(3) YA These biographies focus on pioneering scientists in the fields of early chemistry (Boyle), the discovery of radioactive elements (Curie), and understanding of DNA (Franklin). The books are enhanced by careful documentation, understanding of their subjects' work, and balanced presentations of personal lives, along with historical context. Photographs, some maps and diagrams, and historical drawings and documents illustrate the sophisticated texts. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these titles: Skeptical Chemist: The Story of Robert Boyle, Rosalind Franklin and the Structure of Life, and New Elements: The Story of Marie Curie.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. These books chronicle the development of their subjects' theoretical and experimental work. Hawking's combination of quantum mechanics and general relativity, Boyle's early chemical experimentation including his famous air pump, and Rutherford's discovery of the atomic nucleus form the core for considerably more information. Black-and-white photos and occasional charts illustrate the texts, and a few experiments conclude each book. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review includes these Great Minds of Science titles: Stephen Hawking, Robert Boyle, and Ernest Rutherford.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian