(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides detail the history of optics (Newton's Rainbow), chemistry (Gunpowder), and atomic theory (Greek Atoms). The sidebars in Newton's Rainbow clutter the simple text but improve explanations of the science of light. Greek Atoms makes some flawed choices about what details are included, resulting in a not-always-coherent narrative. Illustrations provide context to all three volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Newton's Rainbow to Frozen Light, From Greek Atoms to Quarks, and From Gunpowder to Laser Chemistry.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. This simple history of astronomy uses clear language and uncomplicated explanations to present complex astronomical theories. Inexplicably, no non-Western astronomy is included, ignoring astronomical observations, catalogues, and scientific tools from China and India hundreds of years before rediscovery in the West. Though the pages are busy, the many photographs, illustrations, and sidebars provide useful context. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. This book gives a clear introduction to the complexities of alternative energy, beginning with the rationale behind the development of new technologies and exploring both the history and science behind the advances. The pages are busy, but well-chosen photographs, charts, graphs, and sidebars are informative and help illustrate the potentially confusing science. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides detail the history of optics (Newton's Rainbow), chemistry (Gunpowder), and atomic theory (Greek Atoms). The sidebars in Newton's Rainbow clutter the simple text but improve explanations of the science of light. Greek Atoms makes some flawed choices about what details are included, resulting in a not-always-coherent narrative. Illustrations provide context to all three volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Newton's Rainbow to Frozen Light, From Greek Atoms to Quarks, and From Gunpowder to Laser Chemistry.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides detail the history of optics (Newton's Rainbow), chemistry (Gunpowder), and atomic theory (Greek Atoms). The sidebars in Newton's Rainbow clutter the simple text but improve explanations of the science of light. Greek Atoms makes some flawed choices about what details are included, resulting in a not-always-coherent narrative. Illustrations provide context to all three volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Newton's Rainbow to Frozen Light, From Greek Atoms to Quarks, and From Gunpowder to Laser Chemistry.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides introduce the history and science of technological breakthroughs from early discoveries to the present day. The connection between microscopes and stem cell research is tenuous, but the pathway to antibiotics and the association between good anesthetic and transplants are made clear. Color photos and too-busy sidebars illustrate the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Cowpox to Antibiotics, From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants, and From Microscopes to Stem Cell Research.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides introduce the history and science of technological breakthroughs from early discoveries to the present day. The connection between microscopes and stem cell research is tenuous, but the pathway to antibiotics and the association between good anesthetic and transplants are made clear. Color photos and too-busy sidebars illustrate the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Cowpox to Antibiotics, From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants, and From Microscopes to Stem Cell Research.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. The history and politics of genetics is explained in these colorful, if busy, guides. Sea Urchins explores the history of cloning, and while DNA describes genetic modification. The controversies are only lightly explored, but the science is explained clearly (if briefly). Sidebars, diagrams, and color photographs illustrate the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From DNA to GM Wheat and From Sea Urchins to Dolly the Sheep.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. This volume explores the history of genetics, from Mendel's discovery of dominant and recessive traits to forensic DNA typing. Though it's unclear why Mendel (instead of, say, Watson and Crick) is the chosen lead-in for genetic fingerprinting and the Human Genome Project, the volume's colorful diagrams and photographs are otherwise informative (although sidebars clutter the pages). Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. The history and politics of genetics is explained in these colorful, if busy, guides. Sea Urchins explores the history of cloning, and while DNA describes genetic modification. The controversies are only lightly explored, but the science is explained clearly (if briefly). Sidebars, diagrams, and color photographs illustrate the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From DNA to GM Wheat and From Sea Urchins to Dolly the Sheep.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Chain Reactions series. These guides introduce the history and science of technological breakthroughs from early discoveries to the present day. The connection between microscopes and stem cell research is tenuous, but the pathway to antibiotics and the association between good anesthetic and transplants are made clear. Color photos and too-busy sidebars illustrate the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Chain Reactions titles: From Cowpox to Antibiotics, From Laughing Gas to Face Transplants, and From Microscopes to Stem Cell Research.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin