500s: Material Matters: Series Nonfiction on Physical Science

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Also in this article: The Bottom Line

Physical science covers a lot of territory as the topics in the series listed below will confirm. The varied age levels and contents in these offerings will help to make selection simple. Unfortunately, this fall’s series are uneven and the titles within each series vary in quality. If your library is in need of a major boost or overhaul in some of these areas, this may be a difficult season for you. The good news is, none of these topics cover groundbreaking information or research so there is time to be selective.

BAILEY, Gerry & Steve Way. Communication ISBN 978-0-8368-9226-0. LC 2008012376.
BAILEY, Gerry & Steve Way. Sea Transportation map. ISBN 978-0-8368-9230-7. LC 2008012426.
LAW, Felicia & Steve Way. Weather chart. diag. maps. ISBN 978-0-8368-9233-8. LC 2008012424.
WAY, Steve & Gerry Bailey. Energy diags. ISBN 978-0-8368-9227-7. LC 222008012398.
WAY, Steve & Gerry Bailey. Land Transportation ISBN 978-0-8368-9228-4. LC 2008012421.
WAY, Steve & Gerry Bailey. Light and Color ISBN 978-0-8368-9229-1. LC 2008012422.
WAY, Steve & Gerry Bailey. Simple Machines diags. reprods. ISBN 978-0-8368-9231-4. LC 2008012425.
WAY, Steve & Gerry Bailey. Space photos. ISBN 978-0-8368-9232-1. LC 2008012423. ea vol: 32p. (Simply Science Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Gareth Stevens 2008. PLB $26.

Gr 3-5–These titles attempt to provide overviews of broad topics in a child-friendly way. Each one opens with a brief introduction. The remaining spreads focus on unique aspects of the subject, while the final page offers a 10-question quiz with answers. This is standard fare, but, unfortunately, the writing, currency, fact checking, graphics, and organization in these titles cause confusion. The most problematic title is Space, which, for example, lists Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune as the four planets closest to the sun. Each title lacks sufficient diagrams, definitions, and recent examples, and dates accompanying historical references. The combination of cartoon-style artwork, comic-book panels, and few photographs results in a busy and dated presentation.

JENNINGS, Terry. Electricity ISBN 978-1-59920-271-6. LC 2007049120.
JENNINGS, Terry. Forces ISBN 978-1-59920-269-3. LC 2007049122.
JENNINGS, Terry. Hot and Cold ISBN 978-1-59920-274-7. LC 2007050759.
JENNINGS, Terry. Light and Dark ISBN 978-1-59920-270-9. LC 2007043680.
JENNINGS, Terry. Magnets ISBN 978-1-59920-272-3. LC 2007052819.
JENNINGS, Terry. Materials ISBN 978-1-59920-276-1. LC 2007049123.
JENNINGS, Terry. Sound ISBN 978-1-59920-275-4. LC 2007043679.
OXLADE, Chris & Terry Jennings. Energy ISBN 978-1-59920-273-0. LC 2007049121. ea vol: 32p. (Science Alive Series). diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Smart Apple Media 2008. PLB $27.10.

Gr 2-4–Designed for newly independent readers, this series introduces each topic through brief sentences, large type, and short paragraphs. Overall, the presentation is clear, utilizing as it does a large format and easy-to-read type. The captioned photographs, spot illustrations, and diagrams correlate well to the topic but are sometimes inadequately labeled. Four experiments in each book demonstrate the principle under discussion. The supplies are mostly household items, and the steps are adequately illustrated. However, at times the vocabulary used and the difficulty of the activities are either overly simple or unnecessarily difficult. Web sites are included for students and teachers but their usefulness is uneven.

MAYER, Cassie. Comparing Materials PLB $23.93. ISBN 978-1-4329-2100-2. LC 2008008448.
MAYER, Cassie. Glass PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1620-6. LC 2008005580.
MAYER, Cassie. Metal PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1618-3. LC 2008005578.
MAYER, Cassie. Plastic PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1619-0. LC 2008005579.
MAYER, Cassie. Rock PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1622-0. LC 2008005582.
MAYER, Cassie. Rubber PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1621-3. LC 2008005581.
MAYER, Cassie. Soil PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1623-7. LC 2008005583.
MAYER, Cassie. Water PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1624-4. LC 2008005584.
MAYER, Cassie. Wood PLB $20.71. ISBN 978-1-4329-1617-6. LC 2008005577. ea vol: 24p. (Materials Series). photos. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Heinemann 2008.

K-Gr 1–The author describes the general characteristics of common materials, where they can be found, and their uses. Designed as early readers, these informative books have one sentence per page, each beginning with the name of the material, e.g., “Wood can be heavy.” “Wood can be light.” Early science topics are introduced by describing qualities of the materials that are not immediately obvious–that rocks can change shape, for example, and that water exists in different states. The stock photos are adequate but often uninspired. Comparing Materials shows how four pairs of materials–rubber and plastic, wood and metal, glass and rocks, and water and soil–have similar and dissimilar features. It is a larger volume and has more sentences per page. Each book has a two-or-three-word picture glossary and brief notes to parents and teachers.

LANGLEY, Andrew. Glass ISBN 978-0-7787-4126-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4133-6. LC 2008024157.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Metal ISBN 978-0-7787-4127-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4134-3. LC 2008024036.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Paper Products ISBN 978-0-7787-4128-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-4135-0. LC 2008024011.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Plastic ISBN 978-0-7787-4129-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-4136-7. LC 2008025324.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Wood ISBN 978-0-7787-4130-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4137-4. LC 2008024037.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Wool ISBN 978-0-7787-4131-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-4138-1. LC 2008025323. ea vol: 24p. (Everyday Materials Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2008. PLB $21.27; pap. $6.95.

K-Gr 2–This series introduces common materials in an engaging style. The text and photos work together, progressing from a definition of the material to how it is manufactured and what it is used for. Bordered insets are used to expand the topic, encourage application of the new knowledge, or pose questions for exploration. Each title concludes with a recycling section, a simple comprehension quiz, and a topic web that offers extension ideas. The large type, bright photos, and uncluttered layout will allow large and small group use.

ALOIAN, Molly. Atoms and Molecules ISBN 978-0-7787-4240-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-4247-0. LC 2008025367.
ALOIAN, Molly. Mixtures and Solutions ISBN 978-0-7787-4243-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-4250-0. LC 2008028896.
BRENT, Lynette. Acids and Bases ISBN 978-0-7787-4239-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4246-3. LC 2008028917.
BRENT, Lynette. Chemical Changes ISBN 978-0-7787-4241-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-4248-7. LC 2008023542.
BRENT, Lynette. Elements and Compounds ISBN 978-0-7787-4242-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4249-4. LC 2008028895.
WEIR, Kirsten. States of Matter ISBN 978-0-7787-4244-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-4251-7. LC 2008028897. ea vol: 32p. (Why Chemistry Matters). chart. diags. illus. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2008. PLB $19.95; pap. $8.95.

Gr 5-8–The titles fairly describe the content in these volumes, which will work as standalones. Chapters are brief and focused. The texts, which contain some mistakes, are lean, with sidebars and graphic callouts adding detail, reinforcement, or background information. Notable scientists and their discoveries are included along with a few hands-on suggestions. Occasionally awkward wording will confuse readers, and many captions don’t take advantage of their power to instruct. Full-color backgrounds with captioned photos and graphics fill every page, often overpowering the texts. Although they are gorgeous, the photos sometimes function as filler where a diagram would have been more helpful. The accompanying list of URLs is uneven. An attractive but disappointing series.

CRAATS, Rennay. Construction illus. ISBN 978-1-59036-956-2; ISBN 978-1-59036-957-9. LC 2008003819.
HAMILTON, Gina L. Light diag. illus. ISBN 978-1-59036-946-3; ISBN 978-1-59036-947-0. LC 2008003889.
PARKER, Janice. Machines ISBN 978-1-59036-950-0; ISBN 978-1-59036-951-7. LC 2008003890.
––––. Weather diags. illus. ISBN 978-1-59036-952-4; ISBN 978-1-59036-953-1. LC 2008003891.
PETERS, Celeste A. Health illus. ISBN 978-1-59036-948-7; ISBN 978-1-59036-949-4. LC 2008003821.
RICHARDSON, Gillian. Ecosystems chart. illus. ISBN 978-1-59036-954-8; ISBN 978-1-59036-955-5. LC 2008003820. ea vol: 48p. (Science Q&A Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. Weigl 2008. PLB $29.05; pap. $8.95.

Gr 4-6–A typical question-and-answer format is used to present these topics. The 20 questions per book range from simple (“What is a structure?” in Construction) to complex (“What are absorption, reflection, and transmission?” in Light), but with a single spread covering each question and answer, the information is cursory. For example, in Machines, the answer to question “How do machines help people at home?” only discusses microwave ovens. Many spreads suggest a URL for additional resources. An inset in each section offers supplementary facts or a hands-on activity such as checking a heart rate. In some cases, the instructions are difficult to follow or lack enough information. Photographs appear throughout; it’s unfortunate that there are no graphics, charts, or diagrams to help clarify many of the answers and activities. The books include brief descriptions of two career options.

The Bottom Line

Choosing between “Everyday Materials” and “Materials,” both created for the youngest readers, will depend on the books’ anticipated use. Children will enjoy the former but if independent reading is a goal then the latter may work better. For the intermediate grades, “Science Q&A” and “Simply Science” are optional choices. In spite of good intentions, each series misses the intended mark and will frustrate readers. “Science Alive” will support most elementary curriculums but avoid the Electricity volume, which has a multitude of shortcomings. With its striking visual presentation, “Why Chemistry Matters” may attract readers, but some topics will need more sources for clarification and verification of facts.

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