(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Jessell. In post–WWII Maryland, Chuck is fascinated with radios, radar, and space travel. Although he struggles in school, Chuck can build anything and has a "genius" mind for understanding schematics. He and his younger sister build a prototype for a space capsule, albeit with ill-gotten materials. The novel contains plenty of adventure and action, but coincidences strain credulity and subplots bog down the story.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) YA Makers of Modern Science series. These revised editions detail the accomplishments of two pioneering scientists, as well as the physics and engineering fields to which they made major contributions. The books place science in cultural and political contexts, examining the roles each man played during World War II or the Cold War, and the ethics of their decisions. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Makers of Modern Science titles: Niels Bohr and Wernher von Braun.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford