AP® Biology Text Books

Preparing for the AP Biology exam requires thorough study and practice. Here is an expanded list of the best books to help you succeed, with detailed descriptions and key features for each.

1. Campbell Biology (12th Edition)

• Authors: Lisa A. Urry, Michael L. Cain, Steven A. Wasserman, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece
• Description: Comprehensive coverage of all AP Biology topics. It includes detailed explanations, diagrams, and review questions.
• Key Features:
  • Over 1400 pages of comprehensive content covering all AP Biology topics.
  • Detailed diagrams and illustrations to help visualize complex concepts.
  • End-of-chapter review questions to reinforce learning.
• Best For: Students planning well ahead.

2. Cracking the AP Biology Exam (Princeton Review)

• Authors: The Princeton Review
• Description: High-quality review book with practice tests and chapter drills.
• Key Features:
  • Includes two full-length practice tests to simulate the actual exam.
  • Practice drills at the end of each chapter to test comprehension.
  • Up-to-date information on current year tests and key terms lists.
• Best For: Supplementing other materials.

3. Barron’s AP Biology by Deborah T. Goldberg, M.S.

• Author: Deborah T. Goldberg, M.S.
• Description: Detailed review with a wide range of practice questions and exams.
• Key Features:
  • Two full-length practice exams with detailed answer explanations.
  • Hundreds of practice questions covering multiple-choice and free-response sections.
  • Comprehensive review of all key concepts and topics.
• Best For: Budget-conscious students.

4. AP Biology Crash Course (3rd Edition) by Michael D’Alessio, Lauren Gross, Jennifer Guercio

• Authors: Michael D’Alessio, Lauren Gross, Jennifer Guercio
• Description: Focuses on exam questions and test-taking strategies, ideal for last-minute prep.
• Key Features:
  • Focuses on essential topics and test-taking strategies for quick review.
  • Glossary of key terms needed for the exam.
  • One full-length practice test with automatic scoring.
• Best For: Last-minute review.

5. 5 Steps to a 5: AP Biology by Mark Anestis

• Author: Mark Anestis
• Description: Structured study plan with comprehensive coverage of AP Biology concepts.
• Key Features:
  • Guides students through creating a personalized study plan.
  • Thorough coverage of the four “Big Ideas” in AP Biology.
  • Includes plenty of practice questions and key information on each term.
• Best For: Students needing structured study plans.

6. CliffsNotes AP Biology by Phillip E. Pack

• Author: Phillip E. Pack, Ph.D.
• Description: Organized approach with test-taking strategies and comprehensive review sections.
• Key Features:
  • Review questions and answers provided after each topic.
  • Two full-length practice exams with answer explanations.
  • Strategies for test-taking and detailed content review sections.
• Best For: Students needing structured review.

7. AP Biology Prep Plus by Kaplan Test Prep

• Author: Kaplan Test Prep
• Description: Comprehensive guide with online resources for a complete review.
• Key Features:
  • Two full-length practice exams with detailed explanations.
  • Customizable study plans tailored to individual goals.
  • Online resources including additional tests and scoring tools.
• Best For: Students preferring online resources.

8. Biology for the AP Course by James Morris

• Author: James Morris
• Description: Review and practice questions designed to guarantee a higher score.
• Key Features:
  • Comprehensive review covering every topic on the exam.
  • Practice questions with detailed answer explanations.
  • Section on testing strategies and tips specific to the AP Biology exam.
• Best For: Comprehensive review and practice.

9. Sterling Test Prep AP Biology Review by Sterling Test Prep

• Author: Sterling Test Prep
• Description: Thorough review of all topics with experienced teacher insights.
• Key Features:
  • Complete content review prepared by experienced biology teachers.
  • Guarantees higher scores with money-back if it doesn’t deliver.
  • Detailed coverage of every topic that may appear on the exam.
• Best For: In-depth topic review.

10. Pearson Education Test Prep Series for AP Biology by Fred W. Holtzclaw, Theresa Knapp Holtzclaw

• Authors: Fred W. Holtzclaw, Theresa Knapp Holtzclaw
• Description: Clear and concise explanations, well-organized guide.
• Key Features:
  • Clear and concise explanations of all major topics.
  • Well-organized layout for easy navigation and study.
  • Works well as a supplementary resource to other textbooks.
• Best For: Supplementing other textbooks.

These textbooks are designed to provide comprehensive preparation for the AP Biology exam, with a range of features to suit different study preferences and needs.