Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system, but it still has secrets!  From ancient cultures that watched the skies, to modern scientists who send machines into space, humans are passionately curious about the planet closest to the Sun.  Learn about Mercury's discovery, what it would be like to visit, and what scientists still want to know.  Vivid photos and illustrations, scientist spotlights, and sidebars help unlock the secrets of Mercury. ...particularly good, with up-to-date science and exploration sections. . . .All the books featured one current scientist (the list includes Louise Prockter, Adriana Ocampo, Mark Bordreaux, Ashwin Vasavada, Steve Vance, Carolyn Porco, Leigh Fletcher, and Heidi Hammel, respectively), and all have a closing page talking about questions for future exploration missions. --"Planetary Society" A visually strong exploration of the eight planets in the solar system. Filled with "Fast Facts," including the planet's diameter, distance from the sun, number of moons, and other relevant details, as well as short, readable sentences, each volume supports Next Generation Science Standards. The inclusion of "Critical Thinking Using the Common Core" at the end of the book will appeal to educators, administrators, and parents and will provide students with an opportunity to articulate and analyze what they've read. --"School Library Journal" From early human observations of lights in the sky, to past and future research missions, they'll uncover many secrets about our celestial neighborhood. Comparisons to Earth, fact boxes, maps, and captions all combine to aid understanding. These books support Next Generation science standards, and the Smithsonian's seal of approval guarantees excellence of this nonfiction set. --"Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin" Emma Carlson Berne has written more than a dozen books for children and young adults, including teen romance novels, biographies, and history books. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Aaron, her son, Henry, and her dog, Holly. Emma Carlson Berne has written numerous historical and biographical books for children and young adults, as well as young adult fiction. She lives in Cincinnati with her husband and two sons.