By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: November 12, 2010
This is a book list for sports enthusiasts, young Einsteins-in-the-making, myth busters, restless minds and grown men! From Potato Chip Science to The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records, there is seriously something for everyone. And, while I would recommend most of these books to the most reluctant of readers—particularly boys—I would suggest that you don’t rule these suggestions out for girls. Young girls in particular have very curious minds and very much enjoy a good hands-on experiment—there’s also a beautiful and energetic baseball book which tells the inspiring story of Effa Manley.
The Science Books
Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
by Allen Kurzweil (Author), Max Kurzweil (Collaborator)
Reading level: Ages 8-12
Paperback: 96 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 1, 2010)
Source: Author
The packaging of this kit (a “book & stuff”) alone has a ton of kid-appeal—it looks and feels like a bag of potato chips—but it’s not the cover from which we judge, it’s what is on the inside. Judge for yourself …
Add this book (and stuff) to your collection: Potato Chip Science: 29 Incredible Experiments
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The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists
by Sean Connolly
Reading level: Ages 9 and up
Hardcover: 205 pages
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (September 24, 2008)
Source: Personal collection
This is one that dad’s cannot resist working on with their kids.
Add this book to your collection: The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science: 64 Daring Experiments for Young Scientists
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Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You
by Catherine Rondina (Author), Kevin Sylvester (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 7-10
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2010)
Source: Publicist
It offers entertaining explanations of why adults say the things they do. This is a very fun book for stuffing into a stocking. Why? Because I said so, that’s why.
Add this book to your collection: Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You
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by editors of Klutz
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover-spiral: 197 pages
Publisher: Klutz; Spi edition (October 1, 2010)
Source: Publisher
Full color pages with photographs and pictures on every page. The hardcover makes this a nice choice for a gift, and the spiral binding makes it easy to flip and work through.
Add this book to your collection: The Klutz Book of Inventions
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The Inside Series
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Sterling (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publisher
This is a brand new series: The Inside Series, published by Sterling Books. Each book has a focus: the human body, dinosaurs, hurricanes, etc.. The books are factual and have a great visual layout which helps with easier digestion of information.
Add this book to your collection: Inside: Human Body by Dr. Aron M. Bruhn MD
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The Sports Books
Sports Illustrated Kids All Access: Your Pass to Behind the Scenes Photos of Athletes, Locker Rooms, and More
by Editors of Sports Illustrated Kids
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Sports Illustrated (October 26, 2010)
Source: Publicist
This books offers a brief-but-great look at some of the biggest names in sport and inside their locker rooms. Unique, clear page overlays offer quality visual effects of things such as basketball player Shaquille O’Neal’s hand measured over Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson’s.
Add this book to your collection: Sports Illustrated Kids All Access: Your Pass to Behind the Scenes Photos of Athletes, Locker Rooms, and More
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Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate
by Thatcher Heldring
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 9, 2010)
Source: Publisher
It’s the classic tale of keeping up good grades to make it to the big leagues. An engaging story for baseball fans.
Add this book to your collection: Roy Morelli Steps Up to the Plate
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She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
by Audrey Vernick (Author), Don Tate (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 5-8
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Collins (October 19, 2010)
Source: Publisher
An inspiring and well-written biography with lively painted illustrations—wonderfully executed.
Add this book to your collection: She Loved Baseball: The Effa Manley Story
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TIME For Kids That’s Awesome: The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records
by Editors of Time for Kids Magazine
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Time For Kids (October 5, 2010)
Source: Publicist
A pick-up-and-read-anytime kind of book that will interest both the science and sports enthusiasts. A menagerie of conversation starting facts.
Add this book to your collection: TIME For Kids That’s Awesome: The World’s Most Amazing Facts and Records
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Extras
Company’s description: Turn your room into an authentically detailed 3-D lunar landscape. After your child is all tucked in for the night, Moon in My Room creates a peaceful, glowing effect for a night full of sweet dreams. Its whimsical effect is fun for adults, too! Ages 6 and up.
Add this to your shopping basket: Moon In My Room
Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Wind Power
Company’s description: Renewable Energy Science Kit. Build a working wind turbine. Harness mechanical energy to lift weights. Generate electricity to light an LED and charge a battery. Learn the physics of wind turbines. Discover how wind occurs and why it is such a good energy source. Includes full-color, 32 page experiment manual. Ages 8 and up.
Add this to your shopping basket: Thames & Kosmos Alternative Energy and Environmental Science Wind Power
