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Science Matters: Earth Science Books in Order

6 books by Jennifer Nault. Reading level: Grades 4.3–5.2. Lower Grades (Ages 5–8).

Series books grow with readers — but that's also the trap. Most series start at one reading level and one content intensity and drift upward over the course of the run. Science Matters: Earth Science (6 books by Jennifer Nault) lands at reading level Grades 4.3–5.2, with average content intensity 1.2/5. Intensity stays consistent across the series — a kid who can handle the first book can generally handle the rest.

The reading-order table below lists every book with per-volume reading level and intensity badges so you can spot any escalation before it catches your reader off guard. For a deeper dive into how we score text difficulty vs. emotional weight separately — and why series readers especially benefit from that split — see our methodology page.

6
Books
Grades 4.3–5.2
Reading Level
1.2/5
Avg. Intensity
LG
Lower Grades

Content Intensity Across the Series

Consistent

Content stays at a steady intensity level throughout the series.

1
2
3
4
5
6
First book Latest book

Science Matters: Earth Science Reading Order

# Title Reading Level Content
1 Earthquakes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Level 4-5 Mild
2 Fossils (Science Matters Earth Science)
Megan Lappi
Level 5-6 Gentle
3 Minerals (Science Matters Earth Science)
Patricia Miller-Schroeder
Level 4-5 Gentle
4 Rocks (Science Matters Earth Science)
Melanie Ostopowich
Level 4-5 Gentle
5 The Rock Cycle (Science Matters)
Melanie Ostopowich
Level 4-5 Gentle
6 Volcanoes (Science Matters Earth Science)
Jennifer Nault
Level 4-5 Gentle

Questions about the Science Matters: Earth Science series

What reading level is the Science Matters: Earth Science series?
The Science Matters: Earth Science series by Jennifer Nault is at a Grades 4.3–5.2 reading level (average Grade 4.7). Intended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). There are 6 books in the series.
What order should I read the Science Matters: Earth Science books?
The reading-order table above lists all 6 books with per-volume reading level and intensity ratings. Start with book 1 and read in publication order unless the table indicates a different recommended order for newer readers.
What age is the Science Matters: Earth Science series appropriate for?
The Science Matters: Earth Science series is recommended for Lower Grades (Ages 5–8). The average content intensity is 1.2/5. Check the intensity trajectory above to see whether content gets heavier across the series — if it does, sensitive readers may want to stop earlier in the run.