(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz attitude implied by these titles, readers will find accurate, readable explanations for the scientific principles here addressed. Both these series books include historical figures and their contributions (especially Inheritance), along with cogent examples such as desert ecosystems and sickle cell anemia. Up-to-date controversies and predictions conclude the books, illustrated with well-captioned photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Story of Science titles: The Treasure of Inheritance and The Wonders of Biodiversity.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. Once past the gee-whiz attitude implied by these titles, readers will find accurate, readable explanations for the scientific principles here addressed. Both these series books include historical figures and their contributions (especially Inheritance), along with cogent examples such as desert ecosystems and sickle cell anemia. Up-to-date controversies and predictions conclude the books, illustrated with well-captioned photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Story of Science titles: The Treasure of Inheritance and The Wonders of Biodiversity.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. Gallant draws on current and historical environmental science theories to describe natural resources, the search for new fuels, and their importance for sustaining life in this well-written, sophisticated book. The inclusion of a discussion about population studies is particularly welcome in a text for this age level. Captioned color photos and detailed diagrams help explain the scientific concepts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. These well-written surveys of earth science fields include histories of scientific thinking; explanations of earth- and atmospheric science theories, phenomena, and processes; and thoughtful treatments of conservation issues. The clarity of the explanations and sophisticated arrangement of concepts are refreshingly reflective of scientific disciplines. Color photos and sophisticated diagrams provide supporting evidence. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Earthworks titles: Atmosphere, Plates, Structure, and Water.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. These well-written surveys of earth science fields include histories of scientific thinking; explanations of earth- and atmospheric science theories, phenomena, and processes; and thoughtful treatments of conservation issues. The clarity of the explanations and sophisticated arrangement of concepts are refreshingly reflective of scientific disciplines. Color photos and sophisticated diagrams provide supporting evidence. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Earthworks titles: Atmosphere, Plates, Structure, and Water.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. This tour through earth history from formation to present day follows classic divisions of geologic time. Along the way, Gallant provides well-written, detailed explanations of the formation of the solar system, descriptions of flora and fauna in each time period, and structural changes in the earth. Color photographs and diagrams help illustrate the scientific principles covered in the sophisticated text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. These well-written surveys of earth science fields include histories of scientific thinking; explanations of earth- and atmospheric science theories, phenomena, and processes; and thoughtful treatments of conservation issues. The clarity of the explanations and sophisticated arrangement of concepts are refreshingly reflective of scientific disciplines. Color photos and sophisticated diagrams provide supporting evidence. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Earthworks titles: Atmosphere, Plates, Structure, and Water.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Earthworks series. These well-written surveys of earth science fields include histories of scientific thinking; explanations of earth- and atmospheric science theories, phenomena, and processes; and thoughtful treatments of conservation issues. The clarity of the explanations and sophisticated arrangement of concepts are refreshingly reflective of scientific disciplines. Color photos and sophisticated diagrams provide supporting evidence. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Earthworks titles: Atmosphere, Plates, Structure, and Water.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. A few minor errors in text or illustration mar these books, which are otherwise solid, well-written introductions to the topics. The books contain photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that are clear, captioned, and pertinent to the text. Topics covered include where comets come from, "a planet in disguise" (Pluto), and the life spans of stars. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Story of Science series. These books look at how our picture of the origins of and changes in life forms on earth have become more accurate over the centuries. Both start with early mythical "explanations," which were less comprehensible than the phenomena they purported to explain. The authors discuss the evolution of theories to the present. Diagrams, archival photos, and reproductions illustrate the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. A few minor errors in text or illustration mar these books, which are otherwise solid, well-written introductions to the topics. The books contain photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that are clear, captioned, and pertinent to the text. Topics covered include where comets come from, "a planet in disguise" (Pluto), and the life spans of stars. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. These conventional presentations of earth science topics for younger readers convey basic factual information about rocks, water cycles, and mineral properties, though they occasionally veer into oversimplifications of more complex concepts. Stock color photographs provide helpful examples well matched to the texts, while several diagrams are confusing. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. This basic information about fossils for young readers focuses mainly on the familiar--dinosaurs, insects in amber, petrified wood, human ancestors--to explain fossil formation and their uses in estimating the relative ages of rock layers. A section on the work of paleontologists is particularly informative. Color photographs and diagrams have captions with important, detailed information. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. These conventional presentations of earth science topics for younger readers convey basic factual information about rocks, water cycles, and mineral properties, though they occasionally veer into oversimplifications of more complex concepts. Stock color photographs provide helpful examples well matched to the texts, while several diagrams are confusing. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. These conventional presentations of earth science topics for younger readers convey basic factual information about rocks, water cycles, and mineral properties, though they occasionally veer into oversimplifications of more complex concepts. Stock color photographs provide helpful examples well matched to the texts, while several diagrams are confusing. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. A few minor errors in text or illustration mar these books, which are otherwise solid, well-written introductions to the topics. The books contain photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that are clear, captioned, and pertinent to the text. Topics covered include where comets come from, "a planet in disguise" (Pluto), and the life spans of stars. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. A few minor errors in text or illustration mar these books, which are otherwise solid, well-written introductions to the topics. The books contain photographs, illustrations, and diagrams that are clear, captioned, and pertinent to the text. Topics covered include where comets come from, "a planet in disguise" (Pluto), and the life spans of stars. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Kaleidoscope series. Gallant provides a clearly written description of the several space stations that have been built and used in the recent past and of the international one now under construction. Problems of design, assembly, and use are all covered, as well as the sort of research performed in the past and planned for the future. The color photos are appropriate and informative. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Story of Science series. Gallant provides a solid summary of how humanity graduated from the chauvinistic view that Earth was the center of the universe. The reasoning involved at each stage is discussed, and many of the people involved are named--and their fates for denying accepted "knowledge" described. There are minor slips in the text but none critical to the arguments. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Story of Science series. Students who think of geology only as memorizing rock names need to read this account of the history of the discipline. Though traditional in its emphasis on the progression of Western science, it is a well-written and thorough explanation of centuries of scientific thought leading up to the theory of plate tectonics. Good color photos and illustrations enhance the presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford