(3) YA Bortz clearly explains the science underlying the 2011 disaster at Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. After a discussion of earthquakes and tsunamis, the focus shifts to nuclear physics, notorious nuclear disasters (including Fukushima), and the debate about the safety of nuclear power and its alternatives. Color diagrams and photographs effectively illustrate the aftermath of the disasters. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Seven Wonders series. In this useful, well-organized volume, Bortz profiles seven major technological advancements in space exploration. Some--such as telescopes and satellites, the International Space Station, and Mars rovers--have already been deployed; the book's "New Horizons" and "Future Technologies" chapters speculate on what might be the next big thing. Photographs illustrate the existing technologies while artists' renderings imagine innovations of the future. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA This book on materials science and engineering describes the properties of various materials and discusses the microscopic and molecular structure responsible for these properties. The book contains a few errors, but overall, it clearly explains how these materials are produced, why their structures make these methods appropriate, and how their qualities can be modified. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 The tiny (but real) possibility that a major asteroid or comet impact could occur is a frightening prospect. Though the text is somewhat dry and wordy, Bortz provides a calm, reasoned, and detailed discussion of impacts, covering the evidence pieced together by geologists, a recent comet impact on Jupiter, and the methods used to predict our chances of getting hit. Illustrations range from artistic renditions to computer-generated images. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 In a text that reinforces the process of scientific inquiry, Bortz describes the meteorite that led NASA scientists to call a historic news conference about the possibility of microbial life on Mars. Meteor-crazed kids will enjoy the well-researched and question-driven text, which is illustrated with color photos. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.