Aluminum and the Elements of Group 13, Vol. 2

Children's Literature

This entry in "The Periodic Table" series uses compelling color photos, informative picture captions, and forthright explanation to differentiate this element and its group from other elements. The series explores the characteristics, properties, uses, relevant historical or economical information, and common isotopes of the element. In addition to aluminum, boron, gallium, indium, and thallium are also discussed. Each volume begins with a helpful overview of the reason for grouping of elements, what traits the group shares, what each of the elements in this group looks like, where it's found, and what its main uses are. The discussions that follow are readable, interesting, and worthy of school reportage. Boron is a key element in nuclear reaction and its role in Chernobyl is discussed as well as its use in sports equipment to give strength to lightweight plastics. Indium's use in LCD's as well as metal fillings in dentistry show how rare elements nonetheless are necessary for our lives. Back matter includes tables with more information, such as melting and boiling points, natural state (solid, gas, liquid), chemical compounds and their formulas, a glossary, timeline of discovery and key uses, references including websites (with a valuable site for clip art for those reports), and an index. This series is informative enough to be appreciated as a reference in introductory high school chemistry classes, while it is readable and approachable as a general resource for middle-schoolers interested in learning more about an element, as well. 2003, Heinemann, Ages 13 to 16.
—Susan Hepler, Ph.D.