Simple Attractions

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7A collection of experiments related to magnetic attraction and static cling. Tomecek's purpose is to show that scientific facts can change as more information is gathered, and that the true beauty of science is the process of discovering why things happen. Before each project, he introduces the history and biography of a scientist who worked on the concept. He then outlines the experiment and includes a list of easy-to-find materials. The conclusions are cleverly set backwards within the text so that readers will need to use a mirror to check their answers. Ten's pen-and-ink drawings are animated and colorful as they further explain the text and emphasize the author's light, conversational tone. Appropriate cautions are provided, and definitions of selected words appear in the margins.Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA