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Sky Gazing: a guide to the Moon, Sun, planets, stars, eclipses, constellations has been chosen as the winner of this year’s AAAS/Subaru Prize for excellence in children’s science books (hands-on science)!

The book came out on October 13, 2020. It’s published by Storey Publishing, an imprint of Workman Press.

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 Workman 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.