Many of the books I have reviewed so far are fiction, and it is indeed difficult to find fiction with a high reading level that will still be comprehensible to young readers. Then again, you could just offer books about how to blow stuff up.
I stumbled across this post, which suggests some very challenging reads. In particular, I was drawn to Uncle Tungsten: Tales of a Chemical Boyhood, a non-fiction book where the author talks about his childhood love affair with chemistry. Set around the time of World War II, he conducted experiments that even an adult might not be able to perform today, given restricted access to things that might light your hair on fire. At a reading level of 10.7 this will challenge any advanced reader, and might ignite a desire for dangerous experiments as well.
You’ve been warned.
If your budding chemist is interested in experiments that can actually be performed in 2010 without alerting the ATF or Homeland Security, you might check out 101 Incredible Experiments for the Weekend Scientist. In a moment of temporary insanity, I bought this for my husband for Christmas. As if the man needed more encouragement to store explosive devices in our basement. It includes experiments to create a “stinktastic bomb” similar to the one the military is researching to find an odor “so vile that it renders enemy soldiers unable to fight.” I think Dark Omen may be perfecting this experiment in his room. Other experiments are more benign, including the ever-popular Non-Newtonian Fluid (otherwise known as slime, flubber, or Polymer Polyvinyl Acetate). All use ordinary household items, and probably require adult supervision, unless you have really good insurance and don’t mind singed eyebrows.
I have to chime in with a series of biography books Neal loved early on. The books say they are for ages 9 to 12, but he read them around 1st and 2nd grade, and I'm not sure they would meet his tastes in 4th. Nonetheless, they are a great non-fiction pick for younger kids and maybe some 8 to 12 year olds as well. The series titles always starts with the words, "Who was…" or "Who is…" etc. Here's a link to the one on Abraham Lincoln as an example. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0448448866/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4242333295&ref=pd_sl_55oefqxl8t_b Neal loved the ones on Mark Twain and Albert Einstein.
Awesome! My kid's fascination with non-fiction waxes and wanes, but when something catches their interest, they're buried in it for weeks. Thanks for the suggestion!
This sounds like a great book. My daughter is the one always wanting to do experiments. I'm going to have to add the 101 Experiments to my wish list!
I'll be looking for Uncle Tungsten for my mad scientist/wide receiver and his older brother, the future TV weather man. I love your "about me" section- and I can help you with the tap dance part. I CAN tap dance, so get ready….
You and my youngest can do the tap dancing (he just started lessons). I'll be clapping enthusiastically! And I can totally see Quinn as the cute weather guy!
For all those interested in Science, check out Fermilab for outings and classes. Lots of fun stuff, even if it is not a book.