NSTA - Recommends Products

Life Cycle Of A...: Pumpkin (2nd Edition)

11/6/2009

Author: Ron Fridell
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925277
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

When I was young, I enjoyed books about snakes, lions, bears, sharks, and other fascinating creatures. They had wonderful pictures and interesting facts. After reading Life Cycle of a Pumpkin, I wish that our school had bought more books about plants.

The short chapters are filled with information that children between the ages of 5 and 10 will find fascinating. Beginning with the seeds, the author chronicles the development of a pumpkin through colorful pictures and descriptions. Students will love descriptions of the uses of pumpkins, especially around Halloween.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures, which leads to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Life Cycle Of A...: Kangaroo (2nd Edition)

11/6/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925338
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

Reading this book brought back wonderful memories of great animal stories I enjoyed as a child. It's filled with good science information about a familiar topic that children will find very interesting. My favorite sections focused on baby kangaroos. Did you know that the joey is blind, crawling through its mother's fur to find a teat in her pouch?

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures including one of a baby the size of a broad bean in the mother's pouch, and this leads to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Life Cycle Of A...: Guinea Pig (2nd Edition)

11/6/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925208
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

Reading this book brought back wonderful memories of great animal stories I enjoyed as a child. It's filled with good science information about a familiar topic that children will find very interesting. My favorite section focused on the guinea pig's pups. Did you know that a newborn pup can see, hear, and run around soon after birth? As soon as it smells milk it heads to mom, pushing its way to a vacant teat.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures, which leads to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons on pets or mammals, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Life Cycle of A...: Frog (2nd Edition)

11/5/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925192
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

As a young child, I found great enjoyment in reading about animals; there were wonderful pictures and interesting facts. I loved to impress my parents by trying to stump them. This book about frogs brought back wonderful memories.

The author begins by discussing the unique characteristics of frogs, such as their ability to live in water and land, and their life cycle is discussed in detail. My favorite section focused on the tadpole's transformation into a froglet.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures, thus leading to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

What's So Special About Planet Earth?

11/5/2009

Author: Robert E. Wells
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 9780807588154
Grade: 2-4
Reviewer: Ann Rubino
Review:

This excellent read-aloud for the pre-K through primary audience is one of a group of primary books from Whitman. Robert Wells puts his illustrations to good use in conveying often-complex content to his young audience. There are busy, happy kids in almost every spread, experiencing the changing conditions on our own planet, and then taking off on an imaginary trip with Captain Coco’s Rapid Rocket Rides to explore alternate places to live in the solar system.

Basic information about each of the eight planets is clearly presented, and more-detailed data are given in small side tables. Readers will learn why each planet is a worse choice than Earth. For instance, the book says the following about Venus: “Uh-oh. Your gauges show that the atmosphere is poisonous for people to breathe. And the surface temperature is nearly 900ºF (482ºC)! You couldn’t live for a minute here. Get out fast, before you’re cooked!” After checking out Neptune, “It’s time to go home—to our very special planet, Earth.”

Once back, the kids learn more about Earth as a planet and come to appreciate how well it provides for us. Then, care of the Earth becomes the focus, showing pollution and waste of various sorts and ways to avoid them. The segment on environmental awareness is clear, simple, and thankfully, not panic-generating. Suggestions for student involvement are realistic. What’s So Special About Planet Earth is an excellent read-aloud for primary students and would be quite accessible for students to read to themselves as well, once they’re familiar with the vocabulary.

Spectacular Animal Towns: The Bat's Cave: A Dark City

11/4/2009

Author: Joyce L. Markovics
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Bearport Publishing Co. Inc.
Pages: 32
Price: $25.27
ISBN: 9781597168717
Grade: 2-7
Reviewer: Judy Kraus
Review:

As dusk settles near southwestern caves, a slow rustling sound crescendos into a giant whoosh as Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for the night to hunt insects. They migrate to the warmer climates for the winter and return annually. In The Bat’s Cave: A Dark City, Mexican free-tailed bats represent the mysterious lives of more than 1000 bat species around the world.

Caves, like Bracken bat cave, can provide a roost for more than 20 million bats. Hanging upside down, the bats sleep during the day. At night they used echolocation to identify prey, mostly insects like moths and beetles. All bats do not live in caves, migrate, and eat insects. The Honduran white bat lives in a leaf tent, the woolly bat in West Africa lives in large spider webs, and the club-footed bat in Southeast Asia lives in bamboo. Other bats, like the brown bat of North America, hibernate to conserve energy and emerge when the temperatures rise. Some bats feed on blood, whereas others consume fruit.

Conservation groups are working to change the perception of bats and educate people on their essential niche in the ecosystem. Although bats may carry diseases like rabies and should not be handled, they help control insect populations and in turn preserve crops for human consumption. The Bat’s Cave: A Dark City, is part of the Spectacular Animal Towns series. It provides an easy-to-read table of bat facts, details about birds and spiders building homes, a glossary, a bibliography, and additional resources available in print and online. The vibrant photography is captivating! The photography will entice the most reluctant reader to turn the page.

The Wonders Inside: Bugs & Spiders

11/4/2009

Author: Jan Stradling
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books
Pages: 80
Price: $19.95
ISBN: 9781571459077
Grade: 2-8
Reviewer: Adah Stock
Review:

The Wonders Inside series includes 90-page, oversized books with dramatic, beautiful, colorful, double-paged, annotated images. The topics are arranged randomly and identified by a color code on the page number and referenced in the table of contents. Each volume includes a small glossary and an index. Within the pages of each book there are five plastic layers that add information about different parts of a human or an insect. The plastic page is numbered consecutively after the printed page. One side of the layer adds to the illustration on the right side of the printed page. When readers turn the plastic layer, the other side is a different numbered page that adds to the image on the printed page for left side of the book. Many pages include a small rectangular box with "Inside Info" providing interesting facts related to image.

Bugs and Spiders has great illustrations of wings, bugs, spiders, and beetles. The layers in this volume cover metamorphosis, beehives, wasps, locusts, and writing spiders. Although the title uses the word bugs on the cover, readers learn on page one what makes an organism an insect. The plastic overlays add a new dimension for these organisms. There is an overlay about wasps, for instance, that changes the view of a flower from white to blue to show how a wasp actually sees the flower in a different way than humans see it in nature.

What makes this book about bugs and spiders different is "less is more." It doesn’t overwhelm readers with a clutter of information about the topic displayed. At the beginning of each new section, there is a short paragraph that introduces the topic in larger-than-average print. The only other print is about the annotations, and those are brief as well. This is a great book to introduce children to the insects in their world, along with some unusual insects and spiders. The size of the illustrations and brightly colored images will lure kids to look through the book. Also, the random arrangement of the six content topics is a plus for kids who tend to skim through illustrated books. Children who are not readers won’t be intimidated by the text. Budding scientists who become interested in a specific organism will be encouraged to seek other sources for more information. This is an ideal source for a center in a classroom or library, to introduce or reinforce hands-on activities related to insects.

Brain-Compatible Classrooms, Third Edition

11/4/2009

Author: Robin Fogarty
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Corwin Press, Inc.
Pages: 227
Price: $35.95
ISBN: 9781412938877
Grade: K-College
Reviewer: Teri Cosentino
Review:

It's rare that a book on the science of teaching is addictive—but I was hooked on the science of teaching brains by page three. Why? There, I found a comprehensive list of 20 facts that every teacher should read at least three times each school year. And it got better. A "Who’s Who" fact sheet about brain-based learning, from the intelligent to the emotional and everything in between, connects important ideas. Filled with strategies and activities, this book connects, inspires, and, more importantly, sets a climate for learning.

Getting students’ brains to pay attention requires us to teach in novel, relevant, and meaningful ways. Knowing how this occurs can make the difference between being a good and a great teacher. So as a teacher, it is imperative that we not only know what to teach but how to teach. Going beyond a college methods class, this resource explains how to appeal to what affects students’ learning.

After a chapter on the hardware of the brain along with its structure and function, the book focuses on the software of the brain and how we as teachers are critical in activating this software. There are many readable, valuable resources—how the brain reacts to threat versus challenge, nature versus nurture, emotional intelligence, multiple intelligences, and the kinds of memory, just to name a few. Finally, the majority of the book focuses on strategies to be used in the classroom based on how to teach for thinking, of thinking, with thinking, and about thinking. It includes graphic organizers and their uses, grouping tasks with social skills to arrange cooperative groups, how to ask students fat/skinny questions, and the three-story intellect model. This must-have book takes theory and puts it in practical terms.

Life Cycle Of A...: Butterfly (2nd Edition)

11/4/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925222
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

This book brought back wonderful memories of watching butterflies in the park as a child. It's filled with good science information about a topic young children will love. My favorite section focused on the Monarch butterfly's migration from North America to the mountains of Mexico—as far as 200 miles a day. The author covers facts including names, geographic range, and life cycles.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words as well as content related to each word. Children can easily associate words with pictures, thus leading to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Life Cycle Of An...: Apple (2nd Edition)

11/4/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925215
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

When I was young, I enjoyed books about snakes, lions, bears, sharks, and other fascinating creatures. They had wonderful pictures and interesting facts. After reading Life Cycle of an Apple, I wish that our school had bought more books about plants.

The short chapters are filled with information that children between the ages of 5 and 10 will find fascinating. The author begins by distinguishing apples from other types of plants and presents the life cycle of one kind, the red delicious, in detail. Beginning with the buds, the author chronicles the development of an apple through colorful pictures and descriptions.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures, which leads to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library Series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

Life Cycle Of A...: Chicken (2nd Edition)

11/4/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925239
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

As I child I enjoyed reading about birds; there were books about eagles, hawks, falcons, and other raptors in our school library, with wonderful pictures and interesting facts. After reading this book, I wish I had read more about more familiar birds.

The author begins by providing facts and details about a chicken's life cycle. My favorite section included amazing pictures of chicks hatching. Each chapter presents vocabulary words along with related content. Children can easily associate words with pictures, thus leading to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes boldfaced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful additional to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.

A Great Idea: The Bionic Hand

11/4/2009

Author: Adam Woog
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Norwood House Press
Pages: 48
Price: $18.95
ISBN: 9781599533414
Grade: 3-6
Reviewer: Kimberly Elpers
Review:

This is a new addition to a series of books that teaches how an invention comes to be. Students learn about how science and technology can affect our world and how an invention can influence our society. The history of why this invention was needed and the continuing necessity of the invention are discussed. This unique perspective can support objectives in science, technology, and engineering for students in the middle grades.

The Bionic Hand discusses how biology is combined with engineering to develop new technologies in this special branch of science. The importance of a human's opposable thumbs and articulated joints is discussed. The need for artificial joints is explained, and information about birth defects (such as those caused by the drug thalidomide) is presented. The exciting possibilities for the future of bionics are also included.

New vocabulary is printed in bold and defined in the glossary. Children will enjoy the photographs and the “Did You Know?” boxes, which are full of interesting information. A section called "For More Information" includes websites to visit for more information. Classroom teachers will enjoy reading this book with upper elementary students, whereas middle school children will enjoy exploring the book on their own.

A Great Idea: Sunscreen for Plants

11/4/2009

Author: Carla Mooney
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Norwood House Press
Pages: 48
Price: $18.95
ISBN: 9781599533445
Grade: 3-6
Reviewer: Kimberly Elpers
Review:

This is a new addition to a series of books that teaches how an invention comes to be. Students learn about how science and technology can affect our world and how an invention can influence our society. The history of why this invention was needed and the continuing necessity of the invention are discussed. This unique perspective can support objectives in science, technology, and engineering for students in the middle grades.

Sunscreen for Plants discusses the sun and how it effects plants. It explains photosynthesis in simple language and then details scientists' research into the problem of sun-damaged fruits, nuts, vegetables, and plants. New vocabulary is printed in bold and defined in the glossary. Children will enjoy the photographs and the “Did You Know?” boxes, which are full of interesting information. A section called "For More Information" includes websites to visit for more information. Classroom teachers will enjoy reading this book with upper elementary students, whereas middle school children will enjoy exploring the book on their own.

Science at the Edge (2nd Edition): Rebuilding the Body: Organ Transplantation

11/3/2009

Author: Ann Fullick
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 64
Price: $34.29
ISBN: 1432924524
Grade: 6-8
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This series by prolific author Sally Morgan has been revised and updated to highlight the latest developments and theories in science that are popularized in the press, and that are often considered to be controversial. Each book focuses on how science works, giving recent applications and examples. Each book also includes an explanation of a controversy, along with data and evidence as well as an analysis of the issues and opinions involved, and features a written conclusion by the author.

Rebuilding the Body: Organ Transplantation begins with a survey of the major human body organs, with many illustrations of structure and function. This is followed by a description of the failure of major organs, infections that occur within them, and gradual damage and deterioration. This leads to a discussion about organ transplants and the history of this branch of medicine. The challenges of organ transplantation, pitfalls of rejection, and ethics of transplantation from the dead are all touched upon. There is a lot of information about coping with organ rejection and the human immune system. How to become an organ donor is included, along with the dilemma of deciding when death occurs; the issues surrounding using organs from the recently deceased is also featured. The issue of using organs from another species is included, and the book ends with a description of stem cell research and the controversy surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells.

Each volume also includes a very understandable timeline, a glossary, a catalog of further resources, and an index. These features make the books useful as interdisciplinary resources, and can lead to learning extensions such as wikis, or web quests. The reading level is appropriate to the content and the style of writing makes each book interesting to read. The series would be an excellent addition to a science or social studies classroom. The books are a good jumping off point for classroom discussion, reports, or research by teachers and students.

The Lives of Ants

11/3/2009

Author: Laurent Keller and Elisabeth Gordon
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 256
Price: $27.95
ISBN: 9780199541867
Grade: College
Reviewer: Rita Hoots
Review:

Those ubiquitous ants, always around, especially when you least appreciate them. Not only do they outnumber humans but their total mass closely matches ours. Beautifully translated from the original French, the myrmecological descriptions of the amazing characteristics of ant civilizations will captivate students of all ages as well as general readers.

In the order Hymenoptera and the Formicidae family, ants comprise more than 12,000 species, the number increasing as new varieties continue to be identified. Because their diversity, social structure, ecological ranges, communal life, range of habitats, and multiple extraordinary features are so fascinating, reading about such complex social bugs is spellbinding. Research findings detailing the gregarious nature, communal life, social organization, and adaptive variations are intriguing and will whet the reader's curiosity.

The book is divided into eight themes with many short absorbing chapters. The Swiss authors capture the disparate characteristics that make these creatures so unique. Readers from preteens to adults will find this compelling nature study to be as fascinating as their fantasy novels. This is a reading that should be dissected, digested, analyzed, and appraised by students in the natural sciences. It is indeed a work of artful detail and relevance to our modern world.

World at Risk: Climate Change: What Causes Global Warming, and How We Deal with It

11/3/2009

Author: Andrew Solway
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Black Rabbit Books
Pages: 48
Price: $34.25
ISBN: 9781599203768
Grade: 7-12
Reviewer: Jean Worsley
Review:

The front cover of this book begins with an intriguing clause: What causes global warming and how we deal with it. This is surrounded by a photograph of the world showing melting icebergs, droughts, and fires. Readers are immediately focused on this environmental crisis.

The format of each chapter consists of a brief introduction followed by subtopics with precise details in only one or two paragraphs. Important terms in bold are defined in the glossary. The sidebars, “Earth Data” and “Planet Watch,” list additional details and statistical data. Photographs, maps, charts, and graphs throughout the book are used to help readers grasp the significance of this global environmental problem.

In the first two chapters, evidence is presented to indicate how the climate has changed over the years. This is followed by additional scientific studies by meteorologists and climatologists that dramatically show that temperatures have risen over the years. Next, the major culprit of climate change is explored—an increase in carbon dioxide that results in a greenhouse effect and increased temperatures in the air and the oceans. Further, the effect that an exploding population has on carbon emissions is described and attributed to life styles in More Economically Developed Countries (MEDCs) and changes in lifestyles in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs). The next two chapters deal with the effects of climate change on the land, sea, and wildlife, which result in an increase in droughts and floods, melting of glaciers, and destruction of habitats. In addition, the effects on farming methods and on human health are explored. In the last two chapters, the author discusses the complexity of the problem, which is compounded by the fact that a great deal of damage has already been done, some of which is irreparable. With these facts, he proposes several ways in which carbon emissions may be reduced.

This book emphasizes the need to alter life styles and attitudes, especially in MEDCs. Countries producing the largest amount of carbon dioxide and climate change predictions are listed on the "Facts and Figures" page. Further reading, a web finder, and an index are also included. This book allows young readers to become aware of this major global crisis and related controversies.

Science at the Edge (2nd Edition): Super Foods: Genetic Modification of Food

10/28/2009

Author: Sally Morgan
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 64
Price: $34.29
ISBN: 1432924559
Grade: 6-8
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This series by prolific author Sally Morgan has been revised and updated to highlight the latest developments and theories in science, which are popularized in the press and are often considered to be controversial. Each book focuses on how science works, giving recent applications and examples. Each book also includes an explanation of a controversy, data and evidence, and the author's analysis of the issues and opinions involved.

Superfoods: Genetic Modification of Foods begins with a discussion of the scarcity of nutritious foods for a growing world population and the development of new crops in an attempt to alleviate this problem. The early chapters discuss DNA, inheritance, and how genes are modified to improve the nutritional value of organisms consumed by humans. Some history of the genetic modification of organisms like wheat, cattle, and rice by selective breeding is given, leading to modern genetic modifications such as the creation of transgenic organisms and mutations through genetic engineering. The making of artificial rennet is also described. Mapping the genome of rice and the cloning of plants is next, leading to a full description of genetically modified crops.

The pros and cons of growing these crops and their effect on the ecosystem are discussed, with a detailed list of crops and their modified features. This leads to a chapter on genetically modified animals, such as super salmon and Dolly, the first cloned sheep. There is some mention of the ethics involved in genetically modifying living things. The final chapters are devoted to the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods.

Each volume in this series includes a very understandable timeline, a glossary, a catalog of further resources, and an index. These features make the books useful as interdisciplinary resources and can lead to learning extensions such as wikis or web quests. The reading level is appropriate to the content, and the writing style makes each book interesting.

This particular book has more difficult content than some of the others in the series, but it will still hold the interest of students who may have trouble understanding some of the sections on protein synthesis and genetic engineering. The series would be an excellent addition to a science or social studies classroom. The books are good jumping-off points for classroom discussion, reports, or research by teachers and students. This is a good supplementary book that could be used in health classes, social studies, or "Science, Technology, and Society" classes. It also could be used as a special assignment in any science class in which students express interest in this topic.

Science at the Edge (2nd Edition): Test Tube Babies: In Vitro Fertilization

10/26/2009

Author: Ann Fullick
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 64
Price: $34.29
ISBN: 1432924532
Grade: 6-8
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This series by prolific author Sally Morgan has been revised and updated to highlight the latest developments and theories in science that are popularized in the press, and which are often considered to be controversial. Each book focuses on how science works, giving recent applications and examples. Each book explains a controversy, gives data and evidence, analyzes the issues and opinions involved, and features the author's conclusion.

Test-Tube Babies: In Vitro Fertilization is a timely book, considering the recent birth of octuplets who are “test-tube” babies. This book begins with a discussion of the causes of infertility, the biology of reproduction, and the development of a human embryo from conception to birth. The choice between the use of infertility drugs or in-vitro fertilization is mentioned.

The history of human understanding of fertilization and how it occurs makes an interesting story, which leads up to the birth of the first “test-tube” baby. A clear explanation of in-vitro fertilization follows, with some spectacular illustrations, taking readers stepwise through the process. Real-life stories of families and children are included in this section.

The tremendous moral and ethical issues surrounding this topic are thoroughly covered, including such things as the huge financial cost, sex selection, the gene pool, the fate of extra embryos, preserving embryos, and the role of law and government in human reproduction. This book is certain to raise questions and provoke discussions in any classroom.

Each volume in this series includes a timeline, a glossary, a catalog of further resources, and an index. These features make these books useful as interdisciplinary resources and can lead to learning extensions such as wikis or web quests. The reading level is appropriate for the content, and the writing style makes each book interesting.

This series would be an excellent addition to a science or social studies classroom. The books are good jumping-off points for classroom discussion, reports, or research by teachers and students. This is a good supplementary book that could be used in health classes, social studies, or "Science, Technology and Society" classes. It also could be used as a special assignment in any science class in which a student expresses interest in this topic.

My World of Science: Forces and Motion

10/22/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432914332
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Tracy Alley
Review:

This volume in the Heinemann First Library is a great way to teach primary age children about basic physical science topics. The information provided is simple yet engaging for young readers who have a passion for science. The book contains all of the elements of an excellent nonfiction text – Table of Contents, glossary, index, and labeled photos.

The book's vibrant photographs focus on situations children encounter daily, such as cooking and watching television, showing young children and adults in real life situations, which serves to draw the reader into the text. The print is the appropriate size to read aloud or for a child reading alone. The font is simple, and the bold words let the reader know of their scientific importance.

I would use this book to supplement a unit of study or to answer a child’s question about issues surrounding force and motion. My third grade students found the text too simple so I would use the book with kindergarten through second grade students. The series would be, however, quite expensive for most schools.

My World of Science: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

10/22/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432914387
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Tracy Alley
Review:

This volume in the Heinemann First Library is a great way to teach primary age children about basic physical science topics. The information provided is simple yet engaging for young readers who have a passion for science. The book contains all of the elements of an excellent nonfiction text – Table of Contents, glossary, index, and labeled photos.

The book's vibrant photographs focus on situations children encounter daily, such as cooking and watching television, showing young children and adults in real life situations, which serves to draw the reader into the text. The print is the appropriate size to read aloud or for a child reading alone. The font is simple, and the bold words let the reader know of their scientific importance.

I would use this book to supplement a unit of study or to answer a child’s question about issues surrounding properties of materials. My third grade students found the text too simple so I would use the book with kindergarten through second grade students. The series would be, however, quite expensive for most schools.

My World of Science: Conductors and Insulators

10/22/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432914431
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Tracy Alley
Review:

This volume in the Heinemann First Library is a great way to teach primary age children about basic physical science topics. The information provided is simple yet engaging for young readers who have a passion for science. The book contains all of the elements of an excellent nonfiction text – Table of Contents, glossary, index, and labeled photos.

The book's vibrant photographs focus on situations children encounter daily ,such as cooking and watching television, showing young children and adults in real life situations, which serves to draw the reader into the text. The print is the appropriate size to read aloud or for a child reading alone. The font is simple, and the bold words let the reader know of their scientific importance.

I would use this book to supplement a unit of study or to answer a child’s question about issues surrounding electricity. My third grade students found the text too simple so I would use the book with kindergarten through second grade students. The series would be, however, quite expensive for most schools.

Science at the Edge (2nd Edition): Germ Killers: Fighting Disease

10/22/2009

Author: Sally Morgan
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 64
Price: $34.29
ISBN: 1432924567
Grade: 6-8
Reviewer: Eloise Farmer
Review:

This series by prolific author Sally Morgan has been revised and updated to highlight the latest developments and theories in science that are popularized in the press, and that are often considered to be controversial. Each book focuses on how science works, giving recent applications and examples. Each book also includes an explanation of a controversy, along with data and evidence as well as an analysis of the issues and opinions involved, and features a written conclusion by the author.

Germ Killers is a timely book, addressing information that is presently in our news almost daily, as contamination of food supplies becomes more common. The book begins with a definition of disease and how it is being addressed by modern medicine, and then leads the reader through causes, spread, defenses, and treatment of disease, using many examples and illustrations throughout. Causes are not limited to bacteria and viruses, but also include parasites, especially malaria. A colorful chart on one page in the book lists 14 diseases, from HIV/AIDS to whooping cough, describing causes, symptoms, and vaccines. Drug issues surrounding cost and discovery are discussed. Future developments are anticipated One part of the conclusion focuses on overuse of certain drugs. This book will help students and teachers to better understand their own health and welfare when it comes to disease.

Each volume also includes a very understandable timeline, a glossary, a catalog of further resources, and an index. These features make the books useful as interdisciplinary resources, and can lead to learning extensions such as wikis, or web quests. The reading level is appropriate to the content and the style of writing makes each book interesting to read. The series would be an excellent addition to a science or social studies classroom. The books are a good jumping off point for classroom discussion, reports, or research by teachers and students. A course in "Science, Technology and Society" or pre-engineering would also find this discussion very useful.

World at Risk: Feeding the World: How we produce the food we need for a growing population

10/22/2009

Author: Anne Rooney
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Black Rabbit Books
Pages: 48
Price: $34.25
ISBN: 9781599203775
Grade: 7-12
Reviewer: Jean Worsley
Review:

This volume in the World at Risk series presents the challenges faced in feeding a population that is exploding exponentially. Supported by compelling data, the author discusses factors contributing to this crisis and lists suggestions to help insure a sustainable supply of food for future generations.

Each chapter begins with a brief introduction followed by subtopics. Precise details are discussed in one or two paragraphs with important terms in bold and defined in the glossary. In addition, side bars “Earth Data” and “Planet Watch” contain important details and statistical data. Throughout the book, maps show the unequal distribution of populations and food throughout the world, resulting in malnutrition and starvation. The effects of oil prices, demand for land for other uses, and climate change on the supply and cost of food are examined. Other factors explored include traditional practices by farmers that have resulted in the loss of arable land, unfavorable weather, and war. The problems associated with waste by individuals, nations, and businesses in wealthier countries are vividly described, as well as climate change, which has resulted in water shortages, droughts and floods. Finally, political decisions that have dire consequences on many countries around the world, especially in less economically developed countries, are examined.

In order to avert this crisis, the author suggests that action is needed on all levels–individually, nationally, and internationally. For example, two programs that are described on the international level are the Kyoto Protocol and the United Nation’s World Water Assessment Programme. World population figures and projections, graphs, and maps with additional data, are found in "Facts and Figures." An index and additional resources include further reading and web finder. This book is a valuable introduction to alert middle and secondary readers to problems associated with food supply. Its emphasis on data makes it a good source and model for such discussions.

Spectacular Animal Towns: The Ant's Nest: A Huge, Underground City

10/22/2009

Author: Miriam Aronin
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Bearport Publishing Co. Inc.
Pages: 32
Price: $25.27
ISBN: 9781597168687
Grade: 2-7
Reviewer: Judy Kraus
Review:

Building a colony, foraging for food, and organizing workers are activities undertaken by ants as well as humans. This book on the complex social activity of these insects will entice even the most reluctant readers with its vibrant photography.

These insects, usually less than two centimeters long, construct hills with an elaborate system of chambers. Each chamber provides a space for activities ranging from caring for the young to storing food. Ant hill residents are female workers, male ants, or the queen and each has a distinct function. Worker bees may forage for food, guard the colony, or build the nest. They live for about a year (however, some male ants only live a few weeks) and may lay eggs, although the offspring produced will only be males. Males have the responsibility to mate with queens from other colonies, performing no work within their own colony! Many ant colonies have one queen, while others have several. The queen ant has a longer life span than the others, sometimes 20 years in length, and spends most of her time laying eggs, producing over a thousand eggs per year. Eggs hatch into larvae, develop into pupae, and eventually emerge from cocoons as ants. Pheromones, chemical scents, help ants communicate information about food and nest location.

Whether the ants are Southern wood ants, Red harvester ants, or Texas leaf-cutting ants, they all work together within their own colony. Their behaviors provide not only fascinating reading but content to support curricula in behavior. This book, part of the Spectacular Animal Towns series, provides an easy to read table of ant facts, details about other insects building nests, a glossary, a bibliography, and additional resources available in print and online.

Going Green: Using Earth's Underground Heat

10/22/2009

Author: Nancy White
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Bearport Publishing Co. Inc.
Pages: 32
Price: $25.27
ISBN: 9781597169639
Grade: 2-7
Reviewer: Donald Logsdon Jr.
Review:

As an environmentalist, I want children to begin thinking about protecting the environment at as young an age as possible. This series, Going Green, helps to educate young readers while also showing them the practical uses of scientific knowledge and technology. The editors sum up their objective this way: “In this eco-friendly new series, children are about to discover the ways people are protecting Earth and its precious resources.”

This volume, Using Earth’s Underground Heat, focuses on the use of the heat of the earth as a pollution-free energy source. This book includes 10 chapters; a section called "Just the Facts," a section on how the student can help the environment, suggested websites, a glossary, an index, a bibliography, and suggested additional reading. The text is clear throughout the book with appropriate vocabulary for the young reader. The chapters also include numerous sidebars that enhance each chapter’s presentation. For example, one notes that the word geothermal comes from the Greek word geo, meaning earth, and the word thermal, meaning heat.

This is a colorful book filled with interesting illustrations and photos. It is aimed at the third grade reader but can be read with interest by students in grades 2 through 7. It is a small book but one packed with useful information. As the editors note, it “…is sure to engage the young environmentalist as they learn all about the current efforts to make their planet greener—and discover ways that they can help, too!”

Who Lives Here?: Savanna Animals

10/22/2009

Author: Deborah Hodge
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Pages: 24
Price: $14.95
ISBN: 9781554530724
Grade: K-3
Reviewer: Jacqueline Pfeiffer
Review:

What male animal can be as tall as a two story building? Which is the biggest bird on earth? The answers to these and many other interesting questions are in this 24-page book for very young readers. Many tidbits of information are interwoven throughout the text in such a way that the reader doesn’t feel as though they are reading plain facts.

After a two-page introduction to the savannah biome, nine animals are addressed. A description of what their bodies are like, what they eat, where they sleep, how they keep safe, and how they care for their young is provided for each animal.The author explains that this book is about the African savanna even though there are other savannas throughout the Earth. Interesting facts are highlighted in the illustrations for each animal. Grass is very important to savanna animals; some eat the grass and others eat the grass eaters. An elephant can weigh as much as 13 heavy pianos and its ear can be the size of a blanket on a bed. A wildebeest gives birth in the rainy season when food is abundant, and their babies can run one hour after birth. A giraffe’s tongue is as long as a child’s arm. Baby meerkats are cared for by a babysitter meerkat when their parents are off hunting. Black mambas are the world’s fastest snakes and their babies are ready to hunt as soon as they are born. A large male ostrich would bump his head on the ceiling of a house. One ostrich egg weighs as much as 24 chicken eggs.

At the end of the book is a small glossary where each body part word has an illustration as well as a simple meaning provided. Also at the end of the book, are two or three paragraphs of additional information for parents and teachers to explain to the young children who have further questions. The book was reviewed by an assistant professor of zoology ensuring the information is correct. This is a very interesting book that will hold young children’s interest and I highly recommend it.

The Real World of a Forensic Scientist: Renowned Experts Reveal What it Takes to Solve Crimes

10/22/2009

Author: Henry C. Lee, Elaine M. Pagliaro, Katherine Ramsland
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Prometheus Books
Pages: 349
Price: $25.98
ISBN: 9781591027294
Grade: College
Reviewer: Marc Zucker
Review:

This book provides a fascinating walk through the real life work of a forensic scientist. Based primarily on Dr. Henry C. Lee’s work as a leading forensic scientist, it reflects the drama of this emerging area, made popular by T.V. shows such as CSI. Although much of the book is a combination of historic forensic science along with actual cases (many not for the faint of heart or a weak stomach), the authors include a thorough overview of the science involved in the process.

The audience of the book seems to be that of a lower-level college or advanced high school student, but it is instructors who are going to gain the most from it. Many topics are discussed: fingerprint evidence, DNA analysis, odontology, to name just a few. Basic scientific tools and reasoning used in each of these areas are discussed as well. There are pictures and figures included. These examples can be used to enrich life and physical science coursework. The pictures (glossy color center pages) are mainly of historical interest (many focusing, like much of the book, on Dr. Lee). Figures are introduced to give visual aid as needed.

This book allows students and teachers a look into the growing area of forensic science that is grabbing much attention. It definitely shows the many uses and opportunities for science within forensics and allows students to see in-depth science applied to the real world, giving them yet another science-based career choice.

Wild Science Careers: Dinosaur Scientist: Careers Digging Up the Past

10/22/2009

Author: Thom Holmes
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 128
Price: $31.93
ISBN: 9780766030534
Grade: 5-8
Reviewer: Jacqueline Pfeiffer
Review:

This is one of the few books I have ever reviewed that I couldn't put down. It “explores different careers in dinosaur science, paleontology, using examples of real scientists in the field.”

The first chapter is a great background on the history of early dinosaur exploration. Each of the following chapters examines a scientist at work in the field of paleontology. Descriptions are presented of what each scientist does and the research necessary to do their job effectively, as well as the academic requirements to enter the field. As the reader follows each scientist, interesting facts are sprinkled throughout.

The creatures we know about from fossils represent only a tiny fraction of the many millions of organisms that ever existed around the world. Readers learn about Dr. Mark Norell, who found a fossil of a dinosaur in the Mongolian desert sitting on a nest of eggs just like a bird, as well as fossilized embryos of oviraptors. They also explore Dinosaur Cove, the first mine created for locating fossils in Australia, and discover the largest dinosaurs in Argentina. They follow paleontologists to the Sahara Desert and to Canada near the Arctic Circle.

The authors include an extensive glossary, chapter notes, a further reading section, internet addresses, and an index. The publishers suggest the book is for grades five and up or ages 10 and up. The reading flows so easily that I believe younger students who have an interest in science would enjoy the book as well. I highly recommend this book for students who want to explore scientific fields as well as increase their knowledge of dinosaurs and paleontology. I believe it would also make a good choice to read aloud to younger children as each chapter is independent of the others.

Science Matters: Wedges

10/22/2009

Author: Tatiana Tomljanovic
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960371
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

Have you ever thought of your teeth as wedges? Or of a zipper as a series of these simple machines? These questions are answered for readers in this volume, which highlights many everyday objects, provides a brief history and spotlights an occupation dependent on them.

Science Matters: Pulleys

10/22/2009

Author: James De Medeiros
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960418
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

The volume on pulleys does the best job of introducing the concept of force and the unit "newton." There are good explanations of the differences between fixed and moveable pulleys and how each affect mechanical advantage. Illustrations are appropriate to the text. The reader will realize that modern pulleys are used for many of the same purposes as pulleys were in ancient history.

Science Matters: Inclined Planes

10/22/2009

Author: Jennifer Howse
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960357
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

Found everywhere in the world, inclined planes are more than just ramps. This book identifies inclined planes found in nature, and includes sections about the three laws of motion.

Science Matters: Wheels and Axles

10/22/2009

Author: Erinn Banting
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960333
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

Do you like riding a Ferris Wheel? Listening to a CD or watching a DVD? These activities are all dependent upon the wheel and axle, a common simple machine. The author leads readers through the various stages of development in the quest to reduce friction and create a more efficient wheel. Students also learn about small gears in watches (which are now being replaced with microchips). The illustrations are colorful, relevant and support an appropriate reading level.

Science Matters: Levers

10/22/2009

Author: Jennifer Howse
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960319
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

Archimedes is reported to have said "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it and I shall move the world." Levers are used every day, often without users even realizing their advantage. Readers will appreciate this basic introduction, which explains the key parts and types of levers using common examples that elementary students will recognize. Historical uses of levers are highlighted, as well as examples of modern machines using levers.

Science Matters: Screws

10/22/2009

Author: Michael De Medeiros
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Weigl Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 24
Price: $24.45
ISBN: 9781605960395
Grade: 3-5
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

How does a simple machine make work easier? What is the advantage of using a machine? Well-illustrated and simply explained, the Science Matters series: Simple Machines is an asset for upper elementary classrooms.

Each book contains the same section, "Gaining an Advantage," which provides a basic definition and example of each of the simple machines. Other sections like "Surfing Simple Machines," "Science in Action," "What Have You Learned?," "Words to Know," and the index, are specific to the book title. "Surfing" suggests ideas and internet resources for further study. "Science In Action" provides a basic activity or experiment to try. "What Have you Learned?" quizzes the reader (with answers provided upside down on the facing page). "Words to Know" is a basic glossary of bolded words that may not be familiar to the student.

From the ancient screw pumps used by King Nebuchadnezzar to standard size screw threads introduced in World War II, this volume gives readers a basic knowledge of the history, uses and advantages of this simple machine. The author also includes a worm gear–a tool shaped like a screw–with examples of where it can be found.

A note of caution: two photos in this volume present safety issues. There is a photo of a young boy skateboarding on a ramp (in the Table of Contents and on page 23) without appropriate protective gear, and on page 14 there is a workman using a high powered drill without eye protection. If a teacher uses this book, these problems should be noted and discussed.

Spectacular Animal Towns: The Prairie Dog's Town: A Perfect Hideaway

10/22/2009

Author: Miriam Aronin
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Bearport Publishing Co. Inc.
Pages: 32
Price: $25.27
ISBN: 9781597168700
Grade: 2-7
Reviewer: Judy Kraus
Review:

Peeking out from a mound of dirt in the prairies of North America, a small furry creature delights the casual observer. Prairie dog families (coteries) included a billion members a few hundred years ago. Ranchers once feared they would devour the grasslands. The prairie dog’s habitat was destroyed and the sylvatic plague killed many. Today, a vaccine is under development to protect prairie dogs. Presently, prairie dogs of Mexico and Utah are protected by law.

A prairie dog town is an intricate series of burrows. Each burrow provides protection with underground tunnels linking rooms or chambers. Each chamber has a function ranging from sleeping and waste storage to a nursery for raising the young. Burrows may have multiple entrances and may be three meters deep with over seven meters of tunnels in total. Mounds, marking the burrow entrances, guard against flooding and provide ventilation. During the winter months, prairie dogs hibernate in their burrows. Young are born in the spring and each female selects and prepares a chamber for a nursery. Six weeks after birth, the newborn pups emerge from the burrows and begin to explore the prairie. Many of the adaptations that help prairie dogs survive are social. Communication techniques include touch as well as high pitched barking sounds. Vocal sounds from the prairie dogs warn of approaching danger and this warning spreads quickly throughout the coteries. These animals groom one another and spend a considerable amount of time digging burrows, foraging for food, and protecting their territory.

The Prairie Dog’s Town: A Perfect Hideaway, is part of the Spectacular Animal Towns series. It provides an easy to read table of prairie dog facts, details about other animals working together, a glossary, a bibliography, and information on additional resources available in print and online. Vibrant photography is captivating! The pictures will entice the most reluctant reader to turn the page!

Why Don't Jumbo Jets Flap Their Wings?: Flying Animals, Flying Machines, and How They Are Different

10/21/2009

Author: David E. Alexander
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Pages: 288
Price: $26.95
ISBN: 9780813544793
Grade: College
Reviewer: Marc Zucker
Review:

David E. Alexander has managed to combine a fascinating collection of different subjects under the discussion of the similarities and differences between flying animals and flying machines. The book is part history, part biology, part science, and part technology.

Starting with the Wright brothers, Alexander develops the story of peoples’ fascination with flying. Along the way all the different components of flight, both natural and manufactured, are discussed—wings, propulsion, maneuverability, and instrumentation. The science includes lift, lift-drag ratios, camber, how planes stall, and more. There is even some discussion of ornithopters (something I would have liked to see more of), which is a field that has a lot of active research these days.

This book fits many genres and therefore should have a very wide and active audience; a science class discussing how things fly, students doing supplemental reading for a class project, or a class studying the evolution of insects, pterosaurs, birds, and bats should all find this book pertinent. Anyone interested in the modern development of aircraft and what the future holds and where it is heading will also find this an enjoyable read.

There are numerous pencil drawings and extensive sources in the endnotes. The writing style is engaging, sliding back and forth between nature and machine, comparing, contrasting, and developing the history. This would be a welcome addition to any college-level class, as well as for upper-level high school classes wanting to either go further than the average textbook allows or as an interesting supplement to a project.

Solve That Crime!: Crime Under the Microscope!: In the Forensics Lab

10/21/2009

Author: Carol Ballard
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 48
Price: $23.93
ISBN: 9780766033740
Grade: 5-9
Reviewer: Deb McNabney
Review:

The forensic sciences form a vital part of the justice system as crime scene clues are converted into admissible evidence. Because of popular television shows and movies, forensic science has become identified primarily with law enforcement, but forensic scientists are involved in all aspects of criminal cases.

Crime Under the Microscope provides a great introduction to the types of work forensic scientists perform. In its 48 pages, the book introduces readers to the examination and analysis of fibers, chemicals, and DNA; the role of the pathologist in providing information about a victim’s death; and the importance of identifying evidence such as fingerprints, bite marks, tire tracks, and tool marks.

Crime Under the Microscope contains wonderful colorful graphics, high-quality photos, informational sidebars, and a glossary. The book addresses the Physical Science, Life Science, and Science in Personal and Social Perspectives areas of the National Science Education Standards. The frank discussion of potentially disturbing topics, graphic pictures, and a fairly high reading level make this book most appropriate for upper middle school grades. Crime Under the Microscope will encourage students to pursue a career in the forensic sciences.

Scientists in the Field: Extreme Scientists: Exploring Nature's Mysteries from Perilous Places

10/21/2009

Author: Donna M. Jackson
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Pages: 80
Price: $18.00
ISBN: 9780618777068
Grade: 6-10
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

Students often dream of interviewing people with unique jobs, and Extreme Scientists does just that. Interviews with a hurricane hunter, a cave microbiologist, and a tree-climbing botanist depict science in action, which allows students of many learning styles and intelligences to see themselves in exciting scientific careers.

Hurricane hunting heightens the meaning of "storm chasing." The National Hurricane Center depends on data collected by brave scientists to accurately forecast hurricane paths and strength. It requires a team effort of pilots, navigators, technicians, and others to safely fly the turbo-prop plane into the center of a hurricane. Actual experiences of these courageous scientists will make readers aware of the rewards of this occupation despite the hazards that may happen in the air.

Microbiologists study the single-celled microbes—including bacteria and fungi—that live below the Earth’s surface. Readers will learn that the extremophiles' ability of survive in harsh environments may increase our understanding of extraterrestrial life. Microbes collected from underwater caves, and others from glacial ice caves, may hold clues to survival.

Readers will also learn what it's like to work in a laboratory several hundred feet in the air, suspended by ropes and a harness. They can imagine climbing the world’s tallest trees to get to the laboratory, and gathering data will take on new meaning when readers see how it's done in the canopy of the redwood forest. An aerial ecosystem, complete with plant and animal variety, exists high above the forest floor. While studying this diverse ecosystem, tree climbs may last several days and necessitate sleeping in tree boats (special hammocks designed for high rise overnights).

The scientists profiled in this book do what others may only dream of. Throughout the book, photographs show these scientists in action, allowing readers to see their true working conditions. Safety is discussed in each segment and is vital for these extreme scientists. A glossary organized by segment is located in the back for terms not explained within the text. Each segment ends with ‘”Quick Questions” directed specifically to the scientist about the job. This valuable book can be used to discuss the diverse methods of science and to excite students about the possibility of future scientific careers.

Health and Fitness: Staying Safe

10/14/2009

Author: Adam Schaefer;
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432927707
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Donald Logsdon Jr.
Review:

Children today have more dangers than ever in their environments, and communities are not structured in ways that support safe education as they once were, so efforts to improve the safety of children are welcome. One way is to present information on these areas in a bright, colorful text written at the level of first- through third-grade readers. Part of a series called Health and Fitness, this book focuses on the value of staying safe, and it has many suggestions on what to do to stay safe.

The editor describes the books in the Health and Fitness series in this fashion: “Each book educates the reader on the way foods fuel the body and the benefits of exercise, personal hygiene, and staying safe.” The contents of the book are grouped into 13 chapters, a glossary, suggestions for further research, a list of websites, and an index. The book contains color photos of children on every page and depicts both boys and girls and a variety of races/ethnic groups. The text is clear and accurate, and the pages contain numerous short comments and questions. For example, this book includes warnings about how to identify and have fun with safe friendships.

This book should provide young readers with readily accessible information that they can apply to their daily lives. It's the right size for small hands and very rugged in construction. It lends itself well to sharing with an adult as well.

The Science Behind Natural Disasters: Tornadoes: The Science Behind Terrible Twisters

10/14/2009

Author: Alvin Silverstein, Virginia B. Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 48
Price: $23.93
ISBN: 9780766029767
Grade: 5-9
Reviewer: Lois Spangler
Review:

The Science Behind Natural Disasters series provides good Earth science content for readers in grades 3 through 12. It provides the context for current events, which makes textbook lessons more relevant and can encourage students to develop better informational-reading skills.

Each volume in the series is 48 pages long, with full-color illustrations, a glossary, and a section providing additional information. The first page of each section is printed in a larger font, which makes the text more inviting toreluctant readers. It also encourages students to reach a little further to expand their skills.

This volume begins by engaging readers with interesting information about the terrible tornado that destroyed Greensburg, Kansas. With the increased rate of storms along "tornado alley" due to warming of the Gulf of Mexico and dryer western plains, this topic will be increasingly relevant to students.

The Science Behind Natural Disasters: Volcanoes: The Science Behind Fiery Eruptions

10/14/2009

Author: Alvin Silverstein, Virginia B. Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Enslow Publishers, Inc.
Pages: 48
Price: $23.93
ISBN: 9780766029729
Grade: 5-9
Reviewer: Lois Spangler
Review:

The Science Behind Natural Disasters series provides good Earth science content for readers in grades 3 through 12. It provides context for current events, which makes textbook lessons more relevant and encourages students to develop better informational-reading skills.

Each volume in the series is 48 pages long, with full-color illustrations, a glossary, and a section providing additional information. The first page of each section is printed in a larger font, which makes the text more inviting to reluctant readers. It also encourages those students who want to reach a little further to expand their skills.

This volume explores the formation of volcanoes, the various types, and the causes of eruptions. It begins by engaging the reader with interesting information about Mt. St. Helens (an event that predates today's students, but is fully documented on websites like "Earthshots.") Its interest, accuracy, and format make the book a good choice.

Isaac Newton and Physics for Kids: His Life and Ideas with 21 Activities

10/13/2009

Author: Kerrie Logan Hollihan
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
Pages: 144
Price: $16.95
ISBN: 9781556527784
Grade: 4-7
Reviewer: Susan Behrens
Review:

This book, aimed 9+ readers, is about a man, his physics, and activities—brought together to provide a lot of science fun. It starts with a timeline of Newton’s life, establishing the theme that biography, science, and historical changes are all connected. This is an ideal way to begin to discuss science in the context of society.

The introductory chapter begins with Newton at about the age of the reader, hating to do his farming chores and instead daring to ask questions. Then we get the sentence, “There was a lot to admire about him—and much to despise.” He was “isolated, snobbish, and jealous” with a “bitter attitude.” Thus, science is set in a personal as well as a political, religious, and cultural context.

In Newton's time the Church’s authority was being challenged, and Newton wanted to connect the “up there” with the “down here,” thus establishing himself as a natural philosopher (today's scientist). He wasn't especially likeable; he was secretive and feuded with rivals. However, at age 18 or 19, he did list all his sins in a notebook as a way to cleanse his soul. (We are given the list, with 49 items on it!)

The book intersperses biography, science, and historical facts. We learn the social hierarchy of Cambridge students. (Newton was at the bottom.) We also learn historical facts—that Henry VIII founded Trinity College at Cambridge (and why); a bit about the English spelling system at the time; and, more importantly, about the authority of the Church and those who questioned that authority. To explain why Newton spent two years back home, away from Cambridge, we learn about the Black Plague (and that during that time, he sat under apple trees and watched fruit fall). Thus, not all “asides” in this book are equal.

The author does not shy away from discussing the intersections of science and religion. At Trinity College, most students studied theology; further, all professors were required to eventually become priests in the Church of England. We read about Newton’s views clashing with church dogma, as well as with those of most of his professors. King Charles II actually made an exception for Newton, and his position, The Lucasian Chair, was exempt from the priesthood requirement.

The book has attractive graphics, including sepia-toned sidebars. We see sketches of Cambridge around the time Newton would have been a student, the rulers of the day, and other scientists who influenced Newton. Every so often, in the margin of the book, there is a picture of a statue of Newton or a coin or postage stamp with his image. While the prose itself is somewhat linear, readers used to visual busyness will enjoy these detours, and they add to the attractiveness of the book.

The language hits the right tone for the intended audience, not relying on simple syntax but telling the story at an engaging pace. At times it was easy to forget that the book is “for kids,” but then I’d get to the name Rene Descartes and see (day-KART) as a pronunciation guide, or Euclid with the guide (YEW-klid). The author addresses the inequity of educational opportunities in several early comments about girls, and, in an aside, she makes sure her illustrations include both boys and girls carrying out the activities.

The 21 activities allow readers to identify with a young Newton and see that the everyday that we take for granted is wondrous and can be measured and observed in new ways. The first activity invites readers to make a notebook the way Newton did. Rather than suggest purchasing a notebook, the author has students follow in Newton’s footsteps and create a notebook from “waste paper.” Later, they make their own ink from boiled walnut shells. The activities always allow for the sense of what Newton would have done, using (mostly) materials that were available in the 17th century. Activities include making a prism and waterwheel, creating optical illusions, dabbling in alchemy, and creating one's own “plague mask.” Not all activities are especially science-oriented. One has readers baking an apple “pye” and another translating an alchemist’s poem into 21st century English.

A note of worry, however: While I was reading the “make your own ink” activity, which is prefaced with the small note “adult supervision required,” I pictured some eager 9 year old boiling shells, draining them, and causing a mess. Then I read at the end of the instructions, “BEWARE: This ink will stain your fingers and clothes. Be careful when you use it!” The image in my head got even more alarming. A later activity directing readers how to make a candle, and a water clock involves matches. We still get the supervision notice, but there is no BEWARE, which I think is even more necessary than warning us about stained fingers. (At least the Create Your Own Optical Illusion activity says in no uncertain terms “No one should ever look at the Sun.”) A weakness to this book is its vagueness about where all these activities should take place. Reader seem to be on their own (except for that small supervision advisory). I know that the idea is to replicate Newton’s work conditions, but the safety provisions should be stronger.

The book ends with a helpful list of resources, specifically books and websites. A glossary would have been a worthwhile inclusion, but perhaps readers could create their own glossary as they go along. Whether the book is used by parents or teachers, readers will indeed learn about Newton the man and many clearly explained principles of light, gravity, and motion; and they will engage in experiential learning as well. Finally, they will have their waste paper notebooks to record the journey.

Health and Fitness: Healthy Food

10/13/2009

Author: Adam Schaefer
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432927684
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Donald Logsdon Jr.
Review:

We have a major problem of childhood obesity in this country, so efforts to improve the health and fitness of children are welcome. This bright, colorful text, written at the level of first- through third-grader readers, presents information in these areas. Part of a series called Health and Fitness, this book focuses on the value of healthy food, and it examines the difference between healthy and non-healthy food items.

The editor describes the books in the Health and Fitness series in this fashion: “Each book educates the reader on the way foods fuel the body and the benefits of exercise, personal hygiene, and staying safe.” The contents of this book are grouped into 13 chapters, a glossary, suggestions for further research, a list of websites, and an index. The book contains color photos of children on every page, and it depicts both boys and girls and a variety of races/ethnic groups. The text is clear and accurate, and the pages contain numerous short comments and questions. For example, the book describes how spoiled food might look and warns readers not to eat it.

This book provides young readers with readily accessible information that they can apply to their daily lives. It's the right size for small hands and very rugged in construction. It lends itself well to sharing with an adult as well.

Scientists in the Field: The Frog Scientist

10/13/2009

Author: Pamela S. Turner
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
Pages: 64
Price: $18.00
ISBN: 9780618717163
Grade: 6-10
Reviewer: Elizabeth Hayward
Review:

With exceptional frog photography and easy-to-follow text, The Frog Scientist would be a wonderful book for future scientists. Following the work of Dr. Tyrone Hayes and his team as they examine the affect of the chemical atrazine on frog development, readers will see the scientific method in action.

Concern for a global decline in amphibian population led scientists, including Hayes, to study the problem in more detail. As his work is chronicled, unknown terms are explained within the text. Students will realize how scientists gather background knowledge, generate a problem question, set up an experiment, select the independent (manipulated) variable, establish the need for a control group, and realize the importance of maintaining constants and repeated trials. Finally, readers will see how the results of one experiment often lead to questions to begin a new experiment. Included are a glossary, a featured frog and toad page, websites for more information, and references for educators.

The book also provides an interesting biographical story; readers learn of Hayes’ childhood interest in amphibians, which led him to study science in college. Persistence and encouragement from others allowed him to begin studying frogs in a college research laboratory and be paid for it! One caution for readers who are sensitive to animals, there are photos of deformed frogs, preserved specimens, and frog dissection; each is used to more fully explain the reading. There is also a concern about the laboratory photos since no one is shown wearing goggles. This could make younger students less careful about using eye protection, especially during dissection.

Life Cycle Of A...: Bean (2nd Edition)

10/13/2009

Author: Angela Royston
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Heinemann Library
Pages: 32
Price: $25.36
ISBN: 9781432925185
Grade: 1-3
Reviewer: Jose Rios
Review:

When I was young, I enjoyed books about snakes, lions, bears, sharks, and other fascinating creatures. I loved the wonderful pictures and interesting facts. After reading Life Cycle of a Broad Bean, I wish that our school had bought more books about plants, because they can be just as enjoyable as those about animals.

The author provides short chapters filled with information that children between the ages of five and 10 will find fascinating. She begins by describing the kinds of beans we eat and then presents the life cycle of one kind—the broad bean—in detail. Beginning with seeds, the author chronicles the development of a broad bean through colorful pictures and descriptions.

Each chapter presents vocabulary words and content related to each word. Children can easily associate words with pictures, which leads to greater comprehension of the information. The book is filled with many examples of this association, which I found to be age-appropriate and helpful. In addition to its engaging narrative and visual style, the book is well organized and easy to follow. The author uses a consistent format, which includes bold-faced vocabulary words and a timeline at the bottom of each page. Children can use this timeline to connect the narrative to the life cycle stage. The author also provides a helpful review section, a fact file, a glossary, a reading list, and an index.

This book would make a wonderful addition to any school library. Teachers can use it to supplement lessons, and children will find it a valuable resource for background information. The Heinemann First Library series includes books on other animals and plants for children to enjoy. I highly recommend them.