Amy Carrill, Nederland.     Every generation a certain number of children are naturally drawn to science with wide-eyed wonder. Something about those elucidated mysteries resonates deeply within them. The Nederland Community Library offers a wide range of books for these kids. But the fun thing is, the books are so well and clearly written, often incorporating humor or shades of adventure or suggestions for experimentation, that any kid, scientifically inclined or not, will enjoy perusing them. The following are just a few examples of the many available volumes.

Taking as its subject one of the greatest granddaddies of science, Isaac Newton: Organizing the Universe by William J. Boerst explores Newton’s life from childhood onward, while incorporating the work of other great scientists in order to place Newton’s own discoveries in context. Boerst does an excellent job of explaining highly complex ideas in an easily understood manner.

How could any kid not love a book called Killer Rocks from Outer Space? Its author, Steven N. Koppes, explains asteroids, comets, and meteorites in general, along with their literal impact on this planet. Koppes also explores the effects that the impacts had on developing biological life from the time of the dinosaurs onward.

In Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction, Dan Green presents that branch of science in fun terms. Rather than simply describing elements and common molecules, he explains their differing interactions with the greater world around them, in part using helpful cartoon illustrations. Reading this short, amusing book, kids will understand without difficulty substances such as catalysts, enzymes, polymers, precipitates, and esters, among many others.

Energy Experiments: Using Ice Cubes, Springs, Magnets, and More, by Robert Gardner, offers science experiments that can be performed in an hour or less, using common household items rather than specialized gear. These experiments are great ways for kids to quickly and easily turn scientific knowledge into practical experience. An example? Determining how much energy is required to melt one gram of ice. The methodology is both simple and elegant.

In 2003 two rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, landed on Mars within a month of each other, and spent the following years trundling around the surface of the red planet. The Mighty Mars Rovers by Elizabeth Rusch tells their story, from design inception to launch to eventual scientific data gathering. It also tells the story of the scientists and engineers who created the rovers and oversaw their planetary trek. These men and women clearly demonstrate the fundamental truth that real scientists never lose their childlike wonder in exploring the marvels of the universe.

Many other juvenile non-fiction books at the library also explore chemistry, physics, and astronomy, as well as botany, biology, ecology, and geology, all in terms that are easily understandable. And for parents there is an added bonus. Though written for kids, these books are actually good fun reading for people of all ages.  Enjoy!