NONFICTION

Geology Is a Piece of Cake

by Katie COPPENS
40p. bibliog. charts. diag. photos. Tumblehome Learning. May 2017. Tr $17.95. ISBN 9781943431281.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–8—This geology-meets-cookbook hybrid uses cake as a metaphor for explaining earth science concepts. Coppens covers minerals, rock types, and the rock cycle in some detail. Other earth science topics are discussed briefly, including tectonic plates and the earth's layers. Each time a new concept is introduced, the author includes the follow-up question, "How does this relate to cake?" For instance, a layer cake is like a foliated metamorphic rock because they both have layers. A cake recipe is located at the end of each chapter ("extrusive molten lava cake"). In some places the metaphor works surprisingly well; in others it's stretched quite thin. The information is sound and in general well explained. However, the book's design is unpolished compared with that of similar titles.
VERDICT Though lacking in some areas, this is overall a creative approach to earth science. Large STEM and cooking collections may want to consider.
Reviewed by Allison McLean, Elkhart Public Library, IN , Jun 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

NONFICTION

I Am My Name: A Girl’s Journey to Finding Her Cree ­Family
by Na’kuset & Judith Henderson
NONFICTION

Woody’s Words: Woodrow Wilson Rawls and Where the Red Fern Grows
by Rogers, Lisa
NONFICTION

­Jason Belongs: The Story of Jason Schachter McKinney
by Ades, Audrey & Jason Schachter McKinney
NONFICTION

André: André Leon Talley—A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale
by Weatherford, Carole Boston & Rob Sanders
NONFICTION

The Bicycle Girl: Jyoti Kumari’s Amazing Journey Across India
by Thomas, Garen & Suhasini Raj
NONFICTION

Wild Moon: How the Lunar Phases Light Up Our World
by Powers, Andie
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?