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Overview
Check out cool Smithsonian websites and exhibits throughout the book
Meet a real Geologist
See fabulous close-up photos
Read extremely fun facts about rocks and minerals
Synopsis
Check out cool Smithsonian websites and exhibits throughout the book
Meet a real Geologist
See fabulous close-up photos
Read extremely fun facts about rocks and minerals
Children's Literature
This book takes the reader through all of the different types of rocks and how each rock and mineral is formed. Starting with what a mineral is and how it is formed, the author explains how people use minerals in everyday life. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are explained in detail, and different examples are provided for each. The reader will enjoy seeing photographs of these rocks and learning about where you can find them. The author's language is age-appropriate and yet suitably challenging for the reader. Since gemstones and ore are forms of rocks, these are also depicted towards the end of the non-fiction text. Many pages refer to the Smithsonian website and encourage the reader to find more information on the topic or see exactly what the Smithsonian has to offer relating to the topic. The photographs are clear and pertain to the written text. Close-ups of different pieces of rock help the reader to visualize the rocks being discussed. Larger text throughout the pages helps the reader to notice important concepts and facts to remember. The end of the book includes an interview with a geologist, which will help readers to understand the point of view of a rock scientist. The information is clear, and this book would be an asset to any geology curriculum. Reviewer: Rachel Miller
Editorials
Children's Literature -
This book takes the reader through all of the different types of rocks and how each rock and mineral is formed. Starting with what a mineral is and how it is formed, the author explains how people use minerals in everyday life. Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are explained in detail, and different examples are provided for each. The reader will enjoy seeing photographs of these rocks and learning about where you can find them. The author's language is age-appropriate and yet suitably challenging for the reader. Since gemstones and ore are forms of rocks, these are also depicted towards the end of the non-fiction text. Many pages refer to the Smithsonian website and encourage the reader to find more information on the topic or see exactly what the Smithsonian has to offer relating to the topic. The photographs are clear and pertain to the written text. Close-ups of different pieces of rock help the reader to visualize the rocks being discussed. Larger text throughout the pages helps the reader to notice important concepts and facts to remember. The end of the book includes an interview with a geologist, which will help readers to understand the point of view of a rock scientist. The information is clear, and this book would be an asset to any geology curriculum. Reviewer: Rachel MillerSchool Library Journal
Gr 3-6- It's hard to beat this title for a clear, accurate, and appealing survey. Illustrations are key to this subject, and the range of crisp photos is excellent. From large landscapes like the surface of Mars and a sunset view of the Taj Mahal to close-ups of the Carmen Lúcia ruby and the pebbles in a piece of breccia, each image is carefully placed to add meaning. Beginning with the definitions of rocks and minerals, the well-organized text goes on to describe igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and gemstones, explaining how each one is identified and used and where it is found on Earth. A spread at the end introduces a geologist who tells about her work and gives advice to aspiring scientists. Internet links throughout the text send readers to multimedia pages on the Smithsonian's site that correspond to topics addressed. Additional links in the "More to See and Read" section include Harvard's Mineralogical Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. Although it is not clear what makes these rocks and minerals "extreme," they are certainly eye-catching. This is not the first or only book of its type, but the quality of text and illustrations makes it a standout.-Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA