Ellen Lawrence 
Mars 

Did you know that Mars has two moons and that they both look like lumpy baked potatoes? Or that Mars has a giant volcano that is 17 miles (27 km) tall, which is big enough to completely cover Arizona here on Earth? These and dozens of other fascinating facts provide a perfect high-interest introduction to the planet that is covered by rusty, red dust, Mars. Filled with information perfectly suited to a second-grade audience, this accessible, high-impact book combines solid science, technology, and even math with up-to-the-minute information, odd and often quirky facts, and astounding space photography. It also provides plenty of surprises and teachable moments that will draw young children into a rewarding, kid-friendly reading experience.