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Elizabeth Rusch: Selected Books

Elizabeth Rusch, the author of several of the "Scientists in the Field" books, has written everything from picture books to narrative nonfiction with lots in between. She says, "my wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches my fancy."

Quotable Quotes: The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go. -- Dr. Seuss

A Day with No Crayons

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Chad Cameron
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Her mom takes the crayons away when Liza uses the wall as her canvas, but she discovers a world of color anyway.

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Oliver Dominguez
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Move over Tom Edison! This intriguing look at Tesla’s importance in early use of electricity is well documented and handsomely illustrated first look at an important scientist and inventor.

Eruption: Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives (Scientists in the Field series)

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The perilous, adrenaline-fueled, life-saving work of an international volcano crisis team and the sleeping giants they study, from Colombia to the Philippines, from Chile to Indonesia.

For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Lou Fancher, Steve Johnson
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The life of Wolfgang’s older sister, Maria Anna, follows the form of a piano sonata which combines with evocative illustration to portray the 18th century musicians and their music.

Generation Fix: Young Ideas for a Better World

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Young people see a need and work to better their world in this upbeat chronicle of youthful activists.

Muddy Max: The Mystery of Marsh Creek

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Mike Lawrence
Genre: Fiction, Mystery
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Max and his soil scientist parents live in a marsh where Max discovers mud’s special properties. He gains super powers to put things right — including a way to effectively deal with a bully.

The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field series)

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This book tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes — and heart — of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission. This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.

The Next Wave: The Quest to Harness the Power of the Ocean

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Meet the Mikes, both of whom grew up to study oceans, energy, and more. The science comes into focus as readers explore with the actual scientists working in the field and share their discoveries. For those interested in land-based issues, Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It (Houghton) explores a voracious creature and its impact on the environment with an equally engaging personal perspective.

The Planet Hunter: The Story Behind What Happened to Pluto

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Guy Francis
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Why the once-planet Pluto was demoted to a lesser planetary status is explained in readable text and engaging illustrations.

Volcano Rising

By: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrated by: Susan Swan
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The drama and science of a volcanic eruption is brought into focus through crisp, intriguing writing and vivid illustration.

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