Illustrated by Nicolle Rager Fuller The first edition of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species laid out the case for evolution by natural selection with nearly 500 pages of dense prose and a single diagram. Now, writer Michael Keller and illustrator Nicolle Rager Fuller have artfully transformed this important book into a highly readable and copiously illustrated page-turner, available in hardcover and paperback. Each of the chapters in this graphic adaptation presents a condensed version of a theme from the original book, explaining basic principles of evolution such as how va... (p. 30)

The defeat of smallpox was a public health tour de force that remains the sole example of humans wiping out a disease. The knockout blow arrived through a World Health Organization eradication campaign lasting from 1967 to 1977. In this thorough and compelling book, Henderson describes how that effort unfolded, going country-by-country to highlight challenges and successes. He ought to know: He directed the program. After a brief history of smallpox, Henderson draws from his insider perspective to detail the WHO strategy. Plenty of vaccine was available from the outset, he writes, but att... (p. 30)

Photos, illustrations and essays trace the progress of discovery from ancient times to modern days. National Geographic, 2009, 352 p., $40. (p. 30)

Interviews with scientists offer practical advice and tips for maintaining brain function. SharpBrains, 2009, 166 p., $24.95. (p. 30)

A book by two math professors presents number trivia that highlights math’s “gee, wow!” factor.Prometheus Books, 2009, 269 p., $20.98. (p. 30)

Researchers are looking to plants to treat ailments from diabetes to dermatological problems. Mary Ann Liebert Inc., 2009, 237 p., $99. (p. 30)

A journalist and a scientist lament ignorance of science and propose ways to fix the problem. Basic Books, 2009, 209 p., $24. (p. 31)

A biologist reviews the latest research on bird migration and includes high-quality photos of discussed species. Firefly Books, 2009, 207 p., $40. (p. 31)

A former NASA scientist describes how the agency puts together the teams on which lives and budgets depend and relates tips for team management. John Wiley & Sons, 2009, 261 p., $39.95. (p. 31)

Seemingly invisible objects such as viruses and molecules are imaged in rich detail through high-powered microscopes and photography. Belknap Press, 2009, 182 p., $35. (p. 31)

A physicist presents an introduction to quantum mechanics for college and graduate-level readers. Princeton Univ. Press, 2009, 399 p., $65. (p. 31)

Coastal scientists describe the threat that higher sea levels pose to people around the world and what can be done. Island Press, 2009, 203 p., $25.95. (p. 31)

3-D Explorer Oceans: A Journey from the Surface to the Seafloor by Jen Green Pop-up scenes, photos and illustrations portray colorful life in the sea’s depths. Silver Dolphin Books, 2009, 32 p., $17.95. (p. 31)

Ornamental Origami: Exploring 3D Geometric Designs by Meenakshi Mukerji Older children can learn origami techniques to create beautiful and varied geometric shapes. AK Peters, 2009, 145 p., $24.95. (p. 31)

V is for Venus Flytrap: A Plant Alphabet by Eugene Gagliano Young readers can explore the botanical world by browsing a plant type, feature or characteristic for each letter of the alphabet. Sleeping Bear Press, 2009, 40 p., $17.95. (p. 31)