School Library Journal —"This resource guide contains a wealth of information and challenging activities for budding scientists. It provides nature projects that can easily be implemented and includes growing microbes, molds, and yeasts; engaging in chemical chromatography; and learning what average people can do to protect neighborhood habitats. Each activity begins with an overview, provides a list of needed supplies, and then usually offers two pages of numbered directions. Many illustrations, diagrams, and sidebars are integrated into the text. The “Did you know” boxes contain interesting facts about the topics of investigation. Each activity expands students’ vocabularies through “Words to Know” mini-glossaries on the pages on which they appear. An appended master glossary contains approximately 180 terms. A good choice for science collections."

Dr. H. Thorsten Lumbsch, MacArthur Associate Curator and Chair, Department of Botany, The Field Museum— “Backyard Biology does a great job in sparking interest in biology and encouraging kids to look around them at plants and animals. This book has the potential of sowing the seeds for a new biologist or conservationist!”

Holly L. Lutz, Department of Zoology, The Field Museum—“I love science—it should be fun and exciting, and Backyard Biology does an excellent job of making it both! These experiments are a perfect introduction to the diversity of life for aspiring young scientists and explorers, and they can all be done in your very own backyard!”

Christine Fanning, Executive Director, The Outdoor Foundation—“What better place to learn about biology than in your backyard! From spores to butterflies to organelles, this book teaches kids how to explore habitats right outside their door and to enjoy the scientific process along the way. Whether in the country or in the city, this book encourages kids to grab a microscope, get curious, and head outside!”