Adler, David A.  Magnets Push, Magnets Pull
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Holiday

Illustrated by Anna Raff. This informative, interactive exploration of magnets and magnetism encourages readers to track down materials and investigate on their own. Each physics concept is carefully explained at just the right level and anchored in visible phenomena. Adler addresses common misconceptions or skillfully constructs lines of reasoning that prevent them from developing. Illustrations provide a friendly and helpful guide to the activities described in the text. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Magnets

Kenney, Karen Latchana  Energy Investigations
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Kenney, Karen Latchana  Forces and Motion Investigations
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Kenney, Karen Latchana  Magnetism Investigations
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Kenney, Karen Latchana  Sound and Light Waves Investigation
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Kenney, Karen Latchana  States of Matter Investigations
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Marsico, Katie  Electricity Investigations
Gr. 4–6, middle school     32 pp.    Lerner

Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science series. Each volume lucidly introduces a major topic in the physical sciences through definitions of important terms, profiles of scientists and their historic discoveries, and applications to everyday experiences. Most pages include numerous relevant photographs and clear diagrams of science concepts. A "Try It!" activity is included at the end of each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Electricity; Experiments; Matter; Force; Motion; Gravity; Magnets; Sound; Light

Latta, Sara  Smash!: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider
Middle school, high school      72 pp.     Lerner/Graphic Universe

Illustrated by Jeff Weigel. Nick visits his cousin Sophie — whose parents work at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research — to learn about the LHC. The graphic novel format works well in portraying subatomic particles in dramatic collisions and the teens imagining themselves at microscopic sizes. The scientific details are conveyed through long, somewhat awkward lectures from Sophie and famous scientists. Reading list, websites. Glos.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Cartoons and comics; Graphic novels; Large Hadron Collider (France and Switzerland); Nuclear physics; Astronomy—Universe

Oxlade, Chris  Making Machines with Pulleys
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Heinemann

Oxlade, Chris  Making Machines with Ramps and Wedges
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Heinemann

Oxlade, Chris Making Machines with Springs
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Heinemann

Simple Machine Projects series. Each book alternates definitions of simple machines and their effects on force, work, and energy with step-by-step activities in which readers are directed to build and test examples of the machines. Helpful photographs illustrate the activities and provide everyday examples, while guiding questions help students focus on the physics. Facts about historical and modern applications are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Springs (Mechanism); Pulleys; Experiments

Royston, Angela  Win That Sprint!: Forces in Sports
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Heinemann

Spilsbury, Richard and Spilsbury, Louise  Fly to Mars!: Forces in Space
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Heinemann

Feel the Force series. The physics of force and motion are addressed through examples drawn from the popular topics of sports and space exploration. Rather than thorough explanation, both books emphasize vocabulary related to the pushes and pulls used to propel athletes or spacecraft as well as the friction that objects encounter. Color photographs and diagrams, activities, and a quiz are included in each volume. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Space—Space vehicles; Force; Motion; Gravity; Sports

From the March 2018 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.