Entering Grade 5
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Science

Big Ideas That Changed the World series by Don Brown
A Shot in the Arm!
The history of the development of vaccines for deadly diseases such as smallpox, anthrax, rabies, polio and COVID-19. (nonfiction in a graphic novel format)
The Coolest Stuff on Earth; A Closer Look at the Weird, Wild, and Wonderful by Brenda Scott Royce
Discover the secrets of sharkskin, the mysteries behind incredible island animals, the power behind lightning, how a rare gemstone changes color, and more. Full of action-packed photos, fantastic infographics, and exciting Q&As with in-the-field experts. (nonfiction)
How to Change Everything by Naomi Klein, adapted by Rebecca Stefoff
Warmer temperatures. Fires in the Amazon. Superstorms. These are just some of the effects of climate change that we are already experiencing. This guide to environmental justice talks about how young people are leading the way to make a just and safe world, how we got to this point, and what we all need to do to shift the current trends. (nonfiction)
I Survived True Stories series by Lauren Tarshis
Book 2: Nature Attacks! I Survived True Stories
Four true stories of young people facing sharks, fires, killer jellyfish and a volcano. (nonfiction)
Maker Comics series from First Second Publishers
Maker Comics: Survive in the Outdoors! by Charles Schweitzer
Sophia and Alonso are not looking forward to a day without cell service, but when their grandfather takes them fishing, he teaches them all sorts of skills. Learn along with them about how to build a campfire, catch and clean fish and perform forest-friendly first aid. (nonfiction in a graphic novel format)
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions by Giselle Clarkson
Filled with intricate drawings of the world around us, the author shows how observing closely can be used whenever you are bored (in class, when grownups are talking, when waiting your turn) and can turn the world into a fascinating place. An observologist might notice, for instance, that earthworms have bristles, slugs have tentacles and freshwater snails can walk along the underside of pond water. This guide gives tools and tips so that you can be an observologist, too. (nonfiction)
Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night by Mark Wilson
Have you wondered how owls hear so well? Would you like to have a conversation with a wild owl? Did you know owl eye colors can be bright orange, brown, or even blue? With amazing photographs and illustrations, Mark Wilson answers these questions and more. (nonfiction)
Ricky's Atlas: Mapping a Land on Fire by Judith L. Li
When Ricky and his mom travel to his Uncle’s ranch on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, they witness a violent thunderstorm that ignites a wildfire. This mix of fiction and science fact has amazing illustrations.
Scientists in the Field series by various authors, published by Harper Collins
Crow Smarts: Inside the Brain of the World's Brightest Bird by Pamela S. Turner
Are you smarter than a crow?  Read about an experiment that asks a crow and a human 7-year-old to solve the same mental challenges. Join scientists as they make field observation of the New Caledonian crow, perhaps the world’s smartest bird and the only animal besides humans known to make and use hooked tools. (nonfiction)
Solve This! Forensics: Super Science and Curious Capers for the Daring Detective in You by Kate Messner
After learning the basic concepts of forensic investigation such as DNA, fingerprints and insect evidence, you can solve four realistic mysteries, including "The Grave Robber's Mistake." (nonfiction)
This Book Stinks! Gross Garbage, Rotten Rubbish and the Science of Trash by Sarah Wassner Flynn
Photos, infographics and fabulous facts about what we throw away, ingenious ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, and what kids can do to take action and rethink the things we throw away. (nonfiction)
What is Color? The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg
​This almost a graphic novel, almost a science book and almost an art book takes you around the world to learn about color. From the gross (color can come from squished bugs or cow pee), to the scientific (color has to do with electomagnetic waves), to the wild (talking dogs, dots, and dragon's blood) you'll find amazing info on everything colorful. (nonfiction)
Wildfire by Breena Bard
This fictional story examines loss associated with climate change. Julianna loves her life in rural Oregon with her family on her small farm. But when a wildfire destroys their home and they have to relocate to the city, Julianna has to deal with loss and anger, and the boy that may have started the fire. (graphic novel)
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