Why in the World

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8 Because of its striking, high-quality color photographs, Why in the World? can serve as a very attractive browsing book and as a stimulus for further investigation. Arranged by subject in a question-answer format, a variety of scientific topics are discussed. Each page is illustrated by a photograph, diagram or cartoon, with explanatory text of a half-page or less. However, as a result of oversimplification, there is occasionally some confusion or incompleteness. The answer to ``Do other planets have moons?'' is already outdated. The writing is inconsistent. Although the pronunciation and definitions of scientific terms are explained in the text, they are quite technical; the style of writing in the text appears to be directed at an age group to whom the terminology may be an obstacle. Simon and Schuster's Question and Answer Book (1982) by Daly is more comprehensive but is devoid of illustrations. Charlie Brown's Second Super Book of Questions and Answers (Random, 1977) by Charles M. Schulz covers fewer topics but in greater depth. The Adlers' Why? A Book of Reasons (John Day, 1961; o.p.) has different material and is illustrated with brown, black and white sketches. All are simpler in vocabulary and more uniform in style.Meryl Silverstein, Meyer Levin Junior High School Library, Brooklyn