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Also in this article: Physical Science - 500

Physical Science - 500

Kids have so many questions! How do you get electricity from a waterfall? Where does gas come from? What’s a rainbow? How’s plastic made? The series included here for younger readers provide a solid scientific foundation and attempt to pique interest in the physical world we live in, while those aimed at a slightly older audience tackle larger questions and give kids answers to their myriad questions.

ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Inclined Planes ISBN 978-1-60694-387-8. LC 2009006069.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Levers ISBN 978-1-60694-388-5. LC 2009006070.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Pulleys ISBN 978-1-60694-389-2. LC 2009005741.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Screws ISBN 978-1-60694-390-8. LC 2009006075.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Wedges illus. ISBN 978-1-60694-391-5. LC 2009005742.
ARMENTROUT, David & Patricia Armentrout. Wheels illus. ISBN 978-1-60694-392-2. LC 2009006071. ea vol: 24p. (Simple Machines Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rourke 2009. PLB $27.07.

K-Gr 3–This series provides clear explanations about how the simple machines function. Each title includes basic information about all six types before narrowing the focus to the topic at hand. Full-page photographs depict people of different ethnicities using simple as well as complex machines. These are good basic introductions, but their slightly subdued approach will not appeal to reluctant readers.

BANTING, Erinn Wheels and Axles ISBN 978-1-60596-033-3; ISBN 978-1-60596-034-0. LC 2009007808.
DE MEDEIROS, James Pulleys ISBN 978-1-60596-041-8; ISBN 978-1-60596-042-5. LC 2009001947.
DE MEDEIROS, Michael Screws ISBN 978-1-60596-039-5; ISBN 978-1-60596-040-1. LC 2009001941.
HOWSE, Jennifer Inclined Planes ISBN 978-1-60596-035-7; ISBN 978-1-60596-036-4. LC 2009025972.
HOWSE, Jennifer Levers diags. ISBN 978-1-60596-031-9; ISBN 978-1-60596-032-6. LC 2009001921.
TOMLJANOVIC, Tatiana Wedges ISBN 978-1-60596-037-1; ISBN 978-1-60596-038-8. LC 2009001936. ea vol: 24p. (Science Matters: Simple Machines Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Weigl 2009. PLB $24.45; pap. $8.95.

Gr 2-4–The bold, large-scale, colorful photographs on these books’ covers are sure to draw in even the most reluctant readers. Each title focuses on a simple machine that makes our lives easier, explaining how the mechanism functions and where it can be found in everyday life. The clear texts end with the same spread defining all six machines. “Science in Action” experiments and “What Have You Learned?” quizzes (with answers provided) are included. Great additions.

CAPICI, Gaetano Mail ISBN 978-1-60279-478-8. LC 2008046012.
CHMIELEWSKI, Gary Internet ISBN 978-1-60279-477-1. LC 2009001196.
CHMIELEWSKI, Gary. Television ISBN 978-1-60279-476-4. LC 2009001197.
LABRECQUE, Ellen Music ISBN 978-1-60279-481-8. LC 2008047941.
MASTERS, Nancy R. Electricity ISBN 978-1-60279-474-0. LC 2008045252.
MASTERS, Nancy R.. Natural Gas ISBN 978-1-60279-479-5. LC 2008053952.
MASTERS, Nancy R.. Telephone ISBN 978-1-60279-480-1. LC 2008054510.
MASTERS, Nancy R.. Water ISBN 978-1-60279-475-7. LC 2008052350. ea vol: 24p. (Community Connections: How Did That Get to My House? Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Cherry Lake 2009. PLB $22.80.
DOLBEAR, Emily J. Ketchup ISBN 978-1-60279-471-9. LC 2009045400.
DOLBEAR, Emily J.. Pasta ISBN 978-1-60279-470-2. LC 2008044185.
DOLBEAR, Emily J.. Pumpkin Pie ISBN 978-1-60279-472-6. LC 2008050640.
DOLBEAR, Emily J.. Salad ISBN 978-1-60279-473-3. LC 2008047268.
ROSENBERG, Pam. Cereal ISBN 978-1-60279-466-5. LC 2008050730.
ROSENBERG, Pam. Ice Cream ISBN 978-1-60279-467-2. LC 2008054796.
ROSENBERG, Pam. Orange Juice ISBN 978-1-60279-468-9. LC 2008053268.
ROSENBERG, Pam. Peanut Butter ISBN 978-1-60279-469-6. LC 2008052551. ea vol: 24p. (Community Connections: How Did That Get to My Table? Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Cherry Lake 2009. PLB $22.80.
FRANCHINO, Vicky. Bridge ISBN 978-1-60279-483-2. LC 2008046616.
FRANCHINO, Vicky. Skyscraper ISBN 978-1-60279-485-6. LC 2008095245.
FRANCHINO, Vicky. Tunnel ISBN 978-1-60279-484-9. LC 2008045237.
MULLINS, Matt. Airport ISBN 978-1-60279-486-3. LC 2008046142.
MULLINS, Matt. Dam ISBN 978-1-60279-488-7. LC 2008046141.
MULLINS, Matt. School ISBN 978-1-60279-487-0. LC 2008047975.
MULLINS, Matt. Stadium ISBN 978-1-60279-489-4. LC 2008049361.
NITTINGER, Sharon. Road ISBN 978-1-60279-482-5. LC 2008045249. ea vol: 24p. (Community Connections: How Did They Build That? Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Cherry Lake 2009. PLB $22.80.

K-Gr 2–These three series use simple language to answer questions that kids commonly ask. The subjects are introduced through stories of fictional children or by encouraging readers to remember times they’ve encountered the service, food, or structure, and then discuss aspects of how it is made or how it works. Critical thinking is encouraged with sidebars titled “Look!” “Think!” “Create!” and “Make a Guess!” Titles in the “How Did That Get to My House?” series are sporadically current. For example, Telephone covers land lines, fiber optic cables, and cell phones, but doesn’t mention calls that can be made using the Internet. Focusing primarily on the mass production of food, the “How Did That Get to My Table?” books explore how the everyday items that most children love such as cereal, pasta, and ice cream arrive in their local grocery stores. Readers will become familiar with the names of machinery used to harvest the produce, such as a “combine.” The somewhat banal texts also explain other terms key to food production, such as “homogenization” and “pasteurization.” Packaging and transportation are also discussed. Big structures surround us and “How Did They Build That?” provides straightforward answers to how they were built. Each title discusses the planning involved, including the work of architects and engineers, and then moves on to construction, including information on the types of workers required such as plumbers and electricians. Road stands out because it provides specific information as to how a road is built as opposed to the more general nature of the other titles. The narratives in all three series are complemented by engaging, full-page photographs, whose captions further illuminate the texts, and by the recommendation of several online and print further-reading suggestions.

GRAF, Mike How Does a Cloud Become a Thunderstorm? charts. diags. ISBN 978-1-4109-3444-4. LC 2008052293.
GRAF, Mike. How Does a Waterfall Become Electricity? diags. ISBN 978-1-4109-3448-2. LC 2008052653.
STEWART, Melissa How Does a Bone Become a Fossil? illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-3445-1. LC 2008052596.
STEWART, Melissa. How Does Sand Become Glass? chart. ISBN 978-1-4109-3449-9. LC 2008052654.
TAGLIAFERRO, Linda How Does a Plant Become Oil? diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-4109-3443-7. LC 2008052290.
TAGLIAFERRO, Linda. How Does a Volcano Become an Island? illus. maps. ISBN 978-1-4109-3447-5. LC 2008052652.
TAGLIAFERRO, Linda. How Does an Earthquake Become a Tsunami? diags. illus. maps. ISBN 978-1-4109-3446-8. LC 2008052643. ea vol: 32p. (How Does It Happen? Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree 2009. PLB $27.50.

Gr 3-5–This series explains how many natural and some man-made phenomena occur. Information is clearly presented using a large font, diagrams, and photographs formatted to resemble Polaroid pictures. Historical background, such as ancient Greek beliefs about lightning (Cloud), is included where relevant. Both benefits and pitfalls are presented as needed. For example, in Electricity, the benefits of hydroelectric power are explained, as are the potentially negative environmental consequences of dam construction. This series does a first-rate job answering some important scientific questions.

GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Different Sounds ISBN 978-1-4329-3202-2. LC 2008051740.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. How Do We Hear? diags. ISBN 978-1-4329-3201-5. LC 2008051738.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Making Sounds ISBN 978-1-4329-3200-8. LC 2008051682.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. What Is Sound?. ISBN 978-1-4329-3199-5. LC 2008051681.
VEITCH, Catherine. Sound and Hearing illus. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-3224-4. LC 2008051741. ea vol: 24p. (Sounds All Around Us Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. Heinemann Library 2009. PLB $20.71.

PreS-Gr 1–This series, compact in form and narrow in focus, introduces the basics of sound through vibrant photographs, large text, and simple sentences. Each title begins with the statements that “There are many different sounds. We hear different sounds around us every day.” From there the books introduce new concepts, building upon one another from What Is Sound?, the most basic book, to How Do We Hear?, Making Sounds, and Different Sounds. What Is Sound? covers sound waves, while How Do We Hear? explains the workings of the ear. Making Sounds describes the different sounds humans can make. Finally, from Different Sounds, readers will learn that fast sound waves make high sounds and slow sound waves make low sounds. These are great introductions and worthy additions to the I Can Read science category.

GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Floating or Sinking ISBN 978-1-4329-3290-9. LC 2008055126.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Hard or Soft ISBN 978-1-4329-3270-1. LC 2008055118.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Heavy or Light ISBN 978-1-4329-3287-9. LC 2008055121.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Hot or Cold ISBN 978-1-4329-3286-2. LC 2008055119.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Shiny or Dull ISBN 978-1-4329-3288-6. LC 2008055120.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Smooth or Rough ISBN 978-1-4329-3289-3. LC 2008055122.
GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Stiff or Bendable ISBN 978-1-4329-3291-6. LC 2008055127. ea vol: 24p. (Properties of Materials Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. Heinemann Library 2009. PLB $20.71.

PreS-Gr 1–The interesting, labeled color photographs are the most striking component of these introductions. The texts are simple and repetitive; the concepts introduced are equally basic. There is no mention of materials being either solid, liquid, or gas; instead, the emphasis is on other properties of materials–whether they are hot or cold, smooth or rough, etc. Mini quizzes at the end of each title review the concepts introduced. Short picture glossaries and activity suggestions for parents and teachers are included. These books are appropriate introductions to science concepts and will be more welcome additions to the I Can Read science category.

OXLADE, Chris. Changing Shape charts. ISBN 978-1-4329-3271-8. LC 2008054586.
OXLADE, Chris. Cooling illus. ISBN 978-1-4329-3273-2. LC 2008054590.
OXLADE, Chris. Heating illus. ISBN 978-1-4329-3272-5. LC 2008054588.
OXLADE, Chris. Mixing and Separating illus. ISBN 978-1-4329-3274-9. LC 2008055124. ea vol: 32p. (Changing Materials Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library 2009. PLB $25.36.

K-Gr 2–Both natural and man-made materials are the focus of this series. Certain information is repeated in each title, such as the difference between a solid, a liquid, and a gas. Changing Shape provides the most basic information, discussing the properties of materials and whether or not they can bend and twist or are brittle, or are in liquid or gas form. Cooling and Heating introduce concepts such as freezing and boiling points. Mixing and Separating discusses the ideas of mixtures, materials that combine to form a new material, and materials that cannot be combined. A few simple activities provide opportunities to experiment. The color photographs are engaging. These are good introductions to some important scientific concepts.

BALLARD, Carol Mixtures and Solutions charts. diags. ISBN 978-1-4109-3376-8. LC 2009013452.
CLAYBOURNE, Anna Forms of Energy charts. diags. ISBN 978-1-4109-3377-5. LC 2009003504.
HARTMAN, Eve & Wendy Meshbesher Light and Sound charts. diags. ISBN 978-1-4109-3378-2. LC 2009003506.
SOLWAY, Andrew Inventions and Investigations ISBN 978-1-4109-3379-9. LC 2009003508. ea vol: 48p. (Sci-Hi: Physical Science Series). illus. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Raintree 2009. PLB $22.

Gr 5-8–Lighthearted and visually interesting due to varied font size, many sidebars, colorful captions, and diagrams and illustrations that work together seamlessly to illuminate the texts, this accessible series packs in a lot of information. Whether discussing distillation and chromatography in Mixtures and Solutions, electromagnetic waves in Forms of Energy, pitch and frequency in Light and Sound, or the invention of Kevlar in Inventions and Investigations, this series will be compelling reading for both browsers and science buffs. Each title includes several experiments or activities, a summary of topics covered or a summary quiz, and suggestions for further research. Information is clearly presented and flows smoothly from subject to subject. A treasure trove of fascinating facts.

For the youngest readers, Heinemann’s “Sounds All Around Us” and their “Changing Materials” are great, visually engaging choices that provide solid information. For slightly older readers, don’t miss Weigl’s “Science Matters” with its graphically interesting presentation of simple machines and Raintree’s “How Does It Happen?” for clear explanations of natural and man-made phenomena. For the older middle schoolers, Raintree’s “Sci-Hi: Physical Science” provides fun, fact-filled reading.