the illustrations.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(2) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Frani feels like Arañita, the metaphorical "spider that lives in my brain web," jumps from thread to thread, making her easily distracted and often affecting her self-esteem. When she helps her father, a forensic anthropology professor, however, she is fascinated by the study of cadavers and is able to focus. While working at the university's research facility, Frani and the son of another professor come across some dead bodies that have decidedly not remained dead. The research group launches into an exploit exploring the DUDs ("Definitely Undead Dudes"), even befriending and helping one. While not for the weak-stomached, all the gross-out components of the story -- vivid descriptions of the decomposing bodies, including bloated skin and maggot infestations -- are done with a minimum of sensationalism. Despite nefarious schemes and zombies, the story is charming and heartwarming overall. ADHD is never mentioned directly, but Arañita provides an apt and relatable metaphor. Offering this book to children who love adventure and a bit of horror is a no-brainer.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Nik Henderson. During the Industrial Revolution, vast numbers of workers moved to cities that housed the new factories. These laborers lived in crowded and often squalid conditions, in areas where the air was thick with noxious odors. One such place was London's Broad Street, overtaken by a cholera outbreak in 1854. Although the accepted thinking of the time was that such illnesses were transmitted through "bad, smelly air," Dr. John Snow (1813–1858) does not buy that explanation. He asks questions: why are some individuals sick and others free from disease? How could the air cause diarrhea and vomiting? He investigates by visiting homes of the victims, asking pertinent questions, and creating a map of the affected areas; he then theorizes that cholera must come from something ingested. But what? Here readers see the scientific method at work as Snow determines it is the water, notoriously contaminated by human waste, that causes cholera. Modern epidemiology is born. Henderson's mixed-media illustrations, in shades of brown, depict the thick, noxious air of Broad Street but lighten as Snow finds evidential proof for his theory. Besides highlighting a historical moment in time, Hopkinson deftly presents a nondidactic object lesson about evaluating information, showing the value of making decisions with facts rather than unverified opinions. The back matter includes information about the Broad Street pump (where cholera victims got their water) and Snow; a glossary of other infectious diseases; and resources for further inquiry.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(2) YA At the onset of World War II, German U-boats (submarines) mercilessly sank the military and civilian ships of the Allies, making transatlantic travel a risky endeavor. Americans living abroad had to weigh the risks of remaining in German-occupied territories against the treacherous weeks-long voyage back home. U-boat attacks were unrelenting until late in the war when advances in microwave radar detection allowed the Allies to pinpoint their locations, rendering them virtually useless. As the title suggests, this book divides its focus between the heart-wrenching story of survivors of the torpedoed SS West Lashaway awaiting rescue on a small wooden raft in shark-infested waters and a concise and highly readable history of the science of electromagnetic fields. Beginning with discoveries in the eighteenth century, Lantos provides background on each advancement in the science as well as biographical information about the scientists involved, finally introducing the American military scientists and engineers who figured out how to use microwaves to precisely locate distant objects. He ups the tension by alternating the harrowing experience of the shipwreck survivors with development of the radar equipment that was critical to both their rescue and the Allied victory in WWII. This page-turning account, with archival images and occasional chapter-opening illustrations (by Alan Marks), provides equal parts suspense and wonder for readers of history and science alike. Appended with thorough source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. Little Mae loves science, but she also loves dance. “So she decided…to study them both!” Even as she becomes a doctor and then an astronaut, she never stops dancing; on the space shuttle Endeavour, she “danced through space and floated among the stars.” Paired with bright, welcoming illustrations that showcase Jemison’s joy, this lyrical biography of the first Black woman in space emphasizes Jemison’s determination and courage as she pursues both her passions.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Julia Kuo. This attractive, informative, and ambitious collective biography begins with a challenge: "Quick! Name the world's greatest scientist." Messner (The Next President, rev. 3/20) introduces well-known and lesser-known scientists throughout history and organizes the book by theme (scientists as observers, as artists, as readers, etc.). A typical spread depicts three scientists as children engaged in a similar activity, such as tinkering (James West, Grace Hopper, Ayah Bdeir) or skygazing (Johannes Kepler, Maria Mitchell, Adriana Ocampo). Short captions provide information about each as a child, and the book then reveals their corresponding grown-up versions and achievements. This clever structure allows for a smooth flow and offers connection and comparison among scientists across time, cultures, and locales. "Snapshot" interludes provide brief information about specific shared interests (sewing/knitting; the study of Pluto). Kuo's digital illustrations in clear black line and a rich color palette have a paper doll like quality while still being dynamically posed and presented on the pages. Thoughtful curation results in representation of a wide range of identities, fields of study, and challenges throughout the history of modern science. Culminating in a hopeful call for future scientists to create "a better world," the book presents supplemental mini-biographies, further reading, selected sources, and a list of some of the scientists' favorite books.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2024

(2) 4-6 Poised between novel and information book, this story features Samantha, an eleven-year-old wildlife enthusiast who finds joy and excitement in a neglected natural area she christens Winghaven. An anxious new kid in town, she has to cope with a school bully and overly busy parents. Such conventional middle-grade plot elements pale beside crisp, detailed descriptions of the natural world -- the particular mating flight of mourning doves, the ingenious sand traps of the antlion, a close-up of a muskrat lodge: "The mother muskrat reached out and pulled a plant to her mouth with one tiny, four-fingered black hand, drawing it to yellowed teeth." Samantha and her new pal Bram, a photographer, brave the challenges of ticks, poison ivy, the slog of data collection, and adult cynicism to organize a campaign to save Winghaven from property developers, using a data-based argument involving the essential relationship between milkweed and the monarch butterfly. Samantha's field notebook of observations and sketches provides a parallel narrative and could certainly inspire young citizen scientists and activists. Back matter includes "Notes for Young Naturalists," with book recommendations and links to such projects as the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(1) K-3 What did dinosaurs really look like? The best attempts to answer this question are constantly changing. Rubin shows how each major find in paleontology, as well as the techniques and creativity used by paleoartists, have produced improvements in scientifically grounded artistic illustrations. For the iguanodon, unearthed in the early nineteenth century, each subsequent discovery of new fossils, including complete skeletons, was a big help (and one discovery showed that what was thought to be a horn was really a thumb-spike). But equally important were the theoretical advances that led scientists to think of dinosaurs as more akin to modern birds than to modern reptiles. The illustrations for the most recent theories are some of the most exciting, adding colorful flesh, wattles, and feathers reminiscent of the variations in birds. Rubin's pencil, watercolor, and "digital collages" (from the copyright page: "The artist is not entirely sure what to call all this, but 'digital collage' sort of makes sense") portray the paleontologists and artists of each era alongside a rendition of the time period's signature dinosaur, with humorous asides from both species. A helpful text box accompanies the dinosaur portraits and includes a list of their key features, facilitating comparisons across the history of paleontology. Endnotes provide additional backstory as well as source illustrations from prominent historical and contemporary paleoartists.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Emily Paik. In early-nineteenth-century England, young Mary Anning sold shells and fossils she chipped away from the seaside cliffs. Anning’s earnings supported her struggling family; her customers paid top dollar for her unique finds, but many of them were wealthy, educated men who earned prestige for the incredible scientific impact of Anning’s specimens. This digitally illustrated profile alternates between images of folksy, hardworking Anning and her buttoned-up, well-dressed patrons, asking readers to mull over the relationship between the two. Ample back matter provides additional context to the history of paleontology and Anning’s incredible contributions to the field. A thought-provoking introduction to the life of a fascinating, largely unsung heroine.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers. Stone's dedication -- "For anyone who did something awesome and didn't feel the love" -- sets the reparative tone for this picture-book biography of scientist Franklin (1920–1958), whose Photo 51 cracked the DNA code while competing researchers James Watson and Francis Crick took the credit (and the 1962 Nobel Prize). As she weaves science and history, Stone unravels dual mysteries centering on the double helix: how the "secret of life...makes you -- YOU" and how a "twist of fate" triggered Franklin's posthumous recognition. Powers's watercolors perfectly blend representative and expressive styles. Realistically rendered characters and period details set the story in its mid-twentieth-century milieu, while experimental techniques offer evocative visual commentary; for example, when Franklin argues with Watson and Crick, blue watercolor blotches disrupt the tidy floral border and explode the ground beneath them. Although Stone opens by warning, "This true story doesn't really have a happy ending," Powers's accompanying fairy tale–esque castle, adorned with scientific instruments, foreshadows a time in which readers are empowered to interrogate the historical record and reclaim the stories of little-heralded figures. An author's note explains the Matilda Effect, a historical pattern in which men take credit for women's work.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger. Turner tells the amazing story of Caroline Herschel (1750–1848), a pioneering woman in STEM, from her young life as family housekeeper to the discovery of a comet that earns her a paid retainer from the king of England. Despite her mother's insistence on keeping her as a helper in the home, Herschel's curiosity and hard work mean that she is able to first support and eventually work side by side with her brother in both music and astronomy. The scientific siblings create and build new telescopes that can see further into space than anyone has before, leading to a series of remarkable discoveries. (Many readers will be fascinated to learn that pounded horse dung was the innovation that allowed the Herschels to build their telescope and change astronomy.) Turner peppers the text with direct quotes from Herschel's memoir and with memorable moments, such as the winter night when even Caroline's ink freezing in the inkwell did not stop her journey of discovery. Mildenberger's painted illustrations have a historical feeling and are often muddy or dark, but bright stars and faces shine out of the blues and browns. Her characters' animated facial expressions bring scenes to life. Back matter includes additional biographical information, a glossary, sources for quotations in the text, and further reading.

Reviewer: Laura Koenig | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by David Elmo Cooper. This powerful picture book brings to life the essential research of psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark, whose work significantly influenced the fight against segregation, having concluded that "school segregation made Black children feel as if they were not as good as white children." Narrating from the unusual perspective of the dolls in the Clarks' renowned 1939 experiment (which presented schoolchildren with two dolls, one white and one Black, and asked them to choose which one was "bad," among other questions), Weatherford distills a complex moment from the past into an accessible and profound story for young readers. Cooper's digital illustrations in a muted palette make innovative use of off-kilter perspectives reflective of the warped perceptions created by segregation and systemic racism to bring emotional depth. Cooper's visuals enhance Weatherford's assured storytelling, creating a harmonious blend that amplifies the story's impact. Weatherford's elegant and relatable explanation of the significance of the Clarks' work is more than a recounting of facts; this book is a call to action, prompting readers to consider the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes, historical background, and suggestions for further reading.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024