Fourteen Ways of Looking At Jellyfish
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Published by: Candlewick
This book was selected because it is an informational picture book with a coastal theme that educates and enlightens 6-8 year old readers about jellyfish through poetry, mixed-media illustration, and scientific fact. According to Kirkus Reviews (2025), this book is as exciting and interesting as the subject matter itself.
Kirkus Reviews. (2025, Dec. 12). Fourteen Ways of Looking At Jellyfish. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/carole-boston-weatherford/fourteen-ways-of-looking-at-jellyfish/
The Secret World of Seahorses
Illustrated by Lou Baker-Smith
Published by: Candlewick
This book was selected because it is an up-to-date, artistic introduction to marine biology for ages 5-9. This informational coastal-conscious picture book is illustrated with notable mixed-media artwork and explores both environmental and seahorse advocacy. According to Kirkus Reviews (2026), this book is a great learning tool and a visual escape into the ocean.
Kirkus Reviews. (2026, Feb. 16). The Secret World of Seahorses. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/nicola-davies/the-secret-world-of-seahorses/
If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean
Illustrated by Gordy Wright
Published by: Chronicle Books
This information picture book was selected for ages 7-10 because it nurtures curiosity and fosters lifelong learning about our largely unexplored ocean. This title incorporates themes of science and technology with unique illustrations. According to Kirkus Reviews (2025), this book offers readers a compelling perspective.
Kirkus Reviews. (2025, Dec. 26). If You Went to the Bottom of the Ocean. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brooke-mcintyre/if-you-went-to-the-bottom-of-the-ocean/
Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Music
Illustrated by Christian Colbert
Published by: Papercutz
This book was selected because it is part of a STEAM based educational graphic novel series. A combination of science, history, and music, this STEAM-packed title contains all the elements to interest, entertain, and educate middle-grade readers. Kirkus Reviews (2026) states this book can be read as a stand-alone, and is fun and celebratory.
Kirkus Reviews. (2026, May 25). Secret S.T.E.A.M. Society: Music. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/trevor-mueller/secret-steam-society-music/
Bang! The Art, History, and Science of Fireworks
By Ron Miller
Published by: Twenty-first Century/Lerner
This book was selected as a non-fiction title for our readers ages 12-18 because of the comprehensive understanding of fireworks it gives to readers. In our coastal community, fireworks are always part of summer city celebrations. Kirkus Reviews (2025) cites this deep dive into information as paired with a variety of engaging visuals, including photography, artwork, and diagrams.
Kirkus Reviews. (2025, Dec. 12). Bang! The Art, History, and Science of Fireworks. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ron-miller/bang-3/
Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions
by Ellen Prager & Dave Jones
Illustrated by Alece Birnbach
Published by: Columbia University
This book was selected for readers ages 13-18 because it offers a current, engaging look at a number of scientific concepts, providing a foundation for lifelong learning. Theoretical concepts about information and science are introduced. Kirkus Reviews (2024) affirms this as an enjoyable read that may be accessed cover-to-cover or in individual sections.
Kirkus Reviews. (2024, Aug. 17). Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Answers to Your Ocean and Atmosphere Questions. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/ellen-prager/megalodons-mermaids-and-climate-change/
Science Journal for Kids
By Science Journal for Kids,
a registered non-profit organization
Published by YouTube
This YouTube channel from the Science Journal for Kids was selected for it's video library for kids and teens. Videos on this channel offer peer-reviewed content as STEAM-based learning opportunities for student and teacher use. Reviewer Barrett (2023) notes that the Science Journal for Kids resource is teacher-trusted in terms of content and variety.
Barrett, Lindsay. (2023, Dec. 7). 17 of the Best Science Magazines for Kids. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/science-magazines-for-kids/
Science Kids
by Rene Smith
Published by Science Kids
This website is recommended by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was selected for its impressive volume of information available for ages 5-15. Here, you'll discover links to videos, games, facts, quizzes, projects, images and humor about topics in science, technology, engineering, and more. The Idaho Library Commission (2026) lists this as a helpful resource for engaging kids in STEAM learning.
Idaho Commission for Libraries. (2026). STEAM Resources for Early Learners. https://libraries.idaho.gov/stem/steam-learning-resources/early-learners/
ScienceFlix: An Interactive STEM Resource
by Scholastic
Published by Scholastic
This database was selected because it provides kids aged 9-16 with articles, videos, experiments, and information about careers in science. The Wilbraham Public Library highlights ScienceFlix as a chosen database resource with a wide range of science, technology, and engineering topics.
Wilbraham Public Library. (n.d.). Kids' Databases. https://wilbrahamlibrary.org/kids-research
Frontiers for Young Minds
By Frontiers
Published by Frontiers Media
Frontiers for Young Minds is an award‑winning, non‑profit, open-access scientific journal for kids ages 8-15. Reviewer Barrett (2023) notes that this non-profit journal contains articles from scientists that are reviewed by kids, providing a good introduction to reading scientific literature.
Barrett, Lindsay. (2023, Dec. 7). 17 of the Best Science Magazines for Kids. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/science-magazines-for-kids/
Infograhic created with Piktochart. The above information pertains to a fictional library.
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