Big Bang

School Library Journal

Gr 8 UpThis oversized, beautifully illustrated book explains how the universe may have been created. With new, high-tech tools such as the particle accelerator, scientists have been able to put together evidence that its birth started some 13 billion years ago. Arranged chronologically, this account begins "when there was no space, and there was no time" and takes readers through the origin of our universe to predictions for the far future. Two pages are set aside for a brief description of creation myths from six different cultures. These pages fold out to form an illustrated four-page time line. While the authors present information that is current, authoritative, and generally clear, some prior knowledge of astronomy and/or cosmology will be helpful to understand fully many of the complex terms and concepts. The layout is similar to that of the publisher's other science books; the pages tend to be a bit cluttered, which detracts from their readability. Still, this book will certainly fill a need for up-to-date material presented in a visually stunning package.Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA