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AGES 11+

Backyard insects (2nd ed.)
Horne, Paul A. (The Miegunyah Press at Melbourne University Press, 2005, 264pp.)
This comprehensive identification manual to the insects which inhabit Australian backyards is readily accessible to the older child reader. Each left-hand page is black with a photo of the insect while each white right-hand page contains the common name of the insect in bold type, its scientific family name and a few paragraphs of information with its size, dietary habits and genus listed simply in a right-hand margin. Occasionally the text about an insect will spread onto a second page in which case a second photograph is also included, but generally the information is only a few paragraphs in length. Photographs by Denis J. Crawford.
(ANIMALS. AUSTRALIAN)

The encyclopedia of science (Revised.ed.)
(Dorling Kindersley, 2006, 448pp.)
The caption-text approach so well developed by Dorling Kindersley is well suited to an encyclopedia. Information is grouped under topic headings, which are grouped into sections. 'Find Out More' boxes, a comprehensive index and a glossary allow for easy cross-referencing. Illustrated in full colour throughout. For the upper primary and secondary levels.
(GENERAL SCIENCE)

Carbon
Knapp, Brian (Reed Library, Elements, 1996, 56pp.)
This is one title in a series of books designed to assist young chemists understand the characteristics and usage of the most important chemical elements. There are 15 volumes in the set and Carbon is typical of the series. Topics covered include the carbon cycle, the occurrence of carbon and its compounds, polymers and organic compounds. The contents conclude with key facts about carbon, the periodic table, understanding equations and a glossary of technical terms.
(GENERAL SCIENCE)

Blame my brain: the amazing teenage brain revealed
Morgan, Nicola (Walker Books, 2007, 207p.)
This entertaining paperback describes the changes which take place in the human brain during adolescence and how these changes contribute to many teenage behavioural trends which may drive parents to distraction. These include emotional reactions, sleep patterns and risk-taking. Also included are sections on gender differences, the effects of alcohol and other drugs and psychological problems such as depression. This book is also an informative source for parents and was shortlisted for the Royal Society Junior Prize for Science Books in 2006. A companion volume called Know your brain: Feed it*Test it*Stretch it was published in 2007.
(HUMAN BIOLOGY)

The state of the planet
Nicholson, John (Allen & Unwin, 2000, 48pp.)
This introduction to many of the world's environmental problems is suitable for upper primary and secondary students. With less illustrative content than most of John Nicholson's books and more detailed text, issues such as deforestation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, global warming and energy usage are discussed in a balanced manner. With sections on what is being done and what the reader can do to help, this book is made less depressing and more relevant to its young audience. It also has an introduction by David Suzuki.
(THE PHYSICAL WORLD. AUSTRALIAN)

The Usborne internet-linked science encyclopedia
Rogers, Kirsteen et al. (Usborne, 2000, 448pp.)
This comprehensive encyclopedia not only introduces a vast number of scientific topics to the young (and not so young) reader but also lists hundreds of tried and tested websites. It is most attractively produced, with pages of different colours, excellent illustrative content and clear and concise explanations. In a work of this magnitude, it is unusual to see so few minor areas of concern regarding accuracy. A magnificent reference work for young and old, students and teachers alike. See www.usborne-quicklinks.com for the webpages recommended in the book.
(GENERAL SCIENCE)

Tobacco and your mouth: The incredibly disgusting story
Winters, Adam (Incredibly Disgusting Drugs, Rosen Central, 2000, 48pp.)
Starting with the effect of ubiquitous advertising, this book then shows the danger of addiction, what happens to the mouth and lungs, the effect of secondhand smoke, and cigarettes as a cause of fire. It also discusses how not to start and how to stop. It uses chatty language with some graphic photographs. For the older end of this age range.
(HUMAN BIOLOGY)

How cool stuff works
Woodford, Chris and others (Dorling Kindersley, 2005, 256p.)
This comprehensive book examines the science and componentry behind the modern technology developed in recent years. Divided into chapters with verbs as headings (eg. 'Connect', 'Play', 'Move' and 'Survive'), the full colour, well-designed and attractive pages provide brief explanations of how equipment such as MP3 players, voice recognition, microwave ovens, submersibles, virtual keyboards and pacemakers work.
(TECHNOLOGY)