Materials

It may sound confusing, but materials are the things we use to make the things we use! Materials can be solid, liquid, or gases. Since the first humans discovered that rocks could be used to hunt or to build shelter, people have used materials to make their lives easier. Learn all about different types of materials and how they can be combined to build an entire city.

Children's Literature

Part of the "Simple Science" series, this book provides a survey of different materials rather than a science book explaining the properties of those materials. In the spread "Using Wood," Way says, "Wood has been used to make furniture, vehicles, machines and much more. Because it floats on water, wood has been made into boats and rafts of all shapes and sizes." As a science reader, I would like to know what properties of wood allow it to float. Sadly, the next section is about growing wood, not about its properties. Even more sadly, the large photo in the center shows a banana plant. The caption explains that trees are a source of fruit and nuts. Unfortunately, bananas plants are not trees. They are not woody. While this is a common mistake, in this case it is also a very prominent one. Like the other books in this series, the illustrations are cartoon characters plus photos. One of the few cartoons of a non-white person in this book shows a black man dressed in animal skins. He is holding a modern-day paint brush. This image not only does not make sense, but since other people in the same spread are shown in modern dress, it is inappropriate. Like the rest of this series, this book is not recommended. Back matter includes a quiz, glossary, and index. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen