Superhumans

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Two titles that stimulate the imagination while remaining grounded in reality as any good scientific investigation should do. Cosmic Journeys explores such questions as: Are long space voyages to other solar systems likely? What about time travel? What are black holes and wormholes and can they be useful in space travel? Do parallel universes and other dimensions exist? "Reality Check" charts appear frequently to give some idea of the probability of the theories presented. They are divided into four categories: "Feasible Technology," "Science Is Sound," "Affordable," and "How Soon?" with likelihood indicated by symbols of green or red lights. Unfortunately, "How Soon?" is the only one that mentions a time frame for the green lights. Superhumans looks at human development and improvement through technology. Extended life through genetic manipulation, cloning, cryogenics, and suspended animation, and the use of miniature machines and electronic body parts are examined. In both books, numerous dramatic illustrations and stills from popular science-fiction films make discussions of complex concepts exciting as well as easier to grasp. Each volume has a two-page glossary, a simple index, and an annotated table of contents.-Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY