10^TH GRADE

SCIENCE/MATH/SCIENCE FICTION

Abeel, Samantha My Thirteenth Winter: A Memoir

An account of the author’s life from kindergarten to college in which she describes her learning disability (dyscalculia). Not only did it compromise her school work, but it also affected her social life and self-esteem.

Brown, David Inventing Modern America: From the Microwave to the Mouse

American ingenuity is showcased in this well written, heavily illustrated book about 35 inventors. A wide range of inventions are presented , ranging from consumer products to telecommunications.

Burger, Edward and Starbird, Michael Coincidences, Chaos, and all that Math

Jazz: Making Light of Weighty Ideas

Two math professors explain how math is used in everyday life in a creative and light hearted manner. With many illustrations, they prove that math can be and is fun.

Card, Orson Scott Ender’s Game

The story of a child genius, Ender Wiggins, who takes on the task of waging intergalactic war against aliens. He views war as a game, and he is always good at games.

Crichton, Michael Jurassic Park

A cloning experiment gone awry….bioengineers clone 15 species of dinosaurs for a tourist preserve. A genetics firm tries to steal dinosaur embryos. Security in the park is compromised, and chaos and terror rule.

Farmer, Nancy The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm

Set in Zimbabwe 200 years in the future, this techno-thriller follows the misadventures of three siblings who escape the confines of their overcontrolled home, only to be kidnapped by gangsters. The trio have both thrilling and dangerous adventures.

Farmer, Nancy The House of the Scorpion

Farmer’s futuristic novel is eerily plausible in this age of cloning. She tells the story of a clone named Matteo who questions the value of life and his own particular purpose in the greedy society in which he lives.

Gardner, Robert Bicycle Science Projects: Physics on Wheels

The common bicycle is used to demonstrate the principles of physics. There are 22 projects and related activities one can do. For people who enjoy cycling and physics.

Gresh, Lois and Weinberg, Robert The Science of Superheroes

A book that attempts to explain the scientific truth behind the powers possessed by our favorite superheroes. We also get a history of superhero comics.

Herbert, Frank Dune

One of the most famous science fiction novels ever written. It is a blend of adventure, mysticism, politics, and environmentalism.

Le Couteur, Penny Napoleon’s Buttons

The story of seventeen groups of molecules that have influenced the course of history. Our civilization was shaped by these molecules.

November, Sharyn, ed. Firebirds: An Anthology of Original Fantasy and Science

Fiction

Sixteen fantastic original stories by some of the best of the best in the field of fantasy and science fiction. The stories are diverse in their style, settings and tone.

Owen, David Police Lab: How Forensic Science Tracks Down and Convicts

Criminals

An excellent introduction to forensics science and also a good historical crime review. Details on forensic science methodology are explained with many colorful illustrations.

Parsons, Russ How to Read a French Fry: And Other Stories of Intriguing Kitchen

Science

While explaining the chemistry and mechanics of cooking food, the author also offers us some good recipes. The reader or budding chef will gain an understanding for why they do what they do in the kitchen.

Yolen, Jane, ed. The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy For Teens: First

Annual Collection

With a gathering of prominent authors and one old-timer (Rudyard Kipling), these stories should appeal to fans of both science fiction and fantasy.