Hydrogen

Children's Literature

This entry in "The Periodic Table" series uses compelling color photos, informative 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. Unlike other books in the series which discuss groupings of elements, hydrogen is the sole subject of this volume. Each volume begins with a helpful overview of the reason for grouping of elements, or in this case not, what trait the element possesses, what it looks like, where it is found, and what its main uses are. The discussions are readable, interesting, and worthy of school reports. The earth's birth created nuclei which were some ninety percent hydrogen and the rest mostly helium. Hydrogen can be used to float balloons (think Hindenburg and you will realize the problems), in cryogenics, to fuel automobiles, make hydrogen bombs, and as a basic or alkaline indicator. Corrosive hydrogen, common water, and complex molecules such as plastic, carbohydrates, and other matter also receive attention. Back matter includes tables with 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. The references include websites (with a valuable site for clip art for those reports) and an index. This series is informative enough to be used 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. 2003, Heinemann, Ages 13 to 16.
—SusanHepler, Ph.D.