(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

(3) 4-6 While her mother is undergoing cancer treatment, eleven-year-old Ella is spending the summer with her kooky paternal grandmother. An obscure seventeenth-century astronomy book, Kepler's Dream of the Moon, weaves together the stories of Ella, her absentee father, and her grandmother as they creep toward understanding one another. Sensitive storytelling and a keen eye for family nuance enhance this debut.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) YA Renaissance Scientists series. These thoughtful, documented books reward careful reading. Tycho explains how Brahe used his observational talents to measure astronomical phenomena, and Johannes discusses how Kepler developed his three laws of planetary motion. Both books recount the scientists' personal lives, and fine color visuals, mostly from period art and documents, extend the texts, as do occasional sidebars and diagrams. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Renaissance Scientists titles: Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Carefully researched and documented, ten chapters follow Kepler's life including his indebtedness to his mentor Tycho Brahe, his discovery of the three laws of planetary motion, his Protestant loyalty, his two marriages, and his publication of the Rudolphine tables. Short sentences occasionally drag; scattered black-and-white photos and diagrams supplement the text. Activities, reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Oxford Portraits in Science series. This thorough account of the famous astronomer's life includes the development of the Laws of Planetary Motion and detailed consideration of the history and politics of practicing science in the seventeenth century. The readable text is sometimes grandiose, yet presents a good narrative for advanced readers with strong science backgrounds. Black-and-white historical illustrations help clarify complex scientific ideas. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford