Latest News

Books for the school/library market

2022
Hi-Lo: interest grades 9-12; reading level grades 3-5

New (2024) Book!

Part of Storey’s Temporary Tattoos That Teach series, Cool, Cosmic Tattoo Stars and Planets has incredible illustrations by Angela Rizza and explanatory text by me. It’s set of 50 astronomical tattoos, with stars scattered throughout for kids to create their own constellations. After the tattoos are used up, you’ll have a 10-page illustrated book of astronomical objects to enjoy. Perfect for space-themed parties!

Sky Gazing

Sky Gazing: a guide to the Moon, Sun, planets, stars, eclipses, constellations came out on October 13, 2020. It’s published by Storey Publishing, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group.

Sky Gazing is a guide to observing the sky from wherever you are, day or night—no telescope required. Kids aged 9–14 will learn how to find objects in the sky and delve into the science behind what they see, whether they live in a dark rural setting or under the bright lights of the city. Star charts will guide them in spotting constellations throughout the seasons and in both hemispheres while they learn about constellation myths from cultures around the world. Each chapter has guides to special events and binocular observing. Activities engage kids and their grown-ups in hands-on science.

Reviews & Awards

AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (Hands-on Science category)

“AAAS [American Association for the Advancement of Science] believes that, through good science books, this generation, and the next, will have a better understanding and appreciation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”

“This title is a bonanza for upper-elementary or middle school independent reading, especially for students with an interest in the sciences.”
— School Library Journal, starred review

2020 Nautilus Silver Award (YA Nonfiction)

The Nautilus Awards celebrate “exceptional literary contributions to spiritual growth, green values & sustainability, high-level wellness, responsible leadership and positive social change & social justice, as well as to the worlds of art, creativity and inspirational reading for children, teens and young adults.”

“Packed with fun activities and fascinating facts, Sky Gazing is perfect for sharing with kids or letting them enjoy on their own. By inviting us outside to look up in wonder, Sky Gazing inspires our best defense against the continued growth of light pollution and the loss of natural night: a love for the sky gained by knowing it firsthand. You couldn’t ask for a better guide to that experience than Meg Thacher’s marvelous book.”
— Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light and What if Night?

Here’s where you can buy the book.

Bookshop.org (They’ll find it at your nearest local independent bookstore, and they profit-share with indies.)
Indiebound (Another way to support local bookstores. Buy local!)
Better World Books
Barnes & Noble
Powell’s
Buy directly from the Hachette website

If you would like a signed copy, call my home bookstore, Broadside Bookshop in Northampton, MA: (413) 586-4235. Allow an extra week for personalization.

Eclipses

Storey Publishing has excerpted parts of Sky Gazing and turned it into a nifty eclipse guide for kids, parents, teachers, and librarians. The guide contains a description of what causes eclipses, safe viewing options, and activities to do during the eclipse, whether total or partial.

Here’s a pdf version for easy printing. (They even changed the page background so that printing it out will not use up all of your toner.)