(3) YA During the Renaissance, scientific conceptions of the universe shifted from an earth-centered to a sun-centered perspective. Miller profiles the scientific thinkers behind this shift, the evidence they relied on to argue their theories, and the ways in which scientific and religious communities struggled with seemingly radical conceptual change. Historical illustrations in a greenish sepia tone accompany the thorough text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) K-3 More straightforward if less individual than Peter Sis's Starry Messenger, this is an excellent introduction to the scientist. The illustrations not only give geographical and historical context for Galileo's ideas and experiments but also convey the arc of the narrative. Diagrams illustrating some of Galileo's key concepts are clear and executed in a harmonious style. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2012

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paolo Rui. Macdonald places an inquisitive boy at the scene of Galileo's famous experiments with gravity and falling objects. Though the science itself is murky, the process of scientific discovery is elucidated in an engaging, clear manner. Rui's sun-drenched acrylics are adequate to the task of explication while also setting the scene in 1589 Pisa. A useful book for elementary physics lessons.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Galileo's important work is placed in the broader sociopolitical context of seventeenth-century Europe. Frank discussion of his complex relationship with the Catholic church makes him all the more human. This revised edition features full-color illustrations including portraits and scientific diagrams; activities are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Paolo Rui. Based on source materials, these imagined journal entries written in the voice of Galileo discuss how he refined the telescope to observe Jupiter and its moons, which led to his controversial conclusion about heliocentric planets. Although anachronistic, the modern tone of the entries--along with an invented pet dog named Luna--makes the text accessible. Lively, colorful paintings add energy to the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Renaissance Scientists series. This account of the life and work of Galileo emphasizes his adherence to experimental methodologies and attributes his later problems with the church to this desire for quantitative proof. Boerst's descriptions of seventeenth-century scientific debate show the links between science, religion, politics, and patronage at that time. Sometimes poorly reproduced historical illustrations and portraits round out the text. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Scientists Who Made History series. Each formulaic book in this series begins with a defining moment in the life of its subject, from Pasteur's impromptu use of his rabies vaccine on a young boy to Bell's first successful telephone call. The following chapters briefly chronicle the lives of these scientists. Illustrated with photos, reproductions, and maps, each book includes diagrams, boxed quotes, and a timeline. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, Thomas A. Edison, Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Charles Darwin.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Groundbreakers series. These formulaic biographies offer a basic overview of each subject's life and accomplishments. Illustrations, captioned color photos, and text boxes clutter the pages but help to break up the readable texts. These books will be adequate for report writers, however, those looking for more substance will need to search elsewhere. A time line is included in each book. There are five other books in this series. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 Countdown to Space series. For the most part, these six books take a historical rather than a scientific look at various aspects of the U.S. space program. Mars and Moon present possible scenarios for future astronautic missions. Cole covers both the rewards and the dangers of space travel. The accessible texts are accompanied by plenty of well-chosen and well-captioned photos and diagrams. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) YA Giants of Science series. Each of these books about a scientific pioneer starts with the critical events or ideas each developed, then carefully situates discussion of the individual's life in historical context. Alongside the main text are quotes from primary historical documents and secondary research sources. The inclusion of color photographs along with historical black-and-white images adds interest. All the books include a time line. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford