Cornerstones of Science identifies superb science books for children and adults with an on-going process of nomination and evaluation. Our process is unique from other book awards. We do not limit nomination and evaluation to a small group of experts, but involve the community, scientists and educators in an open forum of review. The intended readers of the books are key reviewers. Children review children’s books and teens review teen books. Their evaluations are strongly considered and compared to reviews written by adults.

• Anyone may nominate a book. However, for a book to be added to the Cornerstones’ nomination list, it must receive at least one additional nomination from the COS selection staff or from our approved book nomination source list. A book moves from nominee status and becomes a “Cornerstone” when it receives a minimum of two reviews in full support of Cornerstone status. One review must come from a scientist or educator to assure scientific accuracy. A second review must come from the book’s intended audience; a child if it is a children’s book, a teenager if it is a teen book. Nominees that do not pass the review process are returned to the general collection. Likewise, a Cornerstone that does not stand the test of time – becoming outdated or inaccurate and not otherwise valued for illustrating the history of scientific thought – is removed from the collection.
  
  Categories we consider include books that:
• document the history of science or the lives of scientists
• document or explain the process of scientific discovery
• are good examples of science writing
• introduce or explain scientific principles
introduce new technologies
• are foundation books, the timeless classics that remain relevant today
  
  Qualities that make a book a Cornerstone are:

Accuracy - clear and concise writing and illustration, accurate science

Inviting and engaging - draws the reader in and captures their attention

Compelling - fosters a spirit of inquiry, inspires reader to learn more or take action

Outstanding presentation - literary and/or visual

 

 

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• Have an outstanding presentation (literary and/or visual)
• Be an excellent sample of the literature in the field, or of a genre such as biography or field guide

Book Nomination Sources

You can help by writing a book review. Click on the link below for details.
Book Review Form