Posts Tagged book lists

STEM Tuesday– Naturalists — Book List

By on April 1, 2025   /   Earth Day, STEM Tuesday  

A naturalist is a person who observes plants, animals and fungi, and looks at how they fit into their environments. You don’t have to go to a special school to learn how to be a naturalist; you just have to be curious. Here are a few books about naturalists, and how you can become one.

I Begin with Spring: The Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau by Julie Dunlap and Megan Elizabeth Baratta

Henry Thoreau collected leaves and arrowheads from a young age. He could tell when skunk cabbage was blooming by smelling the air. As an adult, he kept copious notes about nature, sending samples and observations to scientists. Observant readers will enjoy the timeline that runs along the bottom of the pages. Back matter dives into phenology (botanical signs of the seasons) and how Thoreau’s work has helped modern scientists understand climate change.

Wildheart: the Daring Adventures of John Muir by Julie Bertagna

Beginning with boyhood in Scotland and continuing with his adult life in the US, this book presents John Muir’s life in graphic novel format. Muir, more famous as founder of the Sierra Club, was a careful observer of nature. His study of glaciers in Alaska informed his understanding of Yosemite.

Darwin’s Rival: Alfred Russel Wallace and the Search for Evolution by Christiane Dorion

This is an adventure story – a tale of exploration, field research, shipwrecks, and a friendship between two naturalists that evolved over time. Both Wallace and Darwin wrote about natural selection and the evolution of new species. But instead of competing against each other for credit, both tried hard to treat each other fairly – to the benefit of all. Filled with maps and spreads showing diversity of beetles, butterflies, and birds.

The Incredible Yet True Adventures of Alexander Von Humboldt: The Greatest Inventor-naturalist-scientist-explorer Who Ever Lived by Volker Mehnert

Another adventure story of two naturalists — Alexander Von Humboldt (a young German inventor who from childhood preferred exploring nature) and Aimé Bonpland (a young French doctor who preferred studying plants and rocks) — who undertook the first scientific expedition into South America’s rainforest and the Andes mountains. Stunning illustrations highlight their discoveries of plants, geology, animals, and cultures unknown to anyone in Europe. As well as Alexander’s later trek through the wilds of Siberia. His books and lectures inspired a generation of naturalists and scientists – including Charles Darwin. With a conversational tone, maps, and direct quotations, this book brings to life their fascinating, daring, and harrowing adventures.

The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology by Danna Staaf

From making hats to fine dresses for wealthy Parisians, Jeanne Villepreux put her sewing skills to work. When she had the freedom to study nature, she got interested in sea creatures. Could she bring them into her house like she did caterpillars and turtles? She invented aquariums for holding sea animals, and began to study small octopuses called argonauts that lived in the local waters. Back matter includes “how to be a naturalist.”

What Linnaeus Saw: A Scientist’s Quest to Name Every Living Thing by Karen Magnuson Beil

As a boy and young man, Carl Linnaeus also preferred exploring nature to his studies. This engaging and exciting biography follows his adventures and discoveries in the Scandinavian Mountains, research into the scientific mysteries of unknown animals and plants, and dreams to catalogue every plant and animal in the world. Ultimately, his frustration at a lack of consistency in cataloguing plants and animals, led Linnaeus to create the classification system still used today. Includes period illustrations and maps, scientific update sidebars, direct quotations, and intensive back matter.

Steve and Bindi Irwin by Amy Breguet

From childhood, Steve and Bindi Irwin, where both raised to be modern-day naturalists and conservationists. Filled with great photos, fascinating side bars, and a fair review of controversies, this is a great look at their relationship and dedication to animals, tireless work to preserve wild spaces, and drive to inspire others to preserve and protect nature. Back matter offers numerous ways to get involved.

You Can Be a Naturalist, Too!

The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson

This book presents four potential sites for conducting naturalist expeditions, along with the sorts of things one might observe while there. They are easily accessible to kids of all ages and include a damp corner (perfect site for discovering more about centipedes and fungi), pavement (great habitat for ants and worms) and weedy patches.

Be a Nature Explorer!: Outdoor Activities and Adventures by Peter Wohlleben

This book is filled with 52 activities that range from following slugs and snails to mapping plants that move. In addition to a pencil and notebook, Wohlleben suggests a few other things to take along including plastic containers, a hand lens, binoculars, and maybe a cell phone with a camera and a nature app.

The Naturalist at Home: Projects for Discovering the Hidden World Around Us by Kelly Brenner

The 20 individual projects specify the season(s) and study topic involved and specific materials needed. The projects range from creating a woodland in ajar, sugaring for moths, and finding tardigrades. With wonderful illustrations, a general naturalist toolkit, easy to follow steps, sidebar tips and warnings, and a few bonus activities, this is a great book for budding naturalists.

The most important book – is the one you’ll use to collect your notes and drawings.

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com

Maria is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She was a round 2 judge for the Cybils Awards (2017 – present), and a judge for the #50PreciousWords competition since its inception. Two of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2016 and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

Back to Top

Library and Museum Activities for Middle Grade Readers

By on March 26, 2025   /   For Teachers  

It’s a good time to talk about libraries and museums—because it’s always a good time to talk about libraries and museums!

Libraries and museums have an enchanted, mystical vibe year-round. They are particularly good places to spend some hours in this “long-haul” part of the school year when winter’s festivities seem a distant memory, yet a lengthy grading quarter separates us from summer. Whether your library of choice is your school library media center, your local public library, a museum library, or one that houses a collection on a certain topic, you might lead your students through library-oriented activities such as these… or take advantage of them for yourself!

Then, follow up on new library learning experiences with a local museum visit that offers connections on topics of interest. Instilling a love of libraries and museums within middle graders during the last months of the school year will inspire them to continue their visits throughout summer—and in years to come.

Activities to inspire visits to libraries and museums for middle graders (or anyone!):

Do judge a book by its cover!  Head to age-appropriate stacks in your library and choose a book you have never heard of based only on the cover image. After reading some or all, consider:

  • Is the book a fit for your tastes?
  • How does the reading experience differ when you avoid learning anything about the book first?
  • Find a local or online museum exhibit about a topic featured in this book to expand your knowledge.

 

Share a favorite writer!  On a trip to the library, choose a middle grade novel by a favorite author. In a small group reading circle, trade choices around until everyone has a book in their hands by a writer they are unfamiliar with.

  • As a potential reader, peruse the book by reading the jacket copy, blurbs or reviews, the copyright page summary statement, and the first 2-3 pages.
  • Ask questions of the author fan who brought the book to the circle.
  • Then use critical thinking skills to explain why or why not the book is a likely contender for future reading. Keep track of your choices on a “To Be Read” list.
  • Swap books for perusing and consideration until everyone has 2-3 titles on their personal “TBR” list.

 

Travel to a book setting! Find a middle grade work in the library that represents a real setting far, far away for a travel experience via book.

  • The setting can be geographically far from home (to explore a new place) or far away in the past (for a historical journey).
  • Next, find a local museum online in that location and use online exhibits to read up on the region’s history.
  • Share your “journey” with other readers by creating a vintage-style travel poster for the setting in your book choice.

 

Amplify interest in libraries and museums! Devote some exploration time to learning more about libraries and museums themselves.

  • For students, “A Brief History of the Public School Library” has bite-sized, bulleted facts for further research.
  • For adult library lovers, DPLA’s “A History of Public Libraries” offers info on the development of library systems from colonial times.
  • If a museum existed that housed the world’s oldest museums, which ones would be included? This World Atlas list mentions some possibilities!
  • Or take a path less traveled and seek out the highly unusual museums around the U.S. for inspiring virtual visits. Rodeo? Neon? Pinball? There’s a museum for each of those and many other specialized topics!

 

Don’t forget that all visits to libraries and museums—both in-person and online visits—have a direct, positive impact on these institutions’ funding, success, and future!

Finally, stop by the library to check out some middle grade favorites that feature library and museum settings in the narratives! Here’s a short list to get you started. The New York Public Library has some great ideas for museum-set MGs, and the Boston Public Library shares some additional library settings!

Have fun on your library and museum excursions, and thanks for reading. We would love to hear more titles and activities; please share in the comments!

Back to Top

A Spring-Vibe Booklist

By on March 21, 2025   /   Articles, Book Lists  

Yesterday was the first day of Spring here in the US, and goodness am I ready for some renewal, rebirth, and growth.

In the spirit of all things new and hopeful, I thought I’d round up a list of books with a Spring-vibe for you all.

Nature: Let’s get outside.

 

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker 

Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do.

On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot.

Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer—he doesn’t live in the “real world” like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge.

But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot.

But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?

One Small Hop by Madelyn Rosenberg

Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen’s classic Hoot, this humorous adventure story set in a not-so-distant future celebrates the important differences we can make with small, brave acts.

When Ahab and his friends find a bullfrog in their town — a real, live bullfrog, possibly the last bullfrog in North America — they have several options: A. Report it to the Environmental Police Force. Too bad everyone knows the agency is a joke.B. Leave it be. They’re just a bunch of kids — what if they hurt it by moving it?C. Find another real, live bullfrog on the black market. Convince their parents to let them bike to Canada. Introduce the two frogs. Save all of frogkind.Ahab convinces the rest of the group that C is their only real option. Because if they don’t save this frog, who will? Their quest, which will involve fake ice cream, real frog spawn, and some very close calls, teaches Ahab that hope is always the logical choice and that science is always better with friends.With humor and empathy, acclaimed author Madelyn Rosenberg builds an all-too-imaginable future ravaged by climate change, where one kid can still lean on his friends and dream up a better tomorrow.

 

 

Romance: Let’s fall in love – or at least like.

 

Redwood and Ponytail by K. A. Holt 

Kate and Tam meet, and both of their worlds tip sideways. At first, Tam figures Kate is your stereotypical cheerleader; Kate sees Tam as another tall jock. But the more they run into each other, the more they surprise each other. Beneath Kate’s sleek ponytail and perfect facade, Tam sees a goofy, sensitive, lonely girl. And Tam’s so much more than a volleyball player, Kate realizes: She’s everything Kate wishes she could be. It’s complicated. Except it’s not. When Kate and Tam meet, they fall in like. It’s as simple as that. But not everybody sees it that way.

From the author of House Arrest and Knockout, this unforgettable novel in verse shares the story of two girls discovering their feelings for each other–a story that will appeal to anyone who’s ever been unsure about the self they’re becoming. Sometimes you know who you’re meant to be with before you know who you’re meant to be.

 

 

 

 

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter: A Wish Novel by Debbi Michiko Florence

Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself.

Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she’s got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have… together.But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey’s demands, and soon Keiko’s besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she’s been dreaming about triple-dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn’t have a crush on, the friendship she’s always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble.Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends — even if it means losing one of them — or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

 

 

 

Hope: Let’s make it all a little bit better.

 

The Chance to Fly (the Chance to Fly #1)

Perfect for fans of Wicked and anyone who has ever dared to dream big, The Chance to Fly is a testament to the magic of believing in yourself and the importance of representation in the arts.

The Chance to Fly by Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz is an inspiring middle grade novel about Nat Beacon, a theater-loving girl who uses a wheelchair. Nat’s passion for musicals knows no bounds, and she dreams of performing on stage despite never having seen an actor with a disability in a leading role.

When Nat’s family moves from California to New Jersey, she discovers auditions for a kids’ production of her all-time favorite musical, Wicked.

Thrilled by the opportunity, Nat lands a spot in the ensemble. As she navigates new friendships and the challenges of rehearsals, Nat draws strength from the empowering themes of Wicked, particularly the song “Defying Gravity.”

But as opening night approaches, unexpected obstacles arise. Nat must confront her fears and insecurities, channeling the spirit of Elphaba to truly “defy gravity” both on and off the stage.

This heartfelt story celebrates resilience, inclusion, and the transformative power of theater.

 

 

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore 

It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward.

His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world.

 

 

 

 

I hope you find something to enjoy and maybe inspire you in this Spring-vibe book list. If you did, or if you have a Spring read I might like, please share in the comments below.

 

 

Back to Top