Earth Science

Children's Literature

Pentland and Stoyles tackle weighty topics in this deceptively unassuming 32-page reference volume of the "Science and Scientists" series. Each two-page spread appears as an independent article regarding the topic of earth science. Headings and subtitles within each two-page spread offer quick access to details of the topic. Aspects of earth science discussed in this book include: How can you measure an earthquake?; Tsunamis: what are they?; What is there between here and space?; Wild winds; What are lightning and thunder?; Meet a volcanologist; several additional topics are also included. This book provides an accessible yet technical survey of each topic. Pictures, diagrams, and captions add a greater dimension to each area of study. The appealing layout and ease of use of this book make the book feel less like a textbook than at first glance. Key words found in the glossary appear in bold print, while other science words are printed in bold text highlighted by purple, signaling that the reader can find more information about the word nearby on the same page. This book makes an excellent resource for an upper elementary or middle school research project, or as a catalyst for encouraging further study in one of the subjects of earth science. It would be a welcome addition to a unit on earth science, natural disasters, volcanoes, or weather. 2003 (orig. 2002), Chelsea House Publishers,
— Sarah Nelson