Science 5 - Space Books
Astronomical Phenomena (Cyclical)
"A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky: The Story of the Stars, Planets, and Constellations—and How You Can Find Them in the Sky" by Michael Driscoll is an engaging guide that introduces young readers to the wonders of astronomy. The book combines fascinating facts, myths, and illustrations to explore stars, planets, and constellations. Complete with a star wheel for easy identification, it offers practical tips and activities that make stargazing fun and educational. With a blend of science, storytelling, and hands-on learning, Driscoll’s book is a perfect resource for budding astronomers eager to discover the mysteries of the night sky.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/facesofmoon0000crel
"Moon! Earth's Best Friend" by Stacy McAnulty is a charming and educational book that personifies the moon, presenting it as a friendly and relatable character. Through engaging and playful text, the moon shares fascinating facts about itself, including its phases, surface features, and relationship with Earth. The book is beautifully illustrated, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and fun for young readers. It's an excellent resource for children to learn about the moon's importance and its role in the solar system.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/moonearthsbestfr0000mcan
"The Moon Book" by Gail Gibbons is an informative and visually appealing resource that introduces young readers to the wonders of the moon. Through detailed illustrations and clear explanations, Gibbons covers various aspects of the moon, including its phases, surface features, and its role in eclipses and tides. The book also delves into the history of lunar exploration and the cultural significance of the moon. It's an excellent resource for children to gain a comprehensive understanding of our nearest celestial neighbor.
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/isbn_0823413640
"The Moon Seems to Change" by Franklyn M. Branley is an informative book that introduces young readers to the concept of the moon's phases. Part of the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science" series, the book explains why the moon appears to change shape over the course of a month. Using simple language and engaging illustrations, Branley describes the lunar cycle and the science behind it. The book also includes easy experiments and activities to help children understand and observe the phases of the moon in real life.
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/moonseemstochang0000bran
"Next Time You See the Moon" by Emily Morgan is a captivating book designed to spark curiosity and wonder about the moon in young readers. The book encourages children to observe the moon's phases and understand the science behind its changing appearance. Through vivid illustrations and engaging text, Morgan explains the moon's orbit, phases, and its relationship with Earth. The book also includes activities and prompts to inspire hands-on learning and further exploration of lunar phenomena.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/nexttimeyouseemo0000morg/
"The Reasons for Seasons" by Gail Gibbons is a beautifully illustrated book that explains the science behind the changing seasons. It delves into how the Earth's tilt and its orbit around the Sun cause the variations in weather and daylight throughout the year. The book presents complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to young readers. Through detailed illustrations and straightforward text, Gibbons helps children understand why we experience different seasons and the significance of solstices and equinoxes.
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780823412389
"Sunshine Makes the Seasons" by Franklyn M. Branley is an informative book that explains how the Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun create the different seasons. With more than half of the book being an outline of how to use a pencil, orange, and a flashlight to illustrate this seasons, this book can be a bit of an instruction manual for kids to follow to understand the seasons hands-on. The book is part of the "Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science" series, which aims to introduce children to basic scientific concepts.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/sunshinemakessea00bran_0
Astronomical Phenomena (Non-cyclical)
"Aurora: A Tale of the Northern Lights" by Mindy Dwyer is a beautifully illustrated book that intertwines folklore and science to explain the captivating phenomenon of the northern lights. The story follows Aurora, a young girl who embarks on a magical journey to understand the mysteries of the shimmering lights in the night sky. Through her adventure, readers learn about the myths and legends surrounding the aurora borealis, as well as the scientific principles behind it. Dwyer's enchanting narrative and vivid artwork make this book an engaging and educational read for young students.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/aurorataleofnort0000dwye
"Eclipses" by Nick Hunter is an informative book that delves into the fascinating phenomena of solar and lunar eclipses. Part of the "Exploring Space" series, it explains the science behind these events, including the alignment of celestial bodies and the differences between solar and lunar eclipses. The book is filled with vivid photographs and clear, accessible text, making complex concepts easy for young readers to understand. Additionally, it provides historical context and practical tips on how to safely observe eclipses, making it an engaging and comprehensive resource for fifth-grade students.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/eclipses0000hunt
"A Search for the Northern Lights" by Elizabeth Rusch is an enchanting book that combines scientific exploration with a captivating narrative. The story follows a young girl and her family as they embark on an adventure to witness the elusive northern lights. Through their journey, readers learn about the science behind the aurora borealis, including the conditions that create this stunning natural phenomenon. The book is richly illustrated, making the complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging for young readers, while also celebrating the beauty and wonder of the northern lights.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/searchfornorther0000rusc
"Seeking An Aurora" by Elizabeth Pulford and illustrated by Anne Bannock is a beautifully crafted picture book that follows the journey of a father and son as they venture out into the cold night to witness the awe-inspiring aurora borealis. The story captures the magical and serene experience of observing the northern lights, emphasizing the bond between parent and child and the wonders of nature. Through lyrical prose and stunning illustrations, the book conveys the beauty and mystery of the aurora, making it a captivating read for young audiences. It combines poetic storytelling with an appreciation for the natural world, offering both an educational and emotionally resonant experience.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/seekingaurora0000pulf
"When the Sun Goes Dark" by Andrew Fraknoi and Dennis Schatz is an engaging educational book that explains the phenomenon of solar eclipses through a captivating narrative. The story follows a young girl and her grandparents as they explore the science behind solar eclipses, using hands-on activities and demonstrations to illustrate key concepts. Readers learn about the alignment of the sun, moon, and Earth, as well as the different types of eclipses and how to safely view them. The book combines storytelling with interactive learning, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/whensungoesdark0000frak
Cultural Interpretations of Phenomena
"Northern Lights: The Science, Myth, and Wonder of Aurora Borealis" by Calvin Hall and Daryl Pederson is an engaging book that explores the captivating phenomenon of the aurora borealis. It combines scientific explanations of how the northern lights are formed with myths and legends from various cultures that have sought to explain their mysterious beauty. The book features stunning photography that captures the awe-inspiring spectacle of the aurora, alongside accessible text that makes complex scientific concepts understandable for young readers. It provides a comprehensive look at the northern lights, blending science, culture, and visual wonder into an educational and mesmerizing experience.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/northernlightssc0000hall
"The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice" by Wendy Pfeffer is an engaging book that explores the significance of the winter solstice. It explains the science behind the shortest day of the year, detailing how the tilt of the Earth's axis leads to varying amounts of daylight. The book also highlights various cultural traditions and celebrations associated with the winter solstice around the world. Through captivating illustrations and informative text, Pfeffer provides a comprehensive look at this important astronomical event, making it both educational and enjoyable for young readers.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/shortestdayceleb0000pfef
"Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back: A Native American Year of Moons" by Joseph Bruchac and Jonathan London is a beautifully illustrated collection of Native American legends that explain the thirteen lunar cycles of the year. Each moon's story is drawn from a different Native American tribe, offering a rich tapestry of cultural interpretations and teachings connected to nature and the changing seasons. Through poetic prose and captivating artwork, the book celebrates the harmony between the natural world and Indigenous traditions. It's an enlightening read that provides young readers with a deeper understanding of Native American heritage and their connection to the lunar calendar.
Internet Archive Library: https://archive.org/details/thirteenmoonsont00bruc
"We Gather Together: Celebrating the Harvest Season" by Wendy Pfeffer is an informative and engaging book that explores the cultural significance of harvest festivals around the world. Through vivid illustrations and accessible text, the book delves into the traditions and celebrations of various cultures, from Thanksgiving in the United States to Moon Festivals in Asia. It explains the historical and agricultural roots of these festivals and how different communities give thanks for the bounty of the earth. The book provides young readers with a global perspective on the ways people honor and celebrate the harvest season, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultural practices.
Internet Archive Library (only available for people with print disabilities): https://archive.org/details/wegathertogether0000pfef