Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking MachineLaurie Wallmark, illustrated by April ChuAn inspirational story of Ada Byron Lovelace, who overcame struggles to pursue her interests in math and science.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book detailsNSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 2016
The 2016 edition contains 48 selections published by the National Science Teaching Association. The source organizes the selections into Winning Titles. It is one annual edition of the NSTA science trade-book bibliography for students and educators. The selected trade books connect literacy with science subjects and were published during the preceding year.
2016 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12See the original list
Selections48
Published byNational Science Teaching Association
SectionsWinning Titles
Winning Titles
48 selections
Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking MachineLaurie Wallmark, illustrated by April ChuAn inspirational story of Ada Byron Lovelace, who overcame struggles to pursue her interests in math and science.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 720LATOS Book Level 4.6View book details
After the AshesSara K. JoinerFeel the impact of falling ash and a devastating tsunami generated by the cataclysmic eruption of Krakatau in 1883 through the lives of two fictional characters struggling to survive the ordeal.Winning TitlesView book details
Ancient Earth Journal: The Early CretaceousJuan Carlos Alonso, Gregory S. PaulBeautiful illustrations take readers on a trek through the early Cretaceous period of geologic time to explore the diversity of dinosaurs that roamed Earth circa 120 million years ago.Winning TitlesView book details
Animal MouthsMary HollandA description of the structures of mouths that allow various animals to survive by catching and eating plants, seeds, and other animals.Winning TitlesView book details
BilbyEdel Wignell, illustrated by Mark JacksonA description of how the endangered Australian marsupial, the bilby, survives and raises her young.Winning TitlesView book details
BirdologyMonica Russo, Kevin ByronThis fantastic book of bird information will inspire future ornithologists with independent field studies, tips for observing birds, and 30 hands-on activities.Winning TitlesView book details
The Call of the OspreyDorothy Hinshaw Patent, William MuñozStunning photographs accompany this adventure as scientists in the field study everything from danger to migration of the magnificent osprey.Winning TitlesView book details
ChocolateKay FrydenborgA wonderfully fast-paced narrative of the history and science of one of the world’s favorite treats!Winning TitlesView book details
Dirty Rats?Darrin Lunde, illustrated by Adam GustavsonA look at the differences between various species of rats and the important role a rat can play within an ecosystem.Winning TitlesView book details
EggSteve Jenkins, Robin PageDelightful book about different egg-laying animals, types and sizes of eggs, the places eggs are laid, and the ways animals get out of them when the time comes!Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure AD1050LATOS Book Level 7.2View book details
EmuClaire Saxby, illustrated by Graham ByrneHave you ever met an emu? Now’s the time to do so.Winning TitlesView book details
Eyewitness Explorer: Nature RangerDKExplore the wonders of our natural world like a true nature ranger; learn fascinating information, ranging from skull characteristics to outdoor experiments!Winning TitlesView book details
The Fantastic Ferris WheelBetsy Harvey Kraft, illustrated by Steve Salerno, Henry HoltThis fascinating account of how George Ferris turned a crazy idea into a reality will have you wanting to travel back in time to experience a ride on this marvelous invention.Winning TitlesView book details
Fire BirdsSneed B. Collard IIIThe phenomenal author Sneed B. Collard III investigates the rich diversity of bird life that comes out of the disaster of forest fires.Winning TitlesView book details
Flying CarsAndrew GlassSure to be a hit with collectors and those interested in unique transportation, these stories showcase those that had ingenious ideas.Winning TitlesView book details
Food EngineeringMichael BurganFarmers, scientists, and consumers all have a stake in the food technology industry, and Burgan’s documentation provides insight into the role of science and technology in food production.Winning TitlesView book details
The Fruits We EatGail GibbonsDiscover a wide variety of delicious fruits in this information-packed, beautifully illustrated book that’s great for young readers.Winning TitlesView book details
The Great Monkey RescueSandra MarkleSandra Markle documents the plight of the golden lion tamarin in the Brazilian forest through engaging narrative text supported by photographs and maps.Winning TitlesView book details
High Tide for Horseshoe CrabsLisa Kahn Schnell, illustrated by Alan MarksJoin the frenzy of migrating horseshoe crabs as you read about their arrival on the shores of the Delaware Bay, where they lay tiny eggs in golf ball–sized clusters.Winning TitlesView book details
Home Address: ISSJames Buckley Jr, illustrated by SmithsonianA fascinating look into the unique and amazing life on the International Space Station. (an easy reader with rich learning).Winning TitlesView book details
How to Swallow a PigSteve Jenkins, Robin PageLearn about the dining style of a large snake and other useful survival skills employed by creatures in the wild in this eye-catching how-to for young readers.Winning TitlesView book details
Hurricane WatchMelissa Stewart, illustrated by Taia MorleyAn exciting look into how hurricanes form, the scientists who work with them, and safety tips!Winning TitlesView book details
Inside Biosphere 2Mary Kay Carson. Photos by Tom Uhlman. Houghton Mifflin HarcourtPart of the Scientists in the Field, gives a brief overview of the original purpose of the enclosed living environment and a closer look into how scientists are using it to study Earth system processes today.Winning TitlesView book details
The Inventor’s SecretSuzanne Slade, illustrated by Jennifer Black ReinhardtA story of friendship between two of the most successful inventors; the secret of their success will inspire today’s young inventors.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 769LATOS Book Level 4.9View book details
Little Puffin’s First FlightJonathan London, illustrated by Jon Van ZyleA precious nature adventure, masterfully illustrated, that follows the life of a young puffin as he faces the dangers of the sea.Winning TitlesView book details
Magnificent MindsPendred E. NoyceThrough photographs, timelines, and artifacts, Noyce brings the narrative stories of 16 truly magnificent women in STEM careers to life in this informational text.Winning TitlesView book details
Mrs. Carter’s Butterfly GardenSteve RichBe inspired by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s efforts to protect and save butterflies by creating a beautiful garden at her home in Plains, Georgia.Winning TitlesView book details
Next Time You See a SpiderwebEmily MorganPart of the series, this book helps readers develop an understanding of the structure and function of webs created by spiders.Winning TitlesView book details
OceanJohn WoodwardA stunning visual encyclopedia that provides amazing information about oceans and marine lifeWinning TitlesView book details
The Octopus ScientistsSy Montgomery, Keith EllenbogenJoin scientists as they travel to the island of Moorea to explore the fascinating mollusk, the octopus, in this vividly photographed story with detailed information about their findings—especially about their minds.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 1009LATOS Book Level 6.8View book details
A Passion for ElephantsToni Buzzeo, illustrated by Holly Berry, DialCynthia Moss studied and learned about these enormous animals that she grew to love and fought to protect from ivory poachers.Winning TitlesView book details
The Pier at the End of the WorldPaul Erickson, Andrew MartinezIn the murky, cold waters surrounding a decaying pier in in the north Atlantic coast, there is a habitat for “strange and beautiful” sea creatures that will fascinate you.Winning TitlesView book details
Raindrops RollApril Pulley SayreTake a close-up look at raindrops through Sayre’s stunning photography, perfect for young readersWinning TitlesLexile Text Measure AD560LATOS Book Level 3.7View book details
Remarkable MindsPendred E. NoyceThe inspirational stories behind 16 remarkable women in science and medicine that is sure to spur young women interested in the natural sciences.Winning TitlesView book details
Sally RideTam O’ShaughnessyPersonal account of Sally Ride’s life as told in photos and words by her friend and life partner.Winning TitlesView book details
Sand SwimmersNarelle OliverFollow the footsteps of early explorers into the Dead Heart desert in the center of Australia and learn about the mysterious animals that survive in this harsh environment.Winning TitlesView book details
Small WondersMatthew Clark Smith, illustrated by Giuliano FerriThe real life story of a curious boy, Jean-Henri Fabre, who was intrigued by the insect world, overcoming teasing to become an expert and Nobel Prize nominee.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure AD880LATOS Book Level 5.1View book details
So, You Want to Work with the Ancient and Recent Dead?J. M. Bedell, illustrated by AladdinTerrific introduction for students who might want to become into an archeologist, forensic scientist, paleontologist, or medical examiner to explore what the remains of a dead organism is trying to tell us about its pastWinning TitlesView book details
Space!DKAppropriate as an astronomy resource for all age levels, this DK book includes high-quality captioned photos and multilayered text about planets, constellations, black holes, neutron stars, and more.Winning TitlesView book details
SpidermaniaAlexandra Siy, illustrated by Dennis Kunkel, Dennis KunkelDid you know that the diving bell spider is the only one that lives underwater? Amazing photographs, descriptions, and information in this book will teach you so much more.Winning TitlesView book details
Spit & SticksMarilyn Grohoske Evans, illustrated by Nicole GsellThe life cycle of swift birds and its analogy with a human family.Winning TitlesView book details
Steve JobsJessie Hartland, illustrated by Schwartz, WadeHartland’s graphic novel traces the life of Steve Jobs, including his struggles in most levels of formal schooling and his groundbreaking achievements in inventing technology devices that revolutionized digital communication.Winning TitlesWord Count 514View book details
Terrible Typhoid MarySusan Campbell Bartoletti. Houghton Mifflin HarcourtThis search for the carrier of Typhoid reads like a mystery who-done-it; but this true story happened when the field of epidemiology was in its infancy.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 980LATOS Book Level 7.2View book details
The Walking FishRachelle Burk, Kopel BurkJoin seventh graders Alexis and Darshan on a wild hunt to find out more about an unusual fish!Winning TitlesView book details
Welcome to MarsBuzz Aldrin, Marianne J. DysonAs NASA prepares for a future mission to Mars, moon explorer Buzz Aldrin offers valuable insights, based upon the latest thoughts on what it will take for human habitation on Mars to become a reality.Winning TitlesView book details
Welcome to New ZealandSandra MorrisBeautifully illustrated model of a naturalist journal with drawings and observations of the natural world of an amazing country.Winning TitlesView book details
When the Earth ShakesSimon Winchester, illustrated by VikingExplore some of Earth’s most violent and dynamic forces such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis in regard to their impact upon humankind and nature.Winning TitlesView book details
Wild at HeartTerri Farley, Melissa FarlowThe advocacy of students and guiding adults is a critical factor in trying the save the iconic wild mustangs, which currently are endangered.Winning TitlesLexile Text Measure 970LATOS Book Level 6.4View book details