Chapter book readers who are interested in science would probably like Phineas L. MacGuire... Erupts! by Frances O'Orark Dowell. Phineas (known as Mac) is very scientifically interested in mold and explosions. His best friend, Marcus, has moved away and an annoying new kid named Mac R. has joined his fourth-grade class. Mac is unfortunately partnered with Mac R. for the fourth-grade science fair project, and has to figure out how to work with someone he'd rather avoid. There are lots of great (and messy) ideas for scientific experiments in the book that kids will be itching to try.Another good pick for the scientifically-minded is the Franny K.
Stein series by Jim Benton. Franny isn't like most little girls, since instead of flowers and ponies, she likes bats and slime and does amazing scientific experiments at home. In the first book, called Lunch Walks Among Us, Franny tries to fit in by faking an interest in dolls and such so she can talk with the other girls in her class. But a horrible Monstrous Fiend attacks the class and Franny's gross experiments may be the only thing that can save the day.
There's a nonfiction offering for older kids that recently came out called Are You Afraid Yet? The Science Behind Scary Stuff by Stephen O'Meara. This book uses an appealing graphic novel-style format to explain stuff like guillotines and beheading, monsters, bugs, and lots of other creepy things. It also explains fear's physical effects on the body and why we are afraid of certain things. This would be great for kids age 10-12 who like scary stuff and/or science.
No comments:
Post a Comment