Aguilar, David A. Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond
Gr. 4–6, middle school     192 pp.     National Geographic

Images of space — photographs, artistic renderings, and computer-generated composites — dominate this survey of astronomy and planetary science. On a series of double-page spreads with dramatic black backgrounds, images and diagrams plus thoughtful text cover topics such as the solar system; stars and galaxies; technologies for space exploration; and the possibility of life on other planets. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Astronomy—Planets; Space; Astronomy—Stars; Astronomy—Universe; Astronomy—Solar system

Glaser, Chaya Icy Comets: Sometimes Have Tails
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Bearport

Glaser, Chaya Pluto: The Icy Dwarf Planet
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Bearport

Glaser, Chaya The Sun: A Super Star
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Bearport

Oldfield, Dawn Bluemel Venus: Super Hot
Gr. K–3     24 pp.     Bearport

Out of this World series. Limited facts about objects in the solar system are presented in simple sentences for beginning readers. On eye-catching starry black backgrounds, the two-page illustrations feature images of the planets, the sun, and the occasional spacecraft. A chart comparing the featured body to Earth's temperature, atmosphere, and other conditions concludes each book. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Astronomy—Comets; Astronomy—Pluto; Astronomy—Sun; Astronomy—Venus

Goldsmith, Mike Universe: Journey into Deep Space
Gr. 4–6     48 pp.     Kingfisher/Macmillan

Illustrated by Mark A. Garlick. Goldsmith takes readers on a tour of the universe, stopping light minutes, hours, or years from Earth to visit planets, moons, and stars in various stages of birth and death, as well as neighboring galaxies to ours. Each double-page spread is dominated by a richly hued artist's conception illustration of the featured astronomical body. A small text box describes the scene and presents related facts. Websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Astronomy—Universe; Space; Astronomy—Stars

Hartland, Jessie How the Meteorite Got to the Museum
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Blue Apple

In her third behind-the-scenes museum book, Hartland describes the origins of a slice of meteorite displayed in the American Museum of Natural History. She cumulatively introduces the myriad people who encountered the meteorite, from the teenager whose car was damaged by its falling to the exhibits team who prepared the exhibit. Informative text and humorously detailed paintings complete the lively presentation.
Subjects: Astronomy; Museums; Earth science—Meteorites; Cumulative tales; Astronomy—Meteors

Miller, Ron Curiosity's Mission on Mars: Exploring the Red Planet
Middle school, high school     64 pp.     Twenty-First Century

Miller profiles the latest Martian rover expedition, leading with the mission's scientific questions about current and ancient water on the planet. Technical and scientific information includes details about the rover and its array of tools, accounts of past and future Mars missions, and the ways in which Martian geology and climate could sustain life. Helpful photos, diagrams, and sidebars accompany the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Space; Space—Space vehicles; Astronomy—Mars

From the November 2015 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.