Chemical Reactions

Children's Literature

Fireworks are a great way to introduce middle school students to chemical reactions. How do fireworks work? Part of a six part series, "Material Matters," this clear, engaging presentation of Chemical Reactions will tickle both the novice and sophisticated chemistry buff. The photographs presented throughout the book are clear and make one dwell on intriguing questions: "When wood burns, is what is left, wood?" "Sodium and chlorine are both dangerous elements," but how do we eat them? Chemical reactions in nature, like photosynthesis, cave formations, and spiders digesting their prey with enzymes, are ticklers illustrating basic concepts. Man-made reactions like light sticks and forensic use of luminal and firework displays, make the reader wonder what is behind these phenomena? Chemical reactions! Throw away those dry textbooks and use this series to get the students excited about chemistry. Extend their knowledge with the websites annotated at the end of the book. Suggestions for search strategies are given and the difference between a search engine like Google and a search directory like Yahooligans is defined. The glossary at the end and the introduction of the new chemical vocabulary on each page is useful. 2004, Raintree, Ages 10 up.
—Sue Stefurak

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-These fast-paced presentations of chemistry basics are likely to appeal to readers who thrill to pages filled with cool photos and various avenues of discovery to pursue. Throughout each title, quirky information is packaged in bubbles and boxes that are reminiscent of Internet pop-up windows. But for other readers, these features may be distracting, especially when tangential material leads away from the subject at hand. This is particularly true in Chemical Reactions, in which the density of the ideas presented coupled with the nature of the supplemental facts may lead to information overload. Students looking for research to support science-fair projects will like the logical organization, the "Word Bank" definitions at the bottom of the pages, and the quick explanations. For those seeking a slower-paced, more in-depth narrative, Chris Oxlade's titles in the "Chemicals in Action" series (Heinemann) may be a better fit.-Jenna Miller, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.