Print+Resources


 * Print Resources: **

**//The Reasons for the Seasons //****by Gail Gibbons **  In typical Gail Gibbon’s style, the author does a wonderful job of explaining in clear and easy to understand terms for elementary students the reasons the Earth has different seasons. Gibbons explores the effects of the earth’s tilt, the Earth’s hemispheres, the equinoxes, and the solstices. She illustrates her story in colorful pictures that support the main ideas on each page. An excellent, easy to understand resource for researching questions on the reasons we have seasons.

**//The Mystery of Black Holes //****by Chris Oxlade **  This book is a terrific starting point for researchers beginning to learn about the concept of black holes. The author discusses the mystery of black holes, what they are and why they exist. He explains to the reader what causes black holes and what occurs inside a black hole. He discusses some of the misconceptions we have about black holes. Complete with pictures and illustrations to help the reader understand the concepts, Chris Oxlade does a great job explaining a very interesting topic about space. He includes a table of contents and an excellent glossary.

**//There’s No Place Like Space! //****by Tish Rabe **  In true Dr. Seuss fashion, author Tish Rabe employs the help of The Cat in the Hat, and Thing One and Thing Two to take the reader on a quick trip through our solar system. In rhyming verse, this is an excellent, fun introduction to the different planets in our solar system. This book provides very basic information about the planets, in an easy to read format.

**//When is a Planet not a Planet? The Story of Pluto //****by Elaine Scott **  <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“Scott takes the 2006 downgrading of Pluto from planet to dwarf planet as a teachable moment for discussing questions such as how the number of planets has changed through the centuries, what can be called a planet, and how scientists come to conclusions—and occasionally change their minds. Following a section on early astronomy, a succinct, timely, and somewhat surprising account of planetary history begins with Herschel’s 1781 discovery of the seventh planet, Uranus. Twenty years later, Piazzi found Ceres, which was considered the eighth planet. In 1846, Galle discovered Neptune, bringing the total to nine. When objects similar to Ceres were found in the same orbit, all (including Ceres) were placed in a new category: asteroids. In other words, even before the discovery of Pluto, there were once nine planets, but one of them was demoted. Beautifully designed, the book includes many well-captioned, color illustrations, from period portraits to NASA images to artist’s conceptions. A glossary and lists of recommended books and Web sites are appended.” //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">From Follett’s Titlewave website: [] // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This book is an excellent choice for researchers looking for information on why Pluto is no longer considered a planet in our solar system. A great source with up to date information on the changing of Pluto’s status!

**//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Destination: Space //****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">by Seymour Simon ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Seymour Simon is an outstanding author of over two hundred non-fiction books that address topics in science. His books always include phenomenal photographs to help the reader visualize the topic at hand. In //Destination: Space,// Simon explores the stars, galaxies and nebulae. This is a must read for the researcher exploring a topic other than the planets, moon or sun. Through photographs, words and analogies, the author explains some difficult space concepts in easy to understand language. Incredible Hubble Telescope photographs!

**//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Me and My Place in Space //****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">by Joan Sweeney ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This is another good, easy to read introduction to the topic of astronomy. Told from the perspective of a young girl, //Me and My Place in Space// explores the moon, the stars and the different planets in our solar system. Each page is filled with colorful illustrations that provide fun facts about each planet. The story ends leaving the reader to wonder what else is out there in space. A very quick read with some interesting facts about the planets.

**//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Stars //****<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">by Ker Than ** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“In this series re-launch, not only does the reader find information between the covers but also on the front and back covers. The Solar System includes the eight planets, new ways scientists are exploring our solar system, how hot the Sun is, the inner and outer planets, etc. In Stars the reader will find the life of a star, what happens when a star dies, supernovas, and how astronomers study stars. In Constellations the reader will discover why constellations are important today, how we see stars from our own planet, and star stories, including native origins of the planets. It’s not just these facts that make these titles exceptional but because each book begins with questions that the reader will discover, beautiful photos, diagrams, and timelines. The True Statistics page answers the questions in front of the book. Color-splashed pages will surely intrigue the most reluctant reader. These books aren’t encyclopedic, but they are an inviting investigation of spectacular.” //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">From Follett’s Titlewave website: // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">[]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This is a must read book for any student researching stars! It is a “just right” book for many 3-5 grade readers. Mr. Than asks and answers many questions we have about stars in a fun, colorful format. He offers excellent resources at the end of his book.