(Books published in 2005) Each year many good science trade
books are published for children. But teachers, media
professionals, and parents want to know which are the very best.
That’s where this competition comes in. Working with The
Children's Book Council in New York City, NSTA has refined the
criteria for the highest quality, most engaging, and
scientifically accurate publications for children. The task is
not an easy one. Children come to science with different
backgrounds and interests. Standards change. Even science
content itself changes. Judges on the NSTA/CBC Review Panel must
read hundreds of books each year and research much of the
content they contain. But the work is valuable. As in past
years, the list of publications that the committee has defined
as “outstanding” is quite eclectic; you’ll find informational
texts and biographies, fiction, poetry, and even a book of songs
with an accompanying CD! What they all have in common is they
convey the thrill of science. The committee is honored to sh