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Part of the Eyewitness Books series, Natural Disasters covers a wide variety of natural disasters, from earthquakes to epidemics. Written in plain language and illustrated with spectacular photos and diagrams, it contains a wealth of valuable information, including a historical timeline of major disasters, a glossary, and a list of Web and real-world resources (natural history and science museums) for additional research.

Perfect for: Kids who like science and nature and striking visuals.

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A practical guide to conserving resources and protecting the environment, 50 Simple Things provides quick facts and tips designed to inspire action. Statistics and measurements are translated into age-appropriate terms, such as comparing children’s body weight to the amount of garbage thrown away in a year. The book also explains how everyday items — like a light switch or a toilet — have a huge impact on the rest of the world. Fun ideas for the whole family to discuss and implement!

Perfect for: Kids who like going green.

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A book to engender a lot of “Did you know…?” conversations, Extreme Animals will amaze readers with facts about animals that withstand earth’s extreme conditions. The most amazing animal of all can live through all of the extremes scientists can produce.

Perfect for: Kids who like nonfiction and animals.

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Like eco-Nancy Drews, the characters of the Gaia Girls series will appeal to girls ready to take on modern-day environmental challenges. Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth is the first in the series and introduces Elizabeth, who possesses the power of “earth” — the ability to work with and command soil, trees and creatures in the soil. Illustrated throughout, this chapter book is for more mature fourth-grade readers, as it does not pull any punches when taking on subjects like factory farming. Highly recommended for its compelling story and sensitivity to current issues.

Perfect for: Kids who like science and nature.

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The life-like picture of a rat on the cover of this book will be enough to pique the interest of many kids. “Revolting, revealing, and riveting,” says the book’s back cover, and it’s an apt description of the nine fact-filled chapters about these “champions of survival.” The author provides information about rats’ habits and intelligence, as well as their role as disease carriers, lab animals, predators, pests, pets and even as food. The gross-out factor alone will make this a must-read for many kids.

Perfect for: Kids who like nonfiction and animals.

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The author and photographer accompanied scientist Lisa Dabek and her team on a trek through the remote forests of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Little is known about this rare animal that looks like a bear, has a pocket like a kangaroo and lives in trees. The book is filled with wonderful photographs of the tree kangaroos, their lush forest habitat, and other exotic plants and animals. Information included about Dabek’s background may be of special interest to aspiring young naturalists and biologists. None of her friends, family or teachers encouraged her in her passionate interest in animals when she was growing up, thinking it was strange, and she struggled with the challenge of asthma. This book provides fascinating information about a little-known place on Earth, a newly discovered species and how one woman overcame the odds to follow her dreams.

Perfect for: Kids who like nonfiction and animals.

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Laurie David and Cambria Gordon’s Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming makes a concept as complicated as global warming easy to understand. With the first half devoted to the science behind climate change, it’s still relevant and enjoyable for kids. Visuals abound and the book concludes with some significant ways for kids to make a difference. This guide will educate and empower young readers, leaving them with the knowledge they need to understand this problem and a sense of hope to inspire them into action.

Perfect for: Kids who like science and nature.

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Katya is at sleep away camp, staying in a cabin with bunk beds. She spent all night staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep because it was too hot. Her friend suggests asking to swap for a lower bunk the next night. Why? This fun book features 65 short stories that present scenarios like this and asks kids to use their basic science know-how to deduce the answers. Flip the page on each story and the answer — and the underlying scientific principle — are briefly explained. Written to align with the Next Generation Science Standards and to spark a love of science at a young age, these short mysteries are a fun way to make science part of your child’s daily routine.

Perfect for: Budding Sherlocks and Einsteins.

Find at your local library.