The middle grade/young adult nonfiction committee has selected, from the 45 nominated books, a collection of seven high-quality, kid-friendly titles. Looking to read more nonfiction in 2008? Any or all of these titles will get you off to an excellent start. Of course, there are other wonderful titles on the nominations list, too, but the committee felt that these seven represented the very best of 2007’s crop.
— Jen Robinson, MG/YA Nonfiction organizer
Marie Curie: Giants of Science #4
written by Kathleen Krull
Viking Juvenile
In a world dictated by "No Women Allowed," Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel Prize winner, became who she was because of her love of learning, her refusal to accept the facts, her bravery and her willingness to sacrifice everything to follow her dream. This book reveals Marie Curie’s private life, her brilliance and her obsession with radium. Recommended for children ages 11 and up, this book is written in a compelling and easy-to-understand manner.
— Vivian, HipWriterMama
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The Periodic Table: Elements With Style!
written by Adrian Dingle
illustrated by Simon Basher
Kingfisher
Artist Simon Basher and chemistry teacher Adrian Dingle have created a vivid rogues’ gallery of elements guaranteed to bring the periodic table to life and appeal to kids of all ages. A remarkably engaging science book, not to mention a sensible approach to making the subject–indeed, the individual elements–memorable for everyone from fourth or fifth graders to college seniors.
— Becky, Farm School
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Smart-Opedia
written by Eve Drobot
Maple Tree Press
About as close to the world in 200 charmingly illustrated pages as you’re going to get, with entries on everything from animals and art, history and human rights, to space and cyberspace, most with a double-page spread. Entertainingly and clearly presented, this is a one-volume reference book that eight- to twelve-year olds (and probably their younger and older siblings, too) will be reaching for even when no homework assignment is in sight.
— Becky, Farm School
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Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood
written by Ibtisam Barakat
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Ibtisam Barakat’s powerful memoir about her childhood experiences during and immediately after the Six-Day War of 1967. Palestinian residents of Israel’s West Bank, Barakat and her family evacuated to Jordan, later to return to a different life entirely. What is it like to grow up in a war zone? What does it mean to be a refugee? How can you leave the only home you’ve ever known? At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, Tasting the Sky answers these questions in a lyrical, compelling narrative. Highly recommended for readers aged thirteen and older.
— Susan Thomsen, Chicken Spaghetti
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Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion
written by Loree Griffin Burns
Houghton Mifflin
"Cleaning up the ocean would be like mowing the state of Texas. Twice." … This well-reviewed resource presents science as a mystery to be solved by creative thinking. Not to mention it promotes environmental awareness–it would be perfect to share with students before a class trip to a beach.
— Mindy, Propernoun.net
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The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
written by Peter Sis
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Peter Sís again pushes the boundaries of the picture book format, using everything from his own illustrations, family photographs and diaries, and graphic novel elements to create his highly personal memoir of growing up in Communist Czechoslovakia and surviving the Prague Spring. This book can be enjoyed and appreciated by younger readers, but will especially appeal to young adult readers, who will understand the personal emotions, public history, and outstanding art.
— Becky, Farm School
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Who Was First?: Discovering the Americas
written by Russell Freedman
Clarion
Who indeed–it certainly wasn’t Columbus. That idea is so old school. In his usual lively way, Russell Freedman shakes the dust out of history books with this eye-opening look at early exploration of the Americas. Cybils panelists enjoyed the author’s fresh take on a seemingly familiar subject.
— Susan Thomsen, Chicken Spaghetti
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