Read Around the Subject STEM Recommended Reading List

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy #1 by Douglas Adams* Seconds before the is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is plucked off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy who, for the last fifteen years, has been posing as an out-of- work actor. Together this dynamic pair begin a journey through aided by quotes from The Hitchhiker's Guide ("A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have") and a galaxy-full of fellow travellers: Zaphod Beeblebrox—the two- headed, three-armed ex-hippie and totally out-to-lunch president of the galaxy; Trillian, Zaphod's girlfriend (formally Tricia McMillan), whom Arthur tried to pick up at a cocktail party once upon a zone; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, and chronically depressed robot; Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student who is obsessed with the disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he bought over the years.

Catalyst by Laurie Halse Anderson* Kate Malone is a self-confessed and maths geek. Meticulous with planning her life. She’s on top of it all; methodically handling her boyfriend, her parents, her work and school life. Her life is on the brink of change as she’s applied to the Massachusetts’s Institute of and is eagerly awaiting their response. Science and technology are her life and her devotion, but she soon discovers that things change as suddenly and as quickly like the Big Bang.

Crazy Creatures by Gill Arbuthnott The that fights by being sick on you. The that can kill 1,500 people. The Blanket of Death. And many more fabulous facts are there in this laugh-out-loud collection of amazing but true . Barrington Stoke specialises in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Mad by Gill Arbuthnott From the man who ate everything, to the cat that's both alive and dead...A hilarious but informative look at some of science's strangest ideas - and thinkers! Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Body Owner's Handbook by Nick Arnold How does your auto-repair function work? Where's your top-of-the-range sensory equipment? What's your rear gas and waste disposal?

Bulging by Nick Arnold What does a fresh really smell like? Might chopping your brain in half not be fatal? Are girls or boys smarter? 'Bulging Brains' puts the brain under the spotlight. It explains how brain surgery is performed, and includes fantastic fact files, curious quizzes, teacher tests and crazy cartoons.

Chemical Chaos by Nick Arnold This series looks at the nastier side of science. 'Chemical Chaos' tells the stories of experiments that went horribly wrong, reveals the secrets of some very strange scientists, and shows readers how to try some experiments for themselves.

Deadly Diseases by Nick Arnold What happened when a nurse drank diarrhoea? Why does deadly cholera make your skin turn blue? Which used eyeballs as for ?

Evil Inventions by Nick Arnold Readers will discover why someone invented the bottom-stabbing bike saddle and why you would need a toilet snorkel.

Explosive Experiments by Nick Arnold Which scientist blew up his barbie in an experiment? Who tried - and failed - to get rid of his fingerprints with acid? How did scientists track down the chemical cause of cheesy socks? All these questions are answered in the one guide that no aspiring horrible scientist should be without.

Frightening by Nick Arnold Science with the squishy bits left in! What stops your eyeballs from falling out? Why can dead bodies make ghostly glowing ? How can a laser beam sizzle human flesh? Get the awful answers in Frightening Light!

Killer by Nick Arnold Why do space loos spray out frozen peas? Which chilling chemical can preserve your pets? Who built a dodgy steam-powered plane?

Nasty by Nick Arnold Science with the squishy bits left in: Why do vultures have bald heads? What kind of frog lives in a toilet? How do vampire bats slurp blood? Get the awful answers in Nasty Nature

Ugly Bugs by Nick Arnold What do do with their slime? Why do flies throw up on your tea? How do drink your blood? Get the awful answers in Ugly Bugs!

I, Robot (short stories) by Isaac Asimov Earth is ruled by master-, but the Three Laws of Robotics have been designed to ensure humans maintain the upper hand: 1) A robot may not injure a human being or allow a human being to come to harm. 2) A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. But what happens when a rogue robot’s idea of what is good for society contravenes the Three Laws?

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science by Jeannine Atkins* A gorgeously written novel in verse about three girls in three different time periods who grew up to become ground-breaking scientists. Maria Merian was sure that caterpillars were not wicked things born from mud, as most people of her time believed. More than a century later, Mary Anning helped her father collect stone sea creatures from the cliffs in southwest England. Intrepid and patient, she eventually discovered fossils that would change people’s vision of the past. Across the ocean, Maria Mitchell longed to discover a new comet and after years of studying the night sky, she finally did. Told in vibrant, evocative poems, this stunning novel celebrates the joy of discovery and finding wonder in the world around us.

The Handmaid's Tale (14+) by Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

Sightseeing in Space: 2 New Adventures by David Bailey The Doctor, Amy, and Rory join an undersea exploration ship on the planet Hos in The Underwater War. When a infects the crew, they discover the ship is hiding a dangerous secret! In Terminal of Despair, the TARDIS crew find themselves trapped in a quarantined spaceport where the waiting passengers have lost all hope of ever getting home. Can the Doctor save them?

Mystery Of Silas Finklebean by David Baldacci Adam Spanker, determined to get even after his previous defeat, has challenged Freddy to bet on the winner of the annual science competition. Freddy was convinced he'd win - being a scientific genius who brought five French fries to life ...until he discovered that Adam had joined with science wiz Harold. Can Freddy and his French fry friends come up with another spectacular experiment to save the day?

Chase #1 by Linwood Barclay Chipper is a very special dog. As part of a top-secret, multi-million-dollar experiment to create the ultimate canine spy technology, Chipper's whole life has been spent within the walls of a secret organisation known only as The Institute. Chipper is supposed to be more than mutt, but something's wrong and The Institute knows it. He's about to be terminated. Across the state, twelve-year-old orphan Jeff Conway is working all hours at his aunt Flo's lakeside cabin business. He misses his parents, his old life, and the dog he had to leave behind. When Chipper escapes and his and Jeff's paths collide, dog and boy find themselves tangled up in the most dangerous game of chase imaginable... Winner of the Arthur Ellis award for Best Kid's Crime Novel. Danger, secrets and thrilling suspense in Linwood Barclay's action-packed first novel for children. Get ready to run . . . an edge-of- your-seat thriller with bite from international bestselling author Linwood Barclay, in his first novel for 9-12-year olds.

The Red Blaser Girls by Michael D Beil * Sophie, Margaret, and Rebecca are all students at St. Veronica's when their routines are broken by the appearance of a ghostly face in a window across the courtyard! The face turns out to be a woman in need of help: she is estranged from her daughter but might be able to repair the relationship if the girls can help her solve a scavenger hunt full of logic puzzles and geometry equations. But the girls aren't alone in their quest, so they'll have to work fast to get to the treasure first! Full of twists, turns, and laugh-out-loud moments, this is sure to be a favourite with math and mystery loving Mighty Girls.

The Martian Race #1 (14+) by Gregory Benford March 2015. Nasa's first manned voyage to Mars is about to launch. But disaster strikes - the rocket explodes, killing the entire crew, and the US government abandons the project. What they come up with in its place will change the nature of space exploration together. Businessman John Axelrod and his consortium have every intention of winning the $30 billion Mars Prize for the first successful mission to the red planet. He knows that it will involve far higher risks than the one NASA had planned. But he has no choice. He has to win.

The Fran That Time Forgot by Tim Benton (Quick read) What's in a name? Or, to be more exact, what's in a middle name? Franny K. Stein didn't think the time would ever come when someone would realise just what the 'K' in her name stood for, let alone say it out loud in front of her whole school! When the principal announces Franny's full name, Franny Kissypie Stein, at an award ceremony, both the kids and the teachers burst out laughing. Laughter may be the best but not when it's directed at a mad scientist! So, Franny does what any mad scientist would do...goes back in time and changes her name! However, things don't go quite according to plan and Franny ends up having to face her evil teenage self in a fourth dimensional kid vs. teen, good vs. evil, Franny vs. Franny, battle of the minds!

Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman You're thirteen. All you want is a normal life. But most normal kids don't need heart transplants. So, there's this doctor. He says there's a chance for you. But he also says it's experimental, controversial and risky. And it's never been done before.

Words Last Forever by Malorie Blackman This collection explores the power of words to change people and situations - for better or for worse, for a short time or forever. It uses a wide range of genres including science-fiction, horror and myth in a variety of gripping and thought-provoking stories.

Shadow Runners by Daniel Blythe Twelve-year-old Miranda's new home is a dull seaside town, the sort of place where nothing ever happens. But things do begin to happen. Weird things. At school, Miranda meets a group of friends who seem to know something of what's going on. Together they set out to uncover the mystery. and fast, before the evil that's shadowing her unleashes destruction. And to play her part, Miranda must face both the darkness within and the evil without.

Changing the Equation by Tonya Bolden * Black women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and ) have faced both racial and gender boundaries throughout history — and yet they have persevered, changing our world for the better! In this inspiring volume, award-winning author Tonya Bolden explores the stories of more than 50 black women, from pioneers for the past to the trailblazers of the 21st century. She explores how the intersection of race and gender affected their careers, and how their contributions benefit us today. Complete with extensive back , this empowering book encourages readers to let their curiosity drive them to success.

Golden Apples of The Sun by Ray Bradbury One of a series of fiction for schools. The captain who takes a rocket to the sun to bring back a cup full of sunlight, and the girl looking for love who travels through a balmy spring night into bodies not her own, are just two of the characters in this collection of fantasy stories.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley * Flavia de Luce is an aspiring chemist with a particular interest in , but in her 1950s English village, she's definitely the oddball. But her talents for listening at keyholes and picking locks come in handy when a series of mysterious events come to the mansion at Buckshaw: first a dead bird on the doorstep with a postage stamp on its beak, then a dying man in the family's cucumber patch. No matter what happens, Flavia can't help but admit that her life began in earnest once murder came calling! Rollicking and intriguing, this is an excellent option for teens and adults alike.

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares Seventeen-year-old Prenna James emigrated to New York when she was twelve. But Prenna didn't come from a different country, she came from a different time - a future where a mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins. Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they're from, never interfere with history, and never, ever be intimate with anyone outside their community. Prenna does as she's told, believing she can help prevent the plague that will one day ravage the earth and take the lives of her younger brothers. But everything changes when she falls for Ethan. She might be able to save the world ...if she lets go of the one thing she's found to hold on to.

Gideon The Cutpurse #1 by Linda Buckley-Archer An encounter with an anti- machine catapults Peter Schock and Kate Dyer back to the 18th century and sets in a calamitous chain of events. While a massive police hunt gets underway to find the missing children in the 21st century - in 1763 a hardened criminal, the Tar Man, steals the anti-gravity machine and disappears into the London underworld. Stranded in another time and forced to chase the Tar Man to his lair, Peter and Kate find a friend and guide in reformed cutpurse, Gideon Seymour. Gideon does everything he can to help them, but will his dark past catch up with him before the machine is recovered?

Sorrowline #1 by Niel Bushnell Twelve-year-old Jack Morrow is used to life being complicated. His mother died five years ago, and his father is now headed for prison. But then Jack discovers he's a Yard Boy - someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death - and he is quickly pulled into an adventure beyond anything he could have possibly imagined. Finding himself in 1940s war-torn London, with his then-teenage grandfather, Davey, Jack soon realises that his arrival in the past has not gone unnoticed. The evil forces of a secret world are determined to find him - and to find out all he knows. As Jack struggles to survive, he comes ever closer to unlocking the dark secret at the heart of his family, and to - just maybe - changing his own destiny…

Timesmith #2 by Niel Bushnell Thirteen -year-old Jack Morrow is haunted by the past. For Jack is a Timesmith, someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death. Desperate to help his family Jack finds himself in a secret world deep under the streets of 1940's London. Hunted by the undead knights of the Paladin Jack must find the fabled lost sword of Durendal before it can be used to resurrect the Paladin's evil master, Rouland. Separated from his friends Jack is forced into an uneasy alliance with Hilda, a strange girl with a hidden past. Together they must find their way through the treacherous underground city of Ealdwyc and stop Rouland's return. Jack's future, and that of his entire family depends on it.

Door in the Lake by Nancy Butts Joseph disappears from a camping trip and mysteriously reappears two years later. Chronologically 14, he still looks, sounds and feels like a 12-year-old boy. His physical condition deteriorates, and Joseph knows that he must return to the lakeside camp where he disappeared and confront his past.

Ender's Game #1 Orson Scott Card Ender Wiggin is Battle School's latest recruit. His teachers reckon he could become a great leader. And they need one. A vast alien is headed for Earth, its mission: the annihilation of all human life. Ender could be our only hope. But first he must survive the most brutal military training program in the galaxy...With its explosive storyline, pump-action excitement and hugely engaging central characters, Ender's Game is 2002's absolute must-read for teenaged boys. Forget schools for wizards, this is where the *real* action is.

Chasing Secrets by Gennifer Choldenko * It's 1900 in San Francisco, and 13-year-old Lizzie Kennedy puts on a brave face at her finishing school, acting like a "proper" young lady. But secretly, her passion is science, which she indulges when she joins her doctor father on house calls. That's where she first learns of a dark side to the city she loves — a side that's full of rumors of the plague. Everyone, including her beloved father, insists it's nonsense, but then why is the heart of the city under quarantine? Lizzie will have to cross the lines of gender, class, and race if she wants to solve the mystery and save the people she loves in this medical mystery. For ages 9-12

Tales of Ten Worlds by Arthur C Clarke Fifteen stories ranging from the sinister rescue of a Sputnik and the Pacific to startling and amusing adventures on the moon, in a comet's tail, on Mars and Venus, and the rings of Saturn, and on the asteroid Icarus only seventeen million miles from the sun. The long concluding story, "The Road to the Sea," is set thousands of years in the future when men have ventured beyond our and the last civilizations on earth are being evacuated.

Ready Player One (14+) by Ernest Cline Like most of humanity, Wade is obsessed by the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this alternate reality: OASIS founder James Halliday, who dies with no heir, has promised that control of the OASIS - and his massive fortune - will go to the person who can solve the riddles he has left scattered throughout his creation. The Starman and Me by Sharon Cohen Twelve-year-old Kofi first spots the prehistoric human on a roundabout near the supermarket. He is small and dark and curled into a tight ball. His name is Rorty Thrutch and he has zero memory of how he ended up in the unexceptional village of Bradborough. Later that night, hiding out behind Kofi's house, three men and a dog come after him... Because Rorty can do amazing things. He can copy, paste and delete objects, using only the power of his mind. This is the discovery of the century and mad, greedy scientists will stop at nothing to track him down. Kofi and best friend Janie are on a mission. Not only must they protect Rorty Thrutch, but they have to find his missing girlfriend Pogsy Blue, too. Our prehistoric ancestors have crashed headlong into the 21st century and time is running out to save them... I IS RORTY explores where we have come from and where we are moving to - it's about the magic of DNA, the power of identity, and the importance of caring for each other.

Artemis Fowl #1 by Eoin Colfer Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius, and above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories—they're dangerous! Full of unexpected twists and turns, Artemis Fowl is a riveting, magical adventure. By now you have the idea and can see why this innovative piece of children’s literature has been called sort of like James Bond, Encyclopaedia Brown, and Grimms all rolled up in one. Highly entertaining. A roller coaster of a plot introducing a host of high jinks and high-tech weaponry blending derring-do with snappy prose, memorable characters, and sly humour, a crackling read. Reluctant Assassin (W. A. R. P. #1), The by Eoin Colfer The Matrix meets Oliver Twist, WARP: The Reluctant Assassin is the first of a major new series by Eoin Colfer, the bestselling author of Artemis Fowl. It all began with the FBI and WARP (Witness Anonymous Relocation Programme). Hiding witnesses in the past to protect the future - until now...Riley is a Victorian orphan, hurtled into the twenty-first century and on the run from his evil master...Albert Garrick, the terrifying assassin-for-hire pursuing Riley through time, along with...Chevie Savano, the FBI's youngest and most impulsive special agent. As Garrick relentlessly hunts them down, Riley and Chevie face a desperate race to stay alive and stop Garrick from returning to his own time - armed with knowledge and power that could change the world forever.

Painkiller by Tim Collins Esme is a painkiller. She can take pain away with just a touch. In a world where hospitals have closed and diseases are common, she's in great demand. But she's also in danger. Abbie wants to take Esme to a secret commune where she'll be safe. But bounty hunters are closing in on them, and time is running out.

Mechanica by Betsy Cornwell * When her mother was still alive, Nicolette learned to be an inventor by her side; now that she's gone, her stepsisters laugh and call her "Mechanica." But when she discovers a secret workshop full of mechanical tools powered in part by fey magic, she sees the opportunity to escape her miserable situation: with both a technological exhibition and a royal ball approaching, if Nicolette can't impress the prince, perhaps she can impress investors. This innovative fairy tale, featuring a steampunk Cinderella, celebrates a mechanically inclined Mighty Girl and also conveys important lessons about the value of independence and freedom. Jimmy Coates: Assassin #4 by Joe Craig Who are the mysterious men chasing Jimmy across the city? Why are they after him? What are Jimmy's parents hiding and who can he trust? And how come he can suddenly do all this really cool stuff? Jimmy Coates is a boy with a secret and even he doesn't know what it is. But it's a matter of life and death...

Breath (14+) by Sarah Crossan Named, The Curley, Marianne Curley, Marianne Imagine if you were able to change history. By altering one tiny thing you could start a chain of catastrophic events. Ethan is one of the Named, fated to stop this ever happening, although the forces of chaos have other ideas and Ethan is finding it more and more difficult to stay one step ahead. He is also a normal schoolboy, whose life is rapidly becoming far too confusing. So, when Isabel arrives on the scene, she is only going to make worse or is she? This is history in the making - literally.

Blood Shark by Michael Dahl A school field trip. A pit filled to the brim with fossils. A valuable shark tooth over a million years old. And one bad boy who doesn't know better than to steal from mother nature. Modern-day sharks only live in the ocean, but Professor Igor proves that prehistoric shark can be found anywhere. And where there's bones, razor-sharp teeth aren't far behind… This series of hi-lo books is sure to sink its teeth into any reluctant reader--and refuse to let go until the final page. Each book includes discussion and writing questions, a glossary, and educational back matter

Magonia #1 by Maria Dahvana Headley Since she was a baby, Aza Ray Boyle has suffered from a mysterious lung disease that makes it ever harder for her to breathe, to speak, to live. So, when Aza catches a glimpse of a ship in the sky, her family chalks it up to a cruel side effect of her medication. But Aza doesn’t think this is a hallucination. She can hear someone on the ship calling her name. Only her best friend, Jason, listens. Jason, who’s always been there. Jason, for whom she might have more- than-friendly feelings. But before Aza can consider that thrilling idea, something goes terribly wrong. Aza is lost to our world and found by another.

The Maze Runner #1 by James Dashner When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade - a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze. Like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they came to be there - or what's happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything - even the Grievers, half-machine, half- horror that patrol its corridors, to try and find out.

Professor P and The Jurassic Coast by Peter James Davidson Peter and Tara have just moved to the Jurassic Coast. While searching for fossils on the beach they hear a mysterious explosion from beyond the cliffs. This is the start of a fantastic adventure with professor P – one that will change their world forever! Includes a 16-page illustrated fossil guide. Full of Fun and interesting facts

Ascension #1 (14+) by Victor Dixen Six girls, six boys. Each in the two separate bays of a single spaceship. They have six minutes each week to seduce and to make their choices, under the unblinking eye of the on-board cameras. They are the contenders in the Genesis programme, the world's craziest speed- dating show ever, aimed at creating the first human colony on Mars.

Can You Survive A Virus Outbreak? by Matt Doeden The Centre for Disease Control has issued a warning about an outbreak of a new deadly virus-'Blood Fever.' Any person you pass on the street could be a carrier. To make it through the outbreak, you'll have to make the right decisions. When YOU CHOOSE what to do next, can you survive a plague that reaches across the globe?

Mary Underwater by Shannon Doleski * In some ways, Mary Murphy just wants to disappear ever since her abusive father returned home from prison, her home has been filled with his yelling and violence. She wishes she could just focus on the things she enjoys, but even her beloved science class is a struggle right now. When she and class clown Kip Dwyer decide to save their physics grade by building a real submarine, Mary hopes that she can pilot it across the Chesapeake Bay — and escape. As she and Kip grow closer, and Mary's confidence grows, she might just realize she's worthy of love and kindness. Debut author Shannon Doleski depicts the realities of overcoming abuse in a realistic but empowering way in this stunning middle grade novel.

Moon Man by David Donohue Walter Speazlebud intends to visit the Moon. Not when he's grown up; not even with the next NASA mission. No, Walter intends to use his power of Noitanigami ('imagination' to those of you who sadly lack the ability to spell, talk and travel backwards). With the help of gutsy Annie Zuckers and gentle Levon, Walter is going to travel back in time to 1969 to prove that the Moon landing happened. So, what if the Moon's surface looks like the Nevada desert? So, what if Neil Armstrong botched his line (Shouldn't it have been 'one small step for a man, one giant leap for Mankind'?)? Walter's beloved grandfather said it happened, and even if he is getting confused in the head, Walter's grandfather must be right. Walter is going to prove it! And if Walter can master his gift of Noitanigami, perhaps then he will be able to take his grandfather back in time, too, and rid him of his Alzheimer's.

After Eden #1 by Helen Douglas Eden Anfield loves puzzles, so when mysterious new boy Ryan Westland shows up at her school she's hooked. On the face of it, he's a typical American teenager. So why doesn't he recognise pizza? And how come he hasn't heard of Hitler? What puzzles Eden the most, however, is the interest he's taking in her. As Eden starts to fall in love with Ryan, she begins to unravel his secret. Her breakthrough comes one rainy afternoon when she stumbles across a book in Ryan's bedroom - a biography of her best friend - written over fifty years in the future. Confronting Ryan, she discovers that he is there with one unbelievably important purpose ... and she might just have destroyed his only chance of success

The Rig by Joe Ducie Joe Fifteen-year-old Will Drake has made a career of breaking out from high-security prisons. His talents have landed him at the Rig, a specialist juvenile holding facility in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. No one can escape from the Rig. No one except for Drake...After making some escape plans and meeting the first real friends of his life, Drake quickly realises that all is not as it seems on the Rig. The Warden is obsessed with the mysterious Crystal-X - a blue, glowing substance that appears to give superpowers to the teens exposed to it. Drake, Tristan and Irene are banking on a bid for freedom - but can they survive long enough to make it? Drake is an action hero to rival Jason Bourne and the Cherub team in this debut authors fantastically imagined sci-fi nightmare.

The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster They call it a crash when the blood goes from my head to my feet, pours out into the room and drains through a hole in the middle of the floor. They call it a crash when the walls start spinning and the pictures blur. Then the ceiling turns black and the floor turns black and I don't know which way I'm facing anymore. Eleven-year-old Joe can't remember a life outside of his hospital room, with its beeping machines and view of London's rooftops. His condition means he's not allowed outside, not even for a moment, and his few visitors risk bringing life-threatening germs inside his 'bubble'. But then someone new enters his world and changes it for ever.

Evolve or Die by Phil Gates is getting a make-over! With a fantastic new cover look and extra horrible bits at the back of the book, these best-selling titles are sure to be a huge hit with a new generation of Horrible Science readers.

Albert Einstein & His Inflatable by Mike Goldsmith Albert Einstein is the genius who invented e=mc2. He is possibly the brainiest scientist in history - and the battiest! But did you know that Al's life was almost as wild as his hair? Not only was an unruly young Al expelled from school, but he was spied on by the Nazis and the FBI. And after he died, he had his brain removed! Yes, even though he's dead, Al's still full of surprises.

Inventors & Their Bright Ideas by Mike Goldsmith You've probably heard of a few inventors and their bright ideas. Alexander Graham Bell and his telephone, George Stevenson and his Rocket (which was really a train), John Logie Baird and his television. But have you heard that...Bell didn't invent the phone, but he did make a weird machine out of hay and a human ear? Stevenson didn't invent the train, but he did spend a lot of time collecting gas in bladders. Baird's telly was useless, and so were his thermostatic socks? Yes, even though they're dead, inventors are still full of surprises-and the ten in this book are more surprising than most. Now you can get the inside story from their long-lost notebooks, read the ground-breaking news stories as their inventions hit the headlines, and find out all about the bright ideas that changed the world.

Scientists & Their Mind-Blowing Experiments by Mike Goldsmith You've probably heard of a few scientists. - and his telescope - Isaac Newton and his apple - Charles Darwin and his theory of . But have you heard that - Galileo was sentenced to life in prison for his shocking ideas about the solar system - Newton wasn't all that keen on science - sometimes it got on his nerves - Darwin wrote a book about his pet worms? Yes, even though they're dead, scientists are still full of surprises - and the nine in this book are more surprising than most. Dazzling Discoveries by Mary Gribbin A new version of the adult book written specifically for children 11 and up. Covering a huge sweep of science (the last 400 years) the Gribbins look at the great scientists from childhood to old age, telling the stories of their lives and how they came to make their renowned discoveries. A fascinating and highly readable account of the events that lie behind the scientific milestones of history, this book tells us the human stories behind the scientific principles. Previously published in hardback as Inventing the Future.

Found by Margaret Haddix Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he's never thought it was any big deal. Then he and a new friend, Chip, who's also adopted, begin receiving mysterious letters. The first one says, 'You are one of the missing.' The second one says, 'Beware! They're coming back to get you.' Jonah, Chip, and Jonah's sister, Katherine, are plunged into a mystery that involves the FBI, a vast smuggling operation, an airplane that appeared out of nowhere -- and people who seem to appear and disappear at will. The kids discover they are caught in a battle between two opposing forces that want very different things for Jonah and Chip's lives. Do Jonah and Chip have any choice in the matter? And what should they choose when both alternatives are horrifying?

An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Chris Hadfield An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth is an inspirational memoir of space exploration and hard-won wisdom, from an astronaut who has spent a lifetime making the impossible a reality. Colonel Chris Hadfield has spent decades training as an astronaut and has logged nearly 4000 hours in space. During this time, he has broken into a Space Station with a Swiss army knife, disposed of a live snake while piloting a plane, and been temporarily blinded while clinging to the exterior of an orbiting spacecraft. The secret to Col. Hadfield's success- and survival-is an unconventional philosophy he learned at NASA: prepare for the worst-and enjoy every moment of it.

Dr. Franklin's Island by Ann Halam What's it like to see your friend transformed into a raven before your very eyes, and to know it's your turn next? How does it feel to morph into a manta ray or slide into the body of a snake? This is what happens to Miranda, Semi and Arnie, three friends who are the sole survivors of a plane crash. They find themselves on a tropical island of azure waters and white sands. But beyond the palm-fringed beaches lies the hospital run by the sinister Dr Franklin, and the three teenagers are about to become his next patients. Perfect candidates for his experiments in genetic engineering... A horrifying, fascinating story that is Ann Halam's most unusual and challenging novel so far.

One Trick Pony by Nathan Hale The aliens have arrived. And they’re hungry for . In the Earth of the future, humans are on the run from an alien force, giant blobs who suck up electrical devices wherever they can find them. Strata and her family are part of a caravan of digital rescuers, hoping to keep the memory of civilization alive by saving electronics wherever they can. Many humans have reverted to a pre-electrical age, and others have taken advantage of the invasion to become dangerous bandits and outlaws. When Strata and her brother are separated from the caravan, they must rely on a particularly beautiful and rare robot pony to escape the outlaws and aliens and defeat the invaders once and for all.

Earth Swarm by Tim Hall Killer drones attack! Terrifying drones controlled by artificial intelligence are destroying London . . . Genius scientist John Strider helped create the machines - and he's disappeared. Only one person has a chance to stop them - his teenage son, hotshot pilot Hal Strider. Hal and his sister Jess are determined to prove their father's innocence and to find a way to save the city. But in order to survive, they are going to have to take on a terrible and remorseless foe. The machines are coming…

Wool (14+) by Hugh Howey Thousands of them have lived underground. They've lived there so long, there are only legends about people living anywhere else. Such a life requires rules. Strict rules. There are things that must not be discussed. Like going outside. Never mention you might like going outside. Or you'll get what you wish for.

The Escape Of The Deadly ; Usa #1 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt An eager young scientist has brought to life a dangerous flesh- dinosaur by crossing its DNA with that of his pet dog, Freddie. Secret Agent Jack Stalwart needs to capture the dinosaur before it destroys New York City.

The Starlight Watchmaker #1 by Lauren James Wealthy students from across the galaxy come to learn at the prestigious academy where Hugo toils as a watchmaker. But he is one of the lucky ones. Many androids like him are jobless and homeless. Someone like Dorian could never understand their struggle - or so Hugo thinks when the pompous duke comes banging at his door. But when Dorian's broken time-travel watch leads them to discover a sinister scheme, the pair must reconcile their differences if they are to find the culprit in time. A wildly imaginative sci-fi adventure from YA star Lauren James, particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 13+

The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson by Devika Jina In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the that ensured they got there and back in one piece. As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel. Discover her incredible life story in this beautifully illustrated book complete with narrative biography, timelines and facts.

Reaching for the Moon by Katherine Johnson * For the first time, Katherine Johnson, the now-famous mathematician featured in ‘Hidden Figures’, is telling her story in her own words! She begins her autobiography with her decision, at age 4, to begin attending school with her older brother so she could help him with his math assignments. Before long, the gifted girl leapfrogged through grades, eventually graduating college at age 18. Her years at NASA, including fascinating stories from her work on the Apollo 11 moon mission, are recounted in vivid detail. Warm and conversational in tone, Johnson doesn't shy away from the difficulties of being both female and black while growing up and during her time at NASA. For any young reader who has dreamed of sitting down to chat with this remarkable role model, this lively book is the next best thing — and it's sure to inspire them to reach for their own promising futures!

Dreaming in Black and White by Reinhardt Jung In his dreams, Hannes finds himself back in 1930s Germany. He is persecuted by his pupils and teachers. For Hannes is disabled and, like the Jews and social misfits, the Nazis have labelled him not worth living. He finds solace in his mother. But has his father begun to believe Nazi propaganda?

The Evolution of Calpurnia Virginia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly* At the young age of 11, Calpurnia Virginia Tate is a natural, erm… naturalist. Her interest in science and the natural world begins when she realises that the yellow grasshoppers in her backyard are so much bigger than the green ones and she wants to know why. Inquisitive and avaricious for facts about the world around her, Calpurnia becomes a willing student and absorbs her loving grandfather’s knowledge. This book is about evolution; insects and species, the evolution of women at the turn of the century and Calpurnia’s own growth from a young girl into a young woman. (psst… Green grasshoppers are not so easily camouflaged against the yellow grasses and are eaten before they get a chance to grow!)

The Diabolic #1 by S J Kincaid Nemesis is a Diabolic. Created to protect a galactic Senator's daughter, Sidonia. There's no one Nemesis wouldn't kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the galactic court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her.

Counting on Leroy by Steve Mills and Hilary Koll Maths nerd Leroy Stone finds himself on a TV quiz by accident! Can his maths facts save the day? Award-winning authors bring the subject to life in this fresh, funny story. Barrington Stoke specialises in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Satellite by Nick Lake A teenage boy born in space makes his first trip to Earth. He’s going to a place he’s never been before: home. Moon 2 is a space station that orbits approximately 250 miles above Earth. It travels 17,500 miles an hour, making one full orbit every ninety minutes. It’s also the only home that fifteen-year-old Leo and two other teens have ever known. Born and raised on Moon 2, Leo and the twins, Orion and Libra, are finally old enough and strong enough to endure the dangerous trip to Earth. They’ve been “parented” by teams of astronauts since birth and have run countless drills to ready themselves for every conceivable difficulty they might face on the . But has anything really prepared them for life on terra firma? Because while the planet may be home to billions of people, living there is more treacherous than Leo and his friends could ever have imagined, and their very survival will mean defying impossible odds.

Bold Women of Medicine by Susan M Latta * From battlefield nurses Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale in the 19th century, to modern medical miracle workers like Dr. Catherine Hamlin and Bonnie Simpson Mason, women have long played a key role in medicine — but their contributions have often been downplayed or forgotten. In this fascinating title from the’ Women of Action’ series, young adult readers get to meet some of the daring and trailblazing women of the past two hundred years of medicine. From adventurers like Mary Carson Breckinridge, the "nurse on horseback" who delivered babies in the Appalachian Mountains, to research physicians like Virginia Apgar, who created the Apgar score that has saved millions of new born babies, these women defied prejudices and expectations, created incredible new procedures, and devoted their lives to healing people around the world.

Ada Lovelace: The Computer Wizard of Victorian England by Lucy Lethbridge Daughter of the poet Lord Byron, Ada Lovelace was a child prodigy. Brilliant at maths, she read numbers like most people read words. In 1834 she came to the attention of scientist Charles Babbage, who had just built an amazing 'thinking machine'. Thus, began a remarkable collaboration in the invention of computer. Ages 10+.

Planimal Magic by Rebecca Lisle While his mum recovers from cancer, Joe (and Bingo - the only psychic dog in England) stays with cousin Molly and her dad at the scientific research institute in the countryside. Early one morning, Joe hears a strange wailing sound - like an animal in distress. Molly hears it, too, and they trace it to the disused swimming pool at the back of the institute. However, there are no animals: the scientists are meant to be researching . Then Molly and Joe make an amazing discovery: a creature which is part- and part-animal. The Planimal can photosynthesise and make its own food. It's a mind-blowing discovery with huge implications for the scientific world. Some people, however, want to use the Planimal for their own selfish ends. Who are they, what do they want, and can Molly and Joe defeat them - and set the Planimal free?

It's The End Of The World As We Know It by Saci Lloyd Welcome to a world controlled by a megalomaniac Lolcat. A world where data pirates, zombies and infobots on surfboards roam free. A world at war over cheese ...When teenager Mikey Malone gets sucked through a wormhole into this parallel world, he discovers a power- crazed corporation is planning to use Earth as a dumping ground for an uncontrollable poisonous algie. It's a race against time for Mikey and his rebel friends to stop the ruthless tyrants from getting their way. A laugh-out-loud-funny new sci-fi series from Costa-shortlisted author Saci Lloyd, perfect for devotees of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams.

The Boy With The Cuckoo-Clock Heart by Mathias Malzieu Edinburgh, 1874. On the coldest night the world has ever seen, Little Jack is born with a frozen heart and immediately undergoes a life-saving operation. But Dr Madeleine is no conventional medic and surgically implants a cuckoo-clock into his chest. Little Jack grows up different to other children: every day begins with a daily wind-up. At school he is bullied for his 'ticking', but Dr Madeleine reminds him he must resist strong emotion: anger is far too dangerous for his cuckoo-clock heart. So, when the beautiful young street-singer, Miss Acacia, appears - pursued by Joe, the school bully - Jack is in danger of more than just falling in love...he is putting his life on the line.

Itch#1 by Simon Mayo Fourteen-year-old Itchingham Lofte, nicknamed Itch, has an unusual passion: collecting specimens of every element in the periodic table. So, what if that means he's had a few ... mishaps? But when he gets his hands on a suspiciously warm rock made of a new, previously unknown element, things really begin to explode. Soon, a malevolent teacher, an evil-doing corporation, and a top-secret government agency are all after Itch. Can his science know-how keep him one step ahead of everyone, and help him stay alive?

Jinxed #1 by Amy McCulloch Lacey Chu has big dreams of becoming a companioneer for MONCHA, the largest tech firm in North America and the company behind the baku - a customisable smart pet that functions as a phone but makes the perfect companion too. When Lacey finds out she hasn't been accepted into Profectus - the elite academy for cutting edge tech - it seems her dreams are over.

Unleashed by Amy McCulloch * Meet Kate Malone—straight-A science and math geek, minister's daughter, ace long-distance runner, new girlfriend (to Mitchell "Early Decision Harvard" Pangborn III), unwilling family caretaker, and emotional avoidance champion. Kate manages her life by organizing it as logically as the periodic table. She can handle it all—or so she thinks. Then, things change as suddenly as a string of chemical reactions; first, the Malones' neighbors get burned out of their own home and move in. Kate has to share her room with her nemesis, Teri Litch, and Teri's little brother. The days are ticking down and she's still waiting to hear from the only college she applied to: MIT. Kate feels that her life is spinning out of her control—and then, something happens that truly blows it all apart. Set in the same community as the remarkable Speak, Catalyst is a novel that will change the way you look at the world.

The Set-Up #1 by Sophie McKenzie Fourteen years ago, scientist William Fox implanted four babies with the Medusa gene - a gene for psychic abilities. But Fox died and the babies were hidden away for years. Now the children are teenagers - and unaware that their psychic powers are about to kick in. Cocky, charismatic Nico thinks his emerging telekinetic abilities will bring him money, power and the girl of his dreams. He's about to find out just how wrong he is...

A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay Every girl dreams of being part of the line—the chosen seven who tunnel deep into the mountain to find the harvest. No work is more important. Jena is the leader of the line—strong, respected, reliable. And—as all girls must be—she is small; years of training have seen to that. It is not always easy, but it is the way of things. And so, a girl must wrap her limbs, lie still, deny herself a second bowl of stew. Or a first. But what happens when one tiny discovery makes Jena question the world she knows? What happens when moving a single stone changes everything?

Cinder #1 by Marissa Meyer * A deadly plague. Earth's fate hinges on one girl ...CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation. Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future. This is not the fairy-tale you remember. But it's one you won't forget.

Marie Curie and Radioactivity by Connie Miller In a dramatic, graphic novel format, Marie Curie and Radioactivity tells the story of the first scientist to win two Nobel Prizes. The book takes you through Curie's life and , including how she gained recognition as a female student and scientist, her work and life with her husband Pierre and her daughters, the illness caused by exposure to radiation, and her use of life-saving X-ray machines during World War 1.

Cloud Atlas (14+) by Souls cross ages like clouds cross skies ...Six interlocking lives - one amazing adventure. In a narrative that circles the globe and reaches from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future, Cloud Atlas erases the boundaries of time, genre and language to offer an enthralling vision of humanity's will to power, and where it will lead us. *Please note that the end of p39 and p40 are intentionally blank*

Atomic Women by Roseanne Montillo* When America decided to start the Manhattan Project, they recruited scientists from around the world — and many of them were women. Scientists like Lise Meitner, Irène Joliot-Curie, Elizabeth Rona, Leona Woods, Elizabeth Graves, and Joan Hinton, call carved themselves a place in the women-unfriendly world 1940s chemistry and physics. And yet, even as they made great discoveries, few of them knew the deadly device that their research would be put to creating. In this intriguing non-fiction narrative, author Roseanne Montillo explores both the stories of these women, their little-known importance in scientific and World War II history, and the moral implications of their work.

Higher Geometry by Sharelle Byars Moranville * 1950s America, the rock and roll generation; when rules were broken, rebels had a cause and most women were still encouraged to become housewives. Hold up. Not Anna Conway. Anna is a natural at mathematics and is ready to shake, rattle and roll the conventions of the time and head to college. There’s also Anna’s love interest, Mike, who is supportive but doesn’t really want her to leave for college. She falls for him big time and Anna must work out her own life equation and tally up her future.

Killer T by Robert Muchamore Harry and Charlie are teenagers whose lives are shaped by a society that's shifting around them. He is a lonely Brit in his first term at a Las Vegas high school. She is an unlikely friend, who gets accused of mixing a batch of explosives that blew up a football player. The two of them are drawn together at a time when gene editing technology is starting to explode. With a lab in the garage anyone can beat cancer, enhance their brain to pass exams, or tweak a few genes for that year-round tan and perfect beach body. But in the wrong hands, cheap gene editing is the deadliest weapon in history. Killer T is a synthetic virus with a ninety per-cent mortality rate, and the terrorists who created it want a billion dollars before they'll release a vaccine. Terrifying. Romantic. Huge in scope. A story for our times.

Code Girls by Liza Mundy * In the midst of World War II, over ten thousand American women were secretly recruited as codebreakers while men were fighting in Europe and the Pacific. These women decoded critical information that saved countless lives — and even helped bring the war to an end. However, because their work was classified, nobody, not even their own families, knew how much they had contributed to their country. Liza Mundy conducted interviews with surviving code girls and pored through recently declassified information in order to create the best- selling adult title Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II. This young readers edition brings this riveting story of courage, service, and scientific accomplishment to middle grade readers.

Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray Jonny isn't like 'normal' teenagers. Every day he wakes up in hospital, kept alive by a machine. Every day he wonders if this is the day, they'll find a donor match for his heart. Every day he wonders if this is the day he'll die. Every day, Niamh fights with her 'perfect' brother Leo. Every single day, Leo wins. Every day, Niamh dreams of a life without Leo. But all that changes on the day of the accident: the day EVERYTHING falls apart. This is a story about facing the future no matter how frightening. This is a story about healing your heart, no matter how much it hurts.

Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel Ben Tomlin has been an only child for thirteen years. So, when his research-scientist parents bring home a baby chimp to raise as a human child, Ben's life is turned upside-down. Teaching a baby chimp how to understand language is not his idea of fun, especially when he's trying to settle in at his new school. But it isn't long before Zan's infectious personality endears him to everyone and he becomes a real member of the family. But just what will happen when he grows up and the experiment comes to an end? Ben must take dramatic steps, and the repercussions ricochet through his home and community with devastating results. This phenomenal novel is a thought-provoking story of relationships and family, first love, growing up, ethics and dilemmas

Primates; The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas * When these three women scientists started working for Louis Leakey studying primates in the wild, they were ground-breaking in many ways: not only were women in science still oddities, but their methods and ways of thinking led them to remarkable new discoveries. In this triple biography of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas — sometimes known as the Trimates — Jim Ottoviani tells their stories in compelling fashion, emphasizing their accomplishments but also presenting them as real people with flaws and quirks of their own. Inviting illustrations by Maris Wicks capture the excitement and drama of their discoveries and their lives. Accessible, entertaining, and informative, teens will devour this graphic biography.

Justin Thyme by Panama Oxridge Justin Thyme is a self-made billionaire living in a castle overlooking Loch Ness. The day he turns thirteen, he receives an anonymous gift: a fabulous watch with a puzzling message hidden on it. When he tells his father of his plans to build a time machine, the Laird of Thyme reveals tantalising fragments of past espionage and warns his son of a ruthless enemy keeping him under constant surveillance. At first, Justin fails to take Sir Willoughby seriously, but when a stranger arrives claiming to be his long-lost grandfather, Justin is wary - especially after his beloved Nanny insists the old man is an impostor. Justin's TV celebrity mother departs on a Congo expedition with her eccentric film crew and Eliza, a computer-literate gorilla. Whilst returning, Lady Henny is abducted, and clues prove that the kidnapper has inside information; someone in Thyme Castle must be a spy - or possibly Sir Willoughby's old enemy in disguise. Everyone is under suspicion

The Angel Experiment by James Patterson Six unforgettable kids — with no families, no homes — are running for their lives. Max Ride and her best friends have the ability to fly. And that's just the beginning of their amazing powers. But they don't know where they come from, who's hunting them, why they are different from all other humans... and if they're meant to save mankind — or destroy it.

The Tesla Legacy by K K Perez * This follow a precocious young scientist named Lucy Phelps whose fateful encounter in the Tesla Suite of the New Yorker Hotel unlocks her dormant electrical powers.

Heart stream by Tom Pollack (14+) * An Incredible story about Social Media and its dangers, A taut psychological thriller about obsession, fame and betrayal for fans of Black Mirror.

Desperate Measures by Kjartan Poskitt Is maths making you miserable? Do you ever feel you're one gram short of a kilo? Find out why a horse needs hands and how measurements can defeat an alien invasion from the Planet Zog. Meanwhile, Dolly Snowlips despairs as the gangsters get their maths wrong yet again.

Isaac Newton & His Apple by Kjartan Poskitt You've probably heard of Isaac Newton. He is dead famous for: discovering gravity, being a right clever dick and getting hit on the head with an apple. But have you heard that Isaac: came bottom of the class at school, poked sticks in his eye and nearly blinded himself and nearly got himself executed?

Murderous Maths: Guaranteed To Bend Your Brain by Kjartan Poskitt This work features maths with the laughs added in! How can maths rescue someone in deadly peril? Which famous mathematician was murdered? How did time begin? Find out in '' - all the tricks, tips and short- cuts they don't teach at school.

More Murderous Maths by Kjartan Poskitt Even if you didn't know that maths could be murderous, read on. It's guaranteed to have no nasty exercises and boring sums! Yes, One Finger Jimmy and the rest of the gang are back to show you just how catastrophically dangerous maths can be.

Shell by Paula Rawsthorne What if you thought you had died, only to wake up to find that your brain and eyes had been transplanted into someone else's body? When Lucy, a teen diagnosed with terminal cancer wakes up cancer-free, it should be a dream come true. But faced with a life she didn't choose and trapped in a new body; Lucy must face the biggest question of all . . . How far would you go to save the one you love?

The New Boy by Paula Rawsthorne When new boy Jack starts at Zoe's school, something about him makes her nervous - he's so perfect, he can hardly be real. But Zoe is soon swept up in how charming, popular and handsome he is. Soon, they're dating and he's everything she dreamed he might be - kind, attentive, full of romantic gestures. Eventually, though, the cracks start to show and Zoe wonders whether she was right all along. Is Jack too good to be true? Mortal Engines #1 by Philip Reeve London is a city on wheels - a future city like you've never known before. In the terrible aftermath of the Sixty Minute War, cities which survived the apocalypse became predators, chasing and feeding on smaller towns. Now London is hunting down its prey, getting ready to feed. But as the chase begins, Tom uncovers a secret - a secret full of deadly consequences. Soon he is plunged into a world of un-killable enemies, threatened by a weapon that will tear his life apart...

Railhead #1 by Philip Reeve Step Aboard - the Universe is Waiting. The Great Network is a place of drones and androids, Hive Monks and Station Angels. The place of the thousand gates, where sentient trains criss-cross the galaxy in a heartbeat. It is also a place of great dangers - especially for someone who rides the rails and rides his luck the way Zen Starling does. Once Zen was just a petty thief, stealing to support his family and living by his wits. Now everything has changed. Zen is still a thief - but it could be that the key to the whole universe rests on finding out what else he is ...This is an epic story with huge scope and film rights have already been bought by Warner Brothers.

The Kingdom (14+) by Jess Rothenberg Welcome to the Kingdom, a dazzling fantasy theme park where 'happily ever after' is not just a promise, but a rule . . .It's a fairy tale which ends in murder as the one of the 'Fantasists' goes renegade... Ana, a half-human, half-android princess, is tasked with entertaining visitors and making wishes come true but now she's on trial, after finding herself experiencing emotions and romantic feelings against all her programming. Told through court testimony, interrogation records and fragmented flashbacks, The Kingdom has the futuristic appeal of Westworld and the twists and turns of a true-crime thriller.

The Impossible Clue#1 by Sarah Rubin Maths-whizz Alice has already solved a mystery or two. Persuaded by wannabe sidekick Sammy to investigate a scientist's disappearance, she's soon entangled in her trickiest case yet. Dr Learner is reputed to have invented an invisibility suit, but is whacky science really to blame for his vanishing? With the unlikely help of erstwhile nemesis Kevin, Alice solves the puzzle - only to face another. Should she reveal the truth, or protect her most devoted friend?

Charisma: One Dose Is All Takes by Jeanne Ryan Aislyn suffers from crippling shyness, hiding from the world whilst wishing she could step into the spotlight. So, when she’s offered a dose of Charisma, an underground gene therapy drug guaranteed to make her shine, she can't resist the temptation. The effects are instant. She’s charming, vivacious, and popular. But strangely, so are some other kids she knows. The media goes into a frenzy when the disease turns contagious, and then deadly, and the doctor who gave it to them disappears. Aislyn must find a way to stop it, before it's too late. Part medical thriller, part social justice commentary, Charisma will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Obsessed with the idea of creating life itself, Victor Frankenstein plunders graveyards for the material with which to fashion a new being, shocking his creation to life with electricity. But this botched creature, rejected by its creator and denied human companionship, sets out to destroy Frankenstein and all that he holds dear.

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman * When Maria Merian began studying the world around her, bugs were considered to be "beasts of the devil." Everyone knew they spontaneously generated from mud; why would anyone want to study them? Merian's curiosity drove her to examine even these creatures, and through her notes and her art, she successfully documented something miraculous: the metamorphosis of the butterfly. This stunning biography, which is beautifully accented by full-color original artwork from Merian herself, provides an exciting look at one of the first female entomologists and her lifetime of exploration.

Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg Sloan * Willow Chance, a genius, a gardener, a reader, a lover of nature with a keen interest in medicine, oh and she loves to count by 7s! She’s a solitary little thing and can only communicate unreservedly with her adopted parents whom she loves dearly. Suddenly, Willow’s world is in complete upheaval when tragically, her parents both die in a car crash. However, this is no disaster story, Willow’s resilience and sharp inquisitive mind help her through the grief and the book really is a true celebration of her unique and systematic understanding.

Boy X by Dan Smith Kidnapped and drugged, Ash wakes up on a remote tropical island. His mum - a genetic scientist - has been imprisoned and infected with a deadly virus. Where is he, and what's he doing there? He sets out to cross the jungle to find out and rescue his mother. Soon he realises he's quicker and sharper than before. But there's something else ...why are the animals watching him, and how can he use the jungle to his advantage?

Frozen In Time by Ali Sparkes Ben and Rachel Corder are sure they're in for the longest, dullest summer ever, until they discover an underground vault at the bottom of their garden with an amazing secret inside - two children from the 1950s who have been asleep for decades. But waking up Freddy and Polly Emerson means unearthing the secrets that were buried with them. Why would their father leave them frozen? How is cryonic suspension even possible? Why doesn't the world know about the process fifty years later? How will the Emersons ever fit into the 21st century world of cell phones and microwave dinners? And why does it feel like they're all suddenly being followed?

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared To Dream by Tanya Lee Stone * In 1958 America, as the quest for space was just beginning, NASA had a rule that an astronaut had to have military pilot experience — and of course, the military only accepted men in those roles. But some people wondered if some of the equally daring women pilots of the day belonged on the first space missions. This book tells the little-known story of the Mercury 13 women, who underwent astronaut testing and training decades before the first American woman would go to space. For kids who have grown up with both male and female astronauts, reading about the Mercury 13 and their quest for the stars will shed new light on how far we've come — and how far we have to go.

This Mortal Coil by Emily Suvada * Cataine Agatta is a hacker. She can cripple mainframes and crash through firewalls, but that’s not what makes her special. In Cat’s world people are implanted with technology to recode their DNA, allowing them to change their bodies in any way they want. And Cat happens to be a gene-hacking genius

Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science - and the World by Rachel Swaby * Headstrong delivers a powerful, global, and engaging response. Covering Nobel Prize winners and major innovators, as well as lesser-known but hugely significant scientists who influence our every day, Rachel Swaby’s vibrant profiles span centuries of courageous thinkers and illustrate how each one’s ideas developed, from their first moment of scientific engagement through the research and discovery for which they’re best known. This fascinating tour reveals these 52 women at their best—while encouraging and inspiring a new generation of girls to put on their lab coats.

Trailblazers 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World * Virginia Apgar. Sally Ride. Rachel Carson. These names are etched in history and included here as part of this awe-inspiring collection of profiles of some of the world's most influential women in science. Author Rachel Swaby delves into the minds of thirty-three such women, whose vision, creativity, passion and dedication have helped make important strides in the world of science — who have in fact changed the world. Middle grade kids will be fascinated by these snapshot profiles of 33 of history's most important female scientists. This volume for middle readers is an adaptation of the author's best-selling book for teens and adults Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science and the World.

Slick by M M Vaughan one human, one android. Eric Young is an android, but he doesn’t know. He does know that he’s just moved to Ashland, so it’s important to make the right kind of friends the kind that would be interested in skateboarding and the new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends him. Danny Lazio doesn’t have any friends, but he doesn’t care. Even if his classmates don’t accept him, he still has Land X, the online role play game that he’s actually really good at. But then Eric takes an interest in Land X, and suddenly Danny thinks he might have found a real friend if he can figure out the mystery behind Eric’s sudden disappearances and strange lifestyle. It becomes harder to ignore the weird events that happen only around Eric.

Zaha Hadid by Isabel Sanchez Vegara Zaha Hadid grew up in Baghdad, Iraq surrounded by . She was a curious and confident child, who designed her own modernist bedroom at nine years old. As a young woman studying at University in Beirut, she was described as the most outstanding pupil the teacher had ever met. With her spectacular vision and belief in the power of architecture, she founded her own firm and designed some of the most outstanding buildings in the world; including the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre.

The Invisible Man by H G Wells It's very simple,' said the voice. 'I'm an invisible man.' With his face swaddled in bandages, his eyes hidden behind dark glasses and his hands covered even indoors, Griffin - the new guest at the Coach and Horses - is at first assumed to be a shy accident victim. But the true reason for his disguise is far more chilling: he has developed a process that has made him invisible and is locked in a struggle to discover the antidote. Forced from the village and driven to murder, he seeks the aid of his old friend Kemp. The horror of his fate has affected his mind, however - and when Kemp refuses to help, he resolves to wreak his revenge. Depicting one man's transformation and descent into brutality, The Invisible Man is a riveting exploration of science's power to corrupt.

The Island of Doctor Moreau (14+) by H G Wells A shipwreck in the South Seas, a palmy paradise where a mad doctor conducts vile experiments, animals that become human & then 'beastly' in ways they never were before - -it's the stuff of high adventure. It's also a parable about Darwinian theory, a social satire in the vein of Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels & a bloody tale of horror. As Wells himself wrote: 'The Island of Dr. Moreau is an exercise in youthful blasphemy. Now & then, tho I rarely admit it, the universe projects itself towards me in a hideous grimace. It grimaced that time, & I did my best to express my vision of the aimless torture in creation.'

The War of The Worlds by H G Wells They came from outer space -- Mars, to be exact. With deadly heat-rays and giant fighting machine they want to conquer Earth and keep humans as their slaves. Nothing seems to stop them as they spread terror and death across the planet. It is the start of the most important war in Earth's history. And Earth will never be the same.

The Time Machine by H G Wells When a Victorian scientist propels himself into the year 802,701 AD, he is initially delighted to find that suffering has been replaced by beauty, contentment and peace. Entranced at first by the Eloi, an elfin species descended from man, he soon realizes that this beautiful people are simply remnants of a once-great culture - now weak and childishly afraid of the dark. They have every reason to be afraid: in deep tunnels beneath their paradise lurks another race descended from humanity - the sinister Morlocks. And when the scientist's time machine vanishes, it becomes clear he must search these tunnels if he is ever to return to his own era

Night Vision by Ella West Viola was born with a genetic condition that makes sunlight deadly. In the dark of night, when most teenagers are tucked up in bed, Viola has the run of her parents' farm and the surrounding forest. She is used to seeing hidden things through her night-vision goggles, but one night she sees something that could get her into a whole lot of trouble...Viola has always believed she would be dead before she was twenty, but now she must decide just how far she's willing to go to help her parents keep their beloved farm. Is it okay to steal from a thief? What if the thief might be a killer? And what if the killer threatens to come after her and her family? A heart-thumping thriller that will leave you breathless.

The Day of The by John Wyndham Bill Masen, bandages over his wounded eyes, misses the most spectacular meteorite shower England has ever seen. Removing his bandages, the next morning, he finds masses of sightless people wandering the city. He soon meets Josella, another lucky person who has retained her sight, and together they leave the city, aware that the safe, familiar world they knew a mere twenty-four hours before is gone forever. But to survive in this post-apocalyptic world, one must survive the Triffids, strange plants that years before began appearing all over the world. The Triffids can grow to over seven feet tall, pull their roots from the ground to walk, and kill a man with one quick lash of their poisonous stingers. With society in shambles, they are now poised to prey on humankind.

The Martian by Andy Weir * Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills — and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit — he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

* Title not available in The School library

Jan 2021