Recommended by: Ms. Donahue

Plot: Several centuries of mathematical and scientific discovery are condensed to five noteworthy achievements that changed technology and society.

Why read? Math lovers will love this book. The rest of us can skip the equations and enjoy the stories. submit a review

Recommended by: Ms. Donahue

Plot: A new way to look at history—as a scientist! Certain chemicals have altered the course of history.

Why read? Napoleon lost the war because the buttons used at the time disintegrated in the brutal cold of the Russian winter. The zipper, velcro and other fasteners hadn’t been invented. The army’s materials literally fell apart and caused the army to fall apart too. Who woulda thunk it? submit a review

The Riddle of the Compass By: Amir D. Aczel
Recommended by: Ms. Donahue
Plot: The story of the compass began about 2000 years ago in China when a mysterious stone was found to have unusual power. In the 12th century, the Venetians realized the stone’s potential and created the compass. New possibilities in navigation changed the world.

Why read? Navigation without sight of shore or during the winter months was once impossible. The compass allowed mariners to chart the oceans and establish sea routes around the world. We use these same routes today to connect the world’s economies to one another. Follow the Crusades, the Etruscans, Marco Polo and Napoleon in this fascinating story of an ugly but powerful rock. submit a review

The 13th Element By: John Emsley
Recommended by: Ms. Donahue
Plot: The sordid tale of murder, fire and phosphorus, element number thirteen in the periodic table, is not only full of information but it is also well written and reads like a story. “We may be able to substitute nuclear power for coal, and plastics for wood, and yeast for meat, and friendliness for isolation—but for phosphorus there is neither substitute nor replacement.” Isaac Asimov

Why read? Phosphorus is one of nature’s deadliest creations. Discovered 300 years ago, it was prescribed as a medication before anyone knew it was poisonous. When its glow in the dark and fire starting properties were discovered, it became part of the Industrial Revolution. Inevitably, the element was used as a weapon of war. Take a look at history from the perspective of just one small piece of the Periodic Table. submit a review

Bold Endeavors By: Stuster
Recommended by: Ms. Donahue
Plot: From an analysis of the history of polar exploration and the lessons learned from space travel, the author concludes what will be required to send people to Mars.

Why read? Much of the material in the book is from original sources or from interviews with current high level officials. No other look at the past does as much to teach us what to do in the future as this book does as we prepare to launch ourselves farther than we’ve ever been. submit a review

Death By Black Hole By: Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Recommended by: Chris H.

Plot: This is a book of short essays that were written for various science magazines. The book is very well written and will teach you a lot about various aspects of science but mostly astronomy. Only read this book if you’re ready to begin understanding the universe.

Why read? The author is an astrophysicist who is very well known. The book is also humorous and will not easily bore you. It may even help you impress your science teacher at the beginning of next year and earn you some brownie points, which never hurt anyone.

Reviewer’s note: I read the book over the course of the year and it actually helped me a lot in chemistry and got me interested in certain parts of physics which I'm reading about now. submit a review