Science 3 - Earth Systems Books

"The Earth Dragon Awakes: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906" by Laurence Yep is a historical novel that tells the dramatic story of two boys, Henry and Chin, living in San Francisco during the catastrophic earthquake. The narrative vividly describes the city before, during, and after the quake, highlighting the boys' experiences as they face terrifying tremors and the city's subsequent fires. Through their stories, readers gain insights into the social and physical impacts of the earthquake on the community. The book educates about the geological causes of earthquakes, the unpredictability of natural disasters, and the resilience of individuals in times of crisis, providing a realistic and emotionally engaging perspective on one of America's most significant natural disasters.

YouTube: "The Earth Dragon Awakes" Playlist

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/earthdragonawake00yepl

In "Earthquake in the Early Morning" by Mary Pope Osborne, part of the Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie find themselves in San Francisco during the famous 1906 earthquake. As they navigate the crumbling city, they must complete a mission to find a writing inspired by the event while helping others along the way. The book introduces young readers to the science behind earthquakes, explaining tectonic plate movements and their effects on the Earth's surface. Through their journey, Jack and Annie learn about resilience and the importance of community during natural disasters, providing a gentle yet informative perspective on how earthquakes impact human lives. This is a illustrated novella that takes just over 30 minutes to read aloud.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxwh7_L09DE

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/earthquakes0000simo_u7a9

In "Earthquake in the Early Morning" by Mary Pope Osborne, part of the Magic Tree House series, Jack and Annie find themselves in San Francisco during the famous 1906 earthquake. As they navigate the crumbling city, they must complete a mission to find a writing inspired by the event while helping others along the way. The book introduces young readers to the science behind earthquakes, explaining tectonic plate movements and their effects on the Earth's surface. Through their journey, Jack and Annie learn about resilience and the importance of community during natural disasters, providing a gentle yet informative perspective on how earthquakes impact human lives. This is a illustrated novella that takes just over 30 minutes to read aloud.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDVF4wavswQ

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_0439379571

"I Survived the San Francisco Earthquake, 1906" by Lauren Tarshis is part of the engaging "I Survived" series that places young protagonists in the midst of historical disasters. The story follows ten-year-old Leo as he navigates the chaos and destruction of the great San Francisco earthquake. Leo’s tale of survival brings the harrowing experience to life, showcasing the sudden and devastating impact of the earthquake on the city and its inhabitants. Throughout the book, readers learn about the geological forces that cause earthquakes and the importance of resilience and quick thinking during such catastrophic events.

YouTube: "I Survived The San Francisco Earthquake" Playlist

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/isurvivedsanfran0000tars_n0d7

"Flood" by Alvaro F. Villa is a compelling wordless picture book that uses vivid and expressive illustrations to tell the story of a family whose home is threatened by a rising flood. The book captures the family's preparation, their anxious wait as the waters rise, and the aftermath of the flood as they return to assess and rebuild their damaged home. Through its powerful visuals, "Flood" invites readers to explore the emotional journey of facing and recovering from a natural disaster, emphasizing themes of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit. While it doesn't provide textual explanations, the illustrations effectively communicate the impacts of flooding on both the environment and personal lives, making it an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the subject suitable for young readers.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSi0aqjqRlU

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/flood0000vill

"Flood Warning" by Katharine Kenah is part of "The Magic School Bus Rides Again" series, where Ms. Frizzle and her class take on another adventurous learning journey, this time focusing on the phenomenon of flooding. In this story, the class explores the causes of floods, how weather patterns contribute to flooding, and the impact of floods on communities and environments. The narrative is packed with factual information, presented in an accessible and engaging way through the class's immersive, hands-on explorations. The book teaches young readers about the science behind flooding, the importance of flood preparedness, and environmental stewardship to mitigate the effects of floods.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/floodwarning0000kena

"Hurricane!" by Jonathan London follows the story of a boy and his family as they experience the terrifying power of a hurricane. The narrative captures the suspense and intensity of the storm as it approaches, hits, and eventually passes, detailing the family's preparations, their overnight stay in a shelter, and the aftermath of the hurricane. Through vivid illustrations and engaging text, the book portrays the effects of strong winds and heavy rains, including the flooding that often follows such storms. "Hurricane!" teaches young readers about the natural dynamics of hurricanes, the importance of emergency preparedness, and the resilience required to recover from natural disasters, especially focusing on how communities can come together in times of need.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWCWIM1JW70

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/hurricane00lond

"A Storm Called Katrina" by Myron Uhlberg is a poignant children's book that tells the story of a young boy named Louis Daniel and his family as they endure the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The narrative focuses on Louis's experience during and after the storm, highlighting his courage as he and his family face the flooding of their city, their evacuation, and the struggle to maintain hope in the midst of chaos. The illustrations vividly capture the intense emotions and dramatic scenes of the disaster. The book teaches about the power and impact of hurricanes, particularly focusing on the human aspects of such disasters—how individuals and communities cope with the immediate effects and the aftermath of such a significant event.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioIhvgb52y4

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/stormcalledkatri0000uhlb

"The Terrible Wave" by Marden Dahlstedt is a historical fiction novel that recounts the devastating impact of the Johnstown Flood of 1889 through the eyes of a young girl named Megan. The story follows Megan as she experiences the catastrophic collapse of the South Fork Dam and the subsequent flood that destroys her hometown, sweeping away everything in its path. Through Megan’s harrowing survival journey and the community's response, the book vividly illustrates the destructive power of floods and the human capacity for resilience and recovery in the face of disaster. "The Terrible Wave" teaches young readers about the historical events of the Johnstown Flood and broader lessons on emergency preparedness and the importance of community support during natural disasters. It should be noted that this is likely above the reading level of a grade three student, but would be well-suited for a read aloud book.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/terriblewavegrad0000dahl

"Top 10 Worst Floods" by Louise Spilsbury is an educational book that provides a detailed examination of some of the most catastrophic floods in history. The book is structured to introduce young readers to each flood, detailing when and where they occurred, the reasons behind them, and their devastating effects on people and landscapes. Through engaging narrative and striking photographs, it explores the science behind flooding, including natural and human-made causes. This book not only educates about the environmental and social impacts of floods but also discusses prevention and safety measures, teaching children about disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural calamities.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/top10worstfloods0000spil

"The Big Wave" by Pearl S. Buck is a poignant story about two young boys, Kino and Jiya, who live on a farming village on the coast of Japan. The narrative explores their lives and the looming threat of natural disasters in their region, particularly tsunamis. When a massive tsunami eventually strikes, Jiya loses his family and home, while Kino’s family survives because their house is on higher ground. The story delves into themes of loss, resilience, and recovery, teaching children about the power of nature through tsunamis and the importance of community and emotional support in the aftermath of such devastating events. The book also illustrates the necessity of preparedness and the resilience required to rebuild and move forward.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_II91DiZ0M

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/bigwave0000buck_f7m7

"I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011" by Lauren Tarshis is part of the "I Survived" series, focusing on the harrowing experiences of a young boy named Ben who is visiting his family in Japan when the 2011 tsunami hits. The narrative follows Ben as he struggles to find safety and reunite with his family amid the chaos of the natural disaster. Through Ben's journey, the book captures the terrifying power of the tsunami as it destroys everything in its path, illustrating not only the physical devastation but also the emotional impact on those affected. The story teaches readers about the science of tsunamis, the importance of emergency preparedness, and the resilience needed to overcome such catastrophic events, providing a vivid, personal perspective on one of the most powerful tsunamis in recorded history.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stefaniefuerte3705/videos *

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isurvivedjapanes0000tars

*This a location with all of the chapters of this book as a collection; there was no playlist combining all of them.

"Tsunami!" by Kimiko Kajikawa is a compelling children's book that tells the story of an elderly and wealthy rice farmer named Ojiisan, which means "grandfather" in Japanese. The story is set in Japan and begins when Ojiisan senses that something is terribly wrong despite the clear and calm day. Trusting his instincts, he sets fire to his own rice fields as a way to drive his unsuspecting villagers away from the shore and up the hill to his home, saving them from a devastating tsunami that soon strikes. This book teaches about the sudden and destructive nature of tsunamis, emphasizing the importance of quick thinking and selfless acts in times of disaster. It also introduces children to traditional Japanese cultural elements and the significance of community and wisdom.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iazEMOluwU

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/tsunami00kaji

"Wave" by Suzy Lee is a captivating wordless picture book that uses expressive and minimalist charcoal and watercolor illustrations to tell the story of a little girl’s encounter with the waves at the beach. Through a series of playful interactions, the girl experiences the motion and emotions evoked by the ocean’s waves. As the waves grow larger and more forceful, she learns about the unpredictable nature of water, culminating in a moment where a big wave crashes and surprises her. Although the book does not specifically address tsunamis, it subtly introduces the concept of waves' power and unpredictability, offering an opportunity to discuss natural phenomena like tsunamis in a broader context of oceanic behavior.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MiEPS1P7i4

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/wave0000lees

"Escape from Pompeii" by Christina Balit tells the story of Tranio, an actor's son, and his friend Livia, who live in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The narrative unfolds as Mount Vesuvius begins its catastrophic eruption, casting the city into chaos and destruction. Through vivid illustrations and compelling storytelling, the children witness the terrifying power of the volcano as they race to escape the city. The book educates young readers about the historical event of the Pompeii eruption, providing insights into how volcanoes can impact civilizations and the importance of understanding geological and volcanic activities for safety.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GeTML62tII

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/escapefrompompei0000bali

"Escape from Pompeii" by Terry Collins is an engaging graphic novel that brings to life the story of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD through the eyes of two children, Tranio and Livia, who are residents of Pompeii. As the volcano erupts, the narrative follows the duo's harrowing escape through the ash-filled streets of their city, offering dramatic visuals and dialogues that capture the urgency of their situation. The book provides an educational look at the science of volcanoes, explaining why they erupt and the kind of impact these eruptions can have on nearby human populations. Through its vivid illustrations and fast-paced story, it emphasizes the importance of understanding natural disasters and the powerful forces of nature.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/escapefrompompei0000coll

In "The Magic School Bus Blows Its Top: A Book About Volcanoes" by Gail Herman and Joanna Cole, Ms. Frizzle's class embarks on another extraordinary field trip, this time diving deep into the workings of a volcano. With the iconic Magic School Bus transforming to explore the inner parts of the earth, the students experience firsthand the process of volcanic eruption. Throughout their adventure, readers learn about the formation of volcanoes, the different types of eruptions, and the various volcanic rocks. The book effectively combines fun storytelling with educational content, teaching children about the geology of volcanoes in an engaging and memorable way.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDq09srO3D0

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/magicschoolbusbl0000herm

Internet Archive Library (French): https://archive.org/details/lautobusmagiquee0000herm

In "Vacation Under the Volcano" by Mary Pope Osborne, siblings Jack and Annie are whisked away to ancient Pompeii by their magical tree house just before the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius. As they explore the Roman town, they must find a lost library book amidst the bustling life of Pompeii, unaware of the impending disaster. The story introduces young readers to the historical event of Vesuvius's eruption, illustrating the power of volcanoes and the impact they can have on human civilization. Through their adventure, Jack and Annie learn about the science of volcanoes, including warning signs and the consequences of eruptions, making complex geological concepts accessible and engaging for children. It should be noted that this is not an illustrated book, but a non-illustrated book that has a total playing time of about 45 minutes.

YouTube: "Vacation Under The Volcano" Playlist

In "Volcano Disaster" by Peg Kehret, siblings Warren and Betsy are visiting their aunt on an island when a long-dormant volcano suddenly begins to rumble. As the volcano awakens and begins to erupt, the children, along with their aunt and a scientist, must find a way to survive and escape the impending lava flows and ash clouds. The narrative provides an exciting adventure that teaches readers about the signs of a volcanic eruption, the dangers associated with volcanoes, and how to respond in such a crisis. Through its engaging plot, the book also educates young readers on the science behind volcanoes, including how they form and why they erupt, making complex geological concepts accessible and engaging. This book is roughly 125 pages long and non-illustrated, so you may want to consider it for a read-aloud book.

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/volcanodisaster0000kehr

"Danny and the Dinosaur" by Syd Hoff is a charming children's book about a young boy named Danny who visits a museum and is surprised when one of the dinosaurs comes to life. Eager for adventure, Danny and the dinosaur spend a delightful day together exploring the town, playing with other children, and experiencing everyday activities from a unique perspective. This classic story, while primarily focusing on the friendship between Danny and his prehistoric companion, introduces children to the concept of dinosaurs, sparking their imagination about these ancient creatures. Although it doesn't delve deeply into scientific facts about dinosaurs, it encourages curiosity about history and paleontology in a fun and engaging way.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5IcK-Gnmuo

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/dannydinosaurtre0000hoff

"Dinosaur!" by David Norman, part of the DK Eyewitness Books series, is a comprehensive and visually stunning guide to the world of dinosaurs. The book provides detailed information on a wide variety of dinosaur species, exploring their evolution, anatomy, and behaviors through vivid illustrations and photographs of fossils and skeletal reconstructions. Readers learn about the different periods of the Mesozoic Era—Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous—and the specific dinosaurs that dominated each period. The book also delves into the methods used by paleontologists to uncover dinosaur remains and interpret their findings, offering insights into the extinction theories and the ongoing scientific research in paleontology. This educational approach not only broadens the understanding of these fascinating creatures but also highlights the dynamic field of dinosaur science.

Internet Archive Library (English): https://archive.org/details/dinosaurdkeyewit00davi

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/dinosaurios0000norm

"Fly Guy Presents: Dinosaurs" by Tedd Arnold is part of the engaging "Fly Guy Presents" series, where Fly Guy and his friend Buzz visit a natural history museum to learn all about dinosaurs. The book blends humorous elements with educational content, as Fly Guy and Buzz explore different types of dinosaurs, their characteristics, and their environments. Through colorful illustrations and accessible text, readers learn about dinosaur fossils, how paleontologists study these ancient creatures, and various theories about why dinosaurs became extinct. This book is designed to captivate young readers' interest in science by presenting facts in a fun and lively format, making learning about dinosaurs both enjoyable and informative.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb5rRDDhylw

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/flyguypresentsdi00arno

"National Geographic Kids: Dinosaurs" by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld is an engaging and educational book that delves into the fascinating world of dinosaurs. It offers a detailed exploration of various dinosaur species, their habitats, and behaviors, using National Geographic's signature high-quality photographs and illustrations to bring these prehistoric creatures to life. The book teaches about the anatomy of dinosaurs, the environments in which they thrived, and the paleontological methods used to uncover their fossils. Additionally, it provides insights into the extinction events that ended the era of the dinosaurs and discusses some of the latest discoveries in the field, making complex scientific concepts accessible and interesting to young readers.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSEeR9XzJJE

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/dinosaurs0000zoeh_d2s2

"Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark" by Mary Pope Osborne is the first book in the acclaimed Magic Tree House series, which introduces young readers to Jack and Annie, siblings who discover a magical tree house filled with books that transport them through time and space. In this adventure, they are whisked away to the prehistoric past, where they encounter a world teeming with dinosaurs. As they navigate this ancient environment, they learn about different dinosaur species, their habitats, and behaviors. The book combines an exciting narrative with educational elements, teaching children basic facts about these majestic creatures, such as their diet and the challenges they faced in their daily survival. 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z-J7kVB2S4

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780770439507

"The Magic School Bus: In the Time of the Dinosaurs" by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen is a captivating entry in the beloved Magic School Bus series, where Ms. Frizzle takes her class on an extraordinary field trip back to the time of the dinosaurs. Aboard their magical bus, the students explore various prehistoric periods, encountering numerous dinosaur species along the way. The book provides detailed information about the habitats, behaviors, and characteristics of different dinosaurs, illustrating the diversity and complexity of these ancient creatures. It also teaches about the geological and environmental conditions of the Earth during the Mesozoic Era, offering insights into the science of paleontology and the process of fossilization, all presented in an engaging and educational format that encourages curiosity and learning.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hly6ChPkdqU

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/magicschoolbusin0000cole_o2k3

"Diary of a Worm" by Doreen Cronin is a delightful children's book that follows the daily life of a young worm through his diary entries. The story uses humor and whimsy to give readers a worm's-eye view of the world, highlighting his interactions with his family and friends, his adventures above and below the earth, and his experiences at school. While the book is primarily entertaining, it subtly teaches about the ecological role of worms in enhancing soil quality and promoting plant growth by breaking down organic material and aerating the earth. Through the worm's daily activities, children learn about the importance of worms to our ecosystem in a fun and engaging way.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3X2DWzoq4

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/diaryofworm0000cron_y7y8

Internet Archive Library (Chinese): https://archive.org/details/earthworms00duol

Internet Archive Library (Spanish): https://archive.org/details/eldiariodeunalom0000cron

"Seed to Plant" by Gail Gibbons is an informative children's book that explores the lifecycle of plants, from seed germination to plant growth and reproduction. Through clear illustrations and straightforward text, the book explains the process by which seeds are planted in soil, sprout, and grow into mature plants that produce flowers and, eventually, seeds. It emphasizes the essential role of soil in providing nutrients to plants, as well as the importance of sunlight, water, and proper care. The book is educational, teaching young readers about the basics of botany and the interconnectedness of life cycles in the natural world, making it a valuable resource for understanding how plants and soil sustain life on Earth.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLEns2oCd6U

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/fromseedtoplant00gibb

"There's a Hair in My Dirt! A Worm's Story" by Gary Larson is a darkly humorous book that tells the story of a young worm named Harold who is disillusioned with his life underground. The narrative unfolds as Harold's father explains the ecological truths of nature to him, using the story of a young woman named Harriet who romanticizes nature without understanding its harsh realities. Through witty illustrations and sharp commentary, Larson explores ecological concepts and misconceptions about nature. The book provides insights into the role of various organisms in the ecosystem, including the importance of soil and the creatures that inhabit it, teaching readers about the complex and often misunderstood interactions within nature. Though this book is written for audiences well above a grade three level, the story will still keep grade three students engaged, while adults can enjoy the scientific humour of the book.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv_WWf9VZ1o

Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/thereshairinmydi00gary

"Wiggling Worms at Work" by Wendy Pfeffer is an educational children’s book that explores the world of earthworms and their crucial role in the ecosystem. Through engaging illustrations and clear, informative text, the book describes how worms live, move, and eat within the soil, demonstrating their importance in aerating the earth and enriching it by breaking down organic material into nutrients that plants can use. The narrative explains the process of how worms transform the soil, making it fertile and promoting healthy plant growth. This book effectively teaches young readers about the significance of these invertebrates in soil health and garden maintenance, highlighting the unseen work that makes fertile soil possible.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLEns2oCd6U

Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/fromseedtoplant00gibb