21st Century Kids: Dabble in Science

Mona Gilbert, Children's Librarian, Northridge Branch Library,
Happy kids working on a volcano experiment
“Follow the evidence wherever it may lead, and question everything”—Neil deGrasse Tyson

“A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales.” —Marie Curie

Science, as a topic, is very broad. In the 21st century, it is one of the most discussed, explored, and debated topics. A fact that cannot be ignored, or denied: humans are dependent on science for survival. For instance, without science, many food sources and drinkable water would not exist. Moreover, a bulk of present and future occupations involve a background and knowledge in science. The importance of this complicated, yet, very necessary field cannot be underestimated. Educational institutions and libraries around the world are focusing immense efforts and resources towards encouraging kids to explore the scientific realm. The Los Angeles Public Library has a wide variety of resources of science-based content for kids. Here is a small sampling of books that both enlighten and inspire budding scientists.


Science Pioneers

Book cover for Scientists Who Dared To Be Different
Scientists Who Dared To Be Different
Emily Holland, Salini Perera

Book cover for The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science
Sidman, Joyce

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal is awarded annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished informational book published in the United States in English during the preceding year. The award is named in honor of Robert F. Sibert, the long-time President of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois.


Book cover for The Vast Wonder Of The World
The Vast Wonder Of The World
Mangal, Mélina

Unusual, but True

“Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.”—Mary Kay Ash

Book cover for Weird Science
Weird Science
Loh-Hagan, Virginia

Book cover for Weird-But-True Facts About Science
Weird-But-True Facts About Science
Arnold Ringstad, Kathleen Petelinsek

Book cover for Strange But True!
Strange But True!
Mills, Andrea

Science Stories

Science plays a pivotal part in many fictional stories; sometimes science makes an appearance as a supporting role. Like any mystery, exciting plot lines are developed when new discoveries are revealed. Each of these stories uses a science theme as a means to tell a story.

Book cover for Project MC2—Smart is the New Cool
Project MC2—Smart is the New Cool
Hemsworth, Jade

Book cover for Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab
Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab
Pflugfelder, Bob

Book cover for Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science
Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science
Atkins, Jeannine

Book cover for Science Fair Sabotage
Science Fair Sabotage
Vanarsdale, Anthony


 

 

 

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