Mary Kay Carson
2014-2015 Visiting Author
The Bat Scientist
Gr 5-8-This series entry takes readers along with Merlin Tuttle and a crew of BCI
(Bat Conservation International) into bat caves and bridges, trees and houses to
study these agile flitterers. Carson's readable, informative text dispels the ugly
myths that have haunted these nocturnal hunter/gatherers, detailing bats'
usefulness to humankind from gobbling up mosquitoes to scarfing down corn
earworm moths to pollinating a multitude of plants throughout the rain forest.
Replete with superb close-ups of big ears, hairless pups, furrowed faces, and
fragile wings, the text describes the damage done by humans to bat environments
and the ravages of white-nose syndrome, and tells of efforts to restore and
protect hibernating sites and maternity colonies.
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading level: 6.2
Beyond the Solar System: exploring galaxies, black holes, alien planets and
more: a history with 21 activities
Gr 5-8-Beginning with a two-page time line spanning prehistory to 2009, this
chronological survey of astronomy covers early observations and discoveries,
concentrating on modern findings. Beautiful color photographs of space engage
readers from the first page. Drawings and diagrams expand upon theories, and
illustrations of Galileo, Newton, and William and Caroline Herschel put faces on
these prominent scientists. Activities relevant to each chapter, are sprinkled
throughout the book, such as making an astrolabe from string; creating a threedimensional stars cape to demonstrate the distances between the stars in a
constellation; inflating a balloon covered with stickers representing stars to
measure the changing distances in an expanding universe, and more. The three-page
glossary provides short definitions of terms (e.g., "eclipse," "dark matter," etc.),
and many of these terms are listed in the five-page index and take readers to
specifics. For example, the observations and photographs of the 1919 total eclipse
of the sun revealed the bending of light around the dark sun, thus validating
Einstein's theory of relativity. The resources section lists astronomy websites, sky
watching and star-chart sites, and books for further reading. This inviting and
informative comprehensive survey will be useful for homework assignments and may
send young scientists to further studies of astronomy
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 7.4
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Deadly & Dangerous
Gr K-2- From swiftly swimming great white sharks to big cats ready to pounce and
poisonous vipers waiting to strike, these creatures are DEADLY. With the help of
the experts at the world-famous American Museum of Natural History, find out
about the most dangerous animals and plants on earth and how they bite, catch,
sting, and shock in order to kill, eat, and survive. Kids will have fun deciding which
one is scariest of all!
Interest level: K-3
Reading Level: 1.8
Did it all start with a snowball fight? : and other questions about--the
American Revolution
Gr 2-4-This book doesn't cover any new ground about the Revolution, but the
information is incredibly well presented. Starting with the Boston Massacre (the
snowball fight in question) and ending with the Treaty of Paris, the facts are
related in a question-and-answer format, in an arrangement that's more topical
than chronological (though there is a mostly perfunctory time line at the end). Each
spread has one or two questions and answers on one side and a captioned, colorful
full-page painting or cartoon on the other. Each section is short enough to keep
reluctant readers engaged.
Interest level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.4
Emi and the Rhino Scientist
Gr 5-8-Through lively prose and stunning full-color photographs, readers learn how
Terri Roth, an expert in endangered-species reproduction at the Cincinnati Zoo,
helped Emi to give birth to the first Sumatran rhino born in captivity in more than
100 years. One of five rhino species, the Sumatran rhino is relatively tiny (3 to 5
feet tall, weighing from 1300 to 2000 pounds) compared to the other species
(ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 feet and weighing from 1700 to 6000 pounds).
Illustrations superimposed on a world map show their differing appearances from
Africa to India to Asia. The text is full of important details, and the photographs
are unfailingly crisp, bright, and full of variety. Reproductive biology and breeding
with human assistance are explained as are the conservation and environmental
issues impacting rhino survival in the wild. Like many of the entries in this popular
series, Emi is engaging and informative.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.6
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How many planets circle the sun? : and other questions about ... our solar
system
Why is there life on earth? How did Saturn get its rings? Which planet is biggest,
which one's hottest—and which has a cloud named Scooter? Take a trip into outer
space to learn about the asteroid belt, Martian volcanoes, dwarf planets, and other
fascinating facts about our universe
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.3
How Strong Is an Ant?: And Other Questions about Bugs and Insects
Gr 2-6 -In a simple, accessible question-and-answer format, this Good Question!
book asks the questions and gives the answers about bugs and insects that young
readers really want to know: what the difference is between bugs and
insects, how they grow and live, how many bugs and insects there are, and so on.
Filled with full-color illustrations showing what's being discussed. Includes list of
recommended readings and websites to visit at the back.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 6.9
Park scientists : gila monsters, geysers, and grizzly bears in American's own
backyard
Gr 4-8-This entry in this popular series focuses on the study of selected plants,
animals, and geologic formations in three of our most famous national parks, which
are akin to "natural laboratories and living museums." It all begins in Yellowstone
National Park, where hydrothermal activity and its effects are astutely explained.
Next, the history, current status, and study of the famous park grizzly bears are
carefully detailed. Exploration and examination of giant saguaro cacti and the
elusive Gila monster are the focus in the section on Saguaro National Park, which
includes a description of "BioBlitz" through which everyday citizens and students
can assist in park research programs through 2016. The Great Smoky Mountains is
home to more than 30 species of salamanders, and they, plus the equally
fascinating fireflies of the region, are targeted in the final chapters. Pertinent,
attention-grabbing, full-color photographs and captions, maps, infrared images, and
diagrams accompany the fascinating, informative text in each section. Featured
experts provide primary-source information for each topic covered
Interest Level: 5-8
Reading Level: 6.9
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What Makes a Tornado Twist?: And Other Questions About Weather
Is each snowflake unique? What comes first: thunder or lightning? What causes
the seasons? Charming illustrations, clever charts, and fun text help kids learn
whatever they want to know about wild weather. No matter their question, the
fascinating answers are right here!
Interest Level: 2-6
Reading Level: 6.4
What Sank the World’s biggest ship?: and other questions about the Titanic
Gr 2-5-A Q & A format works well as an introduction to the topic. Carson opens
with the very broad question of what sank the Titanic and answers with some
introductory information about various theories and contributing factors. The
complete story is broken down into more specific questions and answers on each
spread. These topics include the structure and building of the ship, materials used,
decisions regarding lifeboats and design, theories about binoculars for the lookout
crew, communication from other ocean liners, and a host of other bits of
information that all lead to answering the initial question of why the behemoth ship
sank. The focus here is really on the more technical aspects of the vessel and its
creation, with minimal details about the people and the luxurious appointments that
are often the highlight of similar titles. The writing is straightforward and
accessible, and the explanations provide enough detail to satisfy those new to the
topic.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 4.1
What was your dream, Dr. King? : and other questions about--Martin Luther
King Jr
Gr 4-7-Arranged in a question-and-answer format, these books offer concise,
accessible, comprehensive looks at important eras and events in U.S. history. They
have richly colored, detailed illustrations and photographs; maps; time lines; and
large, clear print. Table of contents is set up as a series of questions, such as, "Did
Dr. King have kids?" "What happened to Dr. King?" "How did Hitler become so
powerful?" "Why did Japan attack its neighbors?" The answers are worded in kidfriendly language that provides enough detail to explain the complexities of the era
or person.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 3.8
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Why does Earth spin? : and other questions about... our planet
Well attuned to what students need to know as well as what they find interesting,
the books in the ongoing Good Question! series provide useful overviews of topics
in science and American history. Both the writing and the illustrations are
consistently good. On one page of each spread, the text asks and answers a
pertinent question or two, while the facing page displays a related photo, painting,
digital picture, diagram, or map. The quality of the paper allows for excellent
reproduction of these colorful visual elements. Why Does the Earth Spin? answers
a broad array of questions about the formation and structure of the planet as well
as discussing its highest, lowest, wettest, and driest places. A dependable,
attractive series for curious students.
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 6.5
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