Top 2 Gifts for Sister (2026)

The sun, moon, stars, and planets have been a source of wonder for as long as humans have lived on earth. In this highly visual guide to observing the sky with the naked eye, kids aged 9-14 will delve into the science behind what they see. This captivating book offers a tour of our solar system and deep space, explaining how objects like Earth's moon were formed and introducing the "why" behind phenomena such as eclipses, northern lights, and meteor showers. Sky gazers will learn how to find and observe planets -- no binoculars or telescopes required -- and star charts will show them how to spot constellations through the seasons and in both hemispheres. Activities include tracking the cycles of the sun and moon and observing the sky during daylight hours or on a cloudy night. Includes profiles of professional astronomers and sidebars on space technology and current issues, such as light pollution.About the AuthorMeg Thacher is the author of Sky Gazing and Cool, Cosmic Tattoo Stars and Planets, a senior laboratory instructor in Smith College's astronomy department and the academic director for Smith's Summer Science and Engineering Program for high schoolers. A regular contributor to national children's science magazines, she teaches astronomy workshops for school groups and scout troops. She has a BA in physics from Carleton College and an MS in astrophysics from Iowa State. She lives in western Massachusetts.

Khalani is a PrisonerTakeshi is a GuardBoth are slaves to the UndergroundKhalani Kanes has never stood on the surface of the earth. In the underground city of Apollo, faith and dreams are as absent as the sun. She longed to visit Genesis, the infamous DomedCity and the final place where humanity lives aboveground. But when Khalani is given a lifesentence and thrown into prison for a theft she didn't commit, those wishes shatter into oblivion.In Braderhelm Prison, murderers are neighbors, ruthless and cold-blooded guards live topunish, and every second is a battle to survive. She thought the danger lay in befriendingcriminals and avoiding Takeshi Steele, the nefarious Captain who runs her cell block. But darkertraps and secrets await her within the shadows of imprisonment. Khalani's blood will coat thewalls in flaming silk before her enemies let her escape to the surface, a feat no one hassuccessfully achieved. If the reclusive and callous Takeshi Steele won't kill Khalani, then themerciless prisoners and her fractured mind will.Enter Braderhelm Prison, where only the Wicked remain.