The Solar System: A True Book

Trammel, Howard K. The Solar System: A True Book. New York : Scholastic, 2010.

Plot: A review of the solar system.

Genre: Astronomy, Science

Reading Level: Grades 2 and up

Similar Titles: The Moon, Stars, Saturn

Personal Thoughts: The book provided solid information with attractive graphics. Unfortunately, neither the illustration nor text were memorable. It certainly is not a bad book, but the other items reviewed this week capture interest more effectively and offer better-rounded information. 

Exploring Our Solar System

Ride, Sally and O'Shaughnessy, Tam. Exploring Our Solar System. New York : Crown Publisher, 2003.

Plot: Written by an astronaut, the item provides a textbook-like view of our solar system. While the work offers standard information, such as planet characteristics, it also explores the human elements surrounding astronomy. For example, each planet's chapter includes its discovery and initial observations. The text reaches further depth by exploring the involvement of NASA and similar institutions, revealing how the information was obtained and changed previous beliefs.

Genre: Science, Astronomy, History

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: To Space and Back

Personal Thoughts: While this book is notably more in-depth than any other I read this week, the details did not capture me. Rather, the history behind the science caught my interest. Sometimes, it is easy to take the accessibility of information for granted, and the book reveals how much effort and time discoveries often cost. Also, the novel was written by an actual astronaut, which leads to a genuinely authentic feel to the work. Highly recommended for astronomy fans.

Postcards from Pluto: A Tour of the Solar System

Leedy, Loreen. Postcards from Pluto: A Tour of the Solar System. New York : Holiday House, 1993.

Plot: A solar system picture book. The book showcases information on the star and planets making up the solar system through a series of postcards sent by a tour group. The group consists of several children, whose individual style enhances the descriptions of the celestial bodies.

Genre: Science, Astronomy

Reading Level: Grades 4-8

Similar Titles: The Planets, The Moon Book

Personal Thoughts: Much like the Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System, the book uses unconventional methods to show readers basic astronomy concepts. The simple, but brightly colored illustrations showcase the beauty of the solar system and the different styles of writing capture the reader's interest. Unfortunately, the book does not convey detailed information about the planets. Still, it offers a solid introduction to the planets surrounding earth.

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.