Scientifically minded kids have some great new nonfiction titles to choose from when they’re looking for a summer read.

Bright Sky, Starry City by Uma Krishnaswami
City kids get a real look at the night sky when the power goes out in their urban neighborhood. Budding astronomers learn about light pollution as well as the solar system, telescopes, and more in a comprehensive glossary and extra reading list. (Ages 6-9.)

Dinosaurs Live On! And Other Fun Facts by Laura Lyn DiSiena
Cartoons stand side by side with lots of great details about different kinds of dinosaurs, their lives, and their fossils. (Ages 5-8.)

The Science of an Earthquake by Lois Sephaban and The Science of a Volcanic Eruption by Samantha Bell
Budding scientists will enjoy these detailed, well-illustrated tales of—well, of earthquakes and volcanoes. (Ages 8-12.)

Dandy Decimals by Lisa Arias
Robots liven up a useful rhyming book on handling decimals to their hundredth places. (Ages 8-12.)

From Sea to Salt by Lisa Owings
Completest kids will enjoy learning about the origins of the salt on their dinner tables. Part of a  “Start to Finish” series that also includes From Sheep to Sweater and From Strawberry to Jam. (Ages 5-8.)

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your picks! Leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend.