(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Cara Bean. Each of twenty familiar elements (helium, carbon, sodium, etc.) is explored in a chapter offering detailed information on its characteristics, discovery, uses, and relationships to other elements represented in the periodic table. Sidebars introduce additional general chemistry concepts, and appropriate activities allow readers to experiment. The final chapter covers a "Dirty Dozen" elements deadly to humans. Cartoonlike illustrations and a chipper narrative voice lighten the book's tone. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Adapted by Adrian Dingle and Kelsey Kennedy. In this adaptation of Kean's adult title, the periodic table--its organization and elements--provides the framework for discussion about chemistry, biology, scientists, and the history of science. Kean includes explanations of elements in the universe, health, industry, warfare, art, and currency. Occasional sidebars and scientific illustrations throughout plus the appended periodic table provide further illumination for young readers. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Orion and Dram (Flashfall) are in the mountain provinces, avoiding the Congress's troops as they run from the flash curtain of radiation and seek missing rebels. Moyer's evocative language pulls readers into the compelling science-fiction dystopia. Series fans will appreciate how Orion comes into her own as a leader in this satisfying second volume.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(4) K-3 Science at Work series. With one to three brief sentences per page, these leveled readers serve as adequate, albeit simplistic, introductions to mass, temperature, and other physical science topics. Photographs show everyday objects that illustrate the concepts--though some photos may need explanation--as well as obviously posed children of various ethnicities engaging in activities or pondering the information. Glos. Review covers the following Science at Work titles: Electricity at Work, Magnetism at Work, Elements at Work, Light at Work, Mass at Work, and Temperature at Work.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(3) YA Sixteen-year-old Orion is a "subpar" miner of cirium ore, which protects superior "naturals" from the radioactive flashfall curtain. Orion can earn sanctuary from the radiation in the city of Alara if she mines enough cirium. But after she uncovers a conspiracy, is Orion's destiny that of miner, warrior, or savior? This dystopian debut is imbued with a literary-fiction flair and an evocative romance.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore