The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. The prize is meant to encourage the writing and publishing of high-quality science books for all age groups. The Prize will be awarded in the following categories: Children's Science Picture Book (prize to author and illustrator), Middle Grades Science Book (prize to author), Young Adult Science Book (prize to author), and Hands-On Science Book (prize to author). MSUB library collects the Children's Science Picture Book, Hands-On Science Book, and the Middles Grades Science Book.
Children's Science Picture Book Winners
This award is given to the book that in any given year best meets the following criteria:
The book is appropriate for children in grades K-4.
The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.
Although written for young children, the book successfully examines important scientific concepts without perpetuating stereotypes or misconceptions.
The book has a clear purpose, is well-organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented.
In accordance with Project 2061’s Science for All Americans, the book must support the development in young people of positive attitudes toward learning science, mathematics and technology.
When fitting, the books shows that doing science engages people of all ages and backgrounds.
The illustrations engage the young reader and enhance the text.
The illustrations accurately depict the scientific concepts being examined.
The illustrations provide an alternate way for students to examine the concepts being discussed in the text.
The illustrations show children of different backgrounds involved in science.
One book will be chosen as the winner in this category, and both the author and illustrator will be honored.
Middle Grades Science Book Winners
This award is given to the book that in any given year best meets the following criteria:
The book is appropriate for children in grades 5-8.
The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.
The book has a clear purpose, is well-organized, and the scientific concepts are accurately presented.
The science portrayed in the book is open to inquiry and should encourage the reader to ask questions.
When fitting, the book shows that people of different ages and backgrounds are involved in science.
This award is given to the book that in any given year best meets the following criteria:
The book has the ability to engage young adult readers in all aspects of science, including technology, mathematics, medicine, history of science, and biographies of scientists.
The books are judged on their ability to engage the YA audience. Both young adult and adult titles may be considered.
The book encourages the discussion and understanding of scientific ideas.
The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.
The book has a clear purpose and is well organized.
In accordance with Project 2061’s Habits of Mind benchmark, the book should enable high school readers to view science and technology thoughtfully, being neither categorically antagonistic nor uncritically positive.
This award is given to the book that in any given year best meets the following criteria:
The book is appropriate for children in grades K-8.
The book is accessible to all and contains fun investigations, opening the door to even more things to explore.
The activities are inquiry based and encourage the reader to explore scientific concepts by asking good questions.
The activities are open ended and enable the reader to develop problem-solving and research skills that enable them to become lifelong learners.
The book contains no serious errors or deficiencies in explanations of science content or processes.