The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

Cole, Joanna and Degen, Bruce. The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. New York : Scholastic Inc., 1990.

Plot: Arnold's annoying cousin comes to class for their field trip to the planetarium. Despite Arnold's warnings, she expects the trip to further prove her school's superiority, rather than the adventures the other students promise her. However, when Miss Frizzle transforms the school bus into a rocket, the new kid discovers the truth of her cousin's insistence. The class discovers the solar system, beginning with the sun and moving outwards. After a minor collision with some space debris, the class suddenly finds itself in the middle of the solar system without a teacher. Using Miss Frizzle's notes, the class must navigate the outer planets and find a way back to earth.

Genre: Science, Astronomy

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: The Magic School Bus series

Personal Thoughts: One of the original Magic School Bus books. The series inspired a cartoon in 1994.

Despite the series age, it continues to amuse and educate children. Unlike many science-based books, the series uses story elements and in-universe themes to present information, making complex topics less formidable. However, the age of the books shows in some topics, particularly in the address of Pluto. At the time of the book's publication, Pluto was recognized as a planet. Currently, most astronomers recognize it as a dwarf planet. Still, the illustrations, text, and jokes gently and effectively introduce readers to the solar system.