Portraits of Great American Scientists

Students in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy's Student Inquiry and Research program review the lives and accomplishments of 15 scientists representing disciplines from anthropology and linguistics to medicine, genetics, physics, chemistry, and astronomy. There is no index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Children's Literature

The new century holds great promise for advances in science, medicine and the preservation of the environment. However, this progress is dependent upon the hard work of large numbers of scientists. In a culture where sports figures and rock stars are the idols of so many, who will nurture these up and coming scientists? This volume is one in a series of biographies of contemporary American scientists whose lives are chronicled by students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. This school was founded to encourage promising high school students in the areas of math and science. Fifteen scientists were interviewed and researched by the students. They have done a good job selecting a wide range of disciplines and ages and both genders. Although most of the scientists excelled in math and knew at an early age they wanted to be a scientist, it definitely was not true for all. Dr. Story Musgrave had a very turbulent youth, with both of his parents committing suicide. Books were not a part of his growing up, but he was inspired to get an education. He eventually received nine advanced degrees. He is best known for his mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. This is a source of information about not only the lives of each of the scientists, but a look at the science behind their work. 2001, Prometheus Books, $28.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Kristin Harris AGES: 10 11 12 13 14 15