(2) 4-6 Another real-life, courageous, boundary-pushing woman gets some well-deserved attention in Atkins's (Grasping M­ysteries, rev. 11/20; Finding Wonders, rev. 7/16) novel in verse. Readers first meet Jewish physicist Lise Meitner (1878–1968) as she "aches to taste hope," clutching fake papers aboard a train at the German border in 1938. Atkins then leaves her audience in suspense and backtracks to Meitner's childhood in Austria, as she chafes against restrictions preventing girls from formal schooling after age thirteen. When the University of Vienna finally opens its doors to women, Meitner is the only female physics student. After earning a PhD and publishing her work on radiation, she moves to Berlin and begins ­conducting unpaid research in a makeshift basement laboratory. Vivid and ­poignant, Atkins's poems chronicle Meitner's hesitation to abandon her experiments and flee Germany after Hitler's rise to power; her horror at realizing her role in the creation of the atomic bomb; and her disappointment that her longtime male collaborator received the Nobel Prize for their shared discovery of nuclear fission, while she was snubbed. Atkins meshes "facts with empathy" in this stirring portrait of--as Meitner's epitaph reads--"A Physicist Who Never Lost Her Humanity." An author's note, a timeline, an annotated list of Meitner's colleagues, and a selected bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2022

(2) YA This absorbing and well-paced biography of Austrian-born trailblazing physicist Lise Meitner begins by exploring ­Meitner's path from college student to struggling laboratory scientist (prevented, as a woman, from gaining employment as a university professor in Berlin). With the coming of WWII, the narrative kicks into high gear as Moss depicts the Jewish Meitner's delayed ­decision to finally flee Germany and the dramatic escape that follows. It is in the ­relative safety of neighboring Sweden that Meitner makes her most significant ­discovery, ­concluding that atoms can be split and that the resulting "fission" releases massive amounts of energy. The implications of this discovery would emerge shortly thereafter with the Manhattan Project. Moss provides readers with comprehensible descriptions of her subject's scientific work; equally important to ­Meitner's story is the depiction of the conditions under which she finds herself working during Hitler's rise to power. Chapters are preceded by single-page ­comics showing significant moments in the unfolding narrative. These welcome breaks serve many functions, including moving Meitner's story along, depicting ­scientists at work in their labs, and helping readers ­better understand the many ­pressures Meitner was under. Extensive back matter includes a timeline, profiles of the various scientists mentioned in the ­narrative, a glossary, an index, and chapter-by-chapter source notes. A perfect accompaniment to Sheinkin's Bomb (rev. 3/17); see also Atkins's Hidden Powers: Lise Meitner's Call to Science (rev. 5/22).

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2022

(2) YA Illustrated by Jerel Dye. Color by Alison Acton. This thoroughly researched comic-format account of the world's most well-known physicist is described by its author as "not so much a biography of Albert Einstein as it is a story about him." Storytelling liberties such as a nonlinear narrative, invented dialogue, fourth wall–breaking asides (identified by square word balloons), and scenes of a teenage Einstein visualizing his quintessential white-haired self as running along a beam of light are engagingly theatrical. Complicated scientific concepts, including relativity and space time, are imaginatively portrayed at length through a blend of words and pictures. Einstein's multifaceted personal life is equally examined--including his involvement in geopolitics, experiences of antisemitic attacks, and numerous affairs. Relationships and rivalries with a large cast of world-renowned scientists, from Planck to Curie to Bohr, serve as a constant through line, underscoring the collaborative and competitive nature of early-twentieth-century scientific discourse. Strong cartooning across consistent three-tier page layouts is clear and effective. The hand-inked illustrations are rendered in an undulating black line and muted color palette, punctuated by ethereal blue thought bubbles and visual motifs representing Einstein’s inner life. This nuanced portrayal of the individual behind many of the last century's greatest discoveries is complex and confounding, much like the man himself. Back matter includes a timeline and whimsical coda regarding Einstein's death.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) K-3 She Persisted series. Illustrated by Gillian Flint. "Life would lead her down a path of hard work, luck and privilege that would eventually make her the first American woman in space." From her childhood in California where she excelled in tennis (and considered playing professionally) to earning a PhD in physics, to being selected into NASA's space program, to her pivotal role in the Challenger-disaster investigation, this entry in the chapter-book biography series (conceived by Chelsea Clinton) offers a well-rounded portrait not only of its subject but also of the obstacles faced by women in science and in astronautics. The short chapters are broken up by friendly black-and-white illustrations, making the presentation welcoming to younger elementary-age students. Back matter includes suggestions to learn more about Ride and space as well as a list of books and websites.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Yas Imamura. Redding gives readers the biography of a tree--the very tree under which Isaac Newton sat when he began thinking about gravity and motion. Expressive language details its growth: "The tree's tips ballooned with blossoming buds, swarmed by bees until petals fell away to reveal growing apples." When, circa 1665, Newton observes that one of those apples falls straight down, he connects that force with the force that keeps the moon in the sky, a thought process explained in the illustrations rather than in the animated text ("Isaac came up with the answer: gravity! Universal gravity!"). The tree becomes a tourist attraction until lightning strikes around 1820. Still, a living root remained, and as science branched out in many directions, so did the tree; in modern times it inspired such visitors as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. And, in 2010, almost two hundred years after the lightning storm, scientists took a piece of the tree up to the International Space Station. There it floated, prompting this enthusiastic conclusion: "Nearly 350 years later, Isaac was right!" Rich shading marks the earth tones in the illustrations, with the browns particularly resembling highly polished wood. Appended with brief biographies of Newton, Einstein, and Hawking; a timeline of Newton's life; and a bibliography.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) 1-3 Makers Make It Work series. Illustrated by Tammie Lyon. In each of these early-reader stories, the main character employs a makerspace skill--chemistry, rocketry, beekeeping, and sewing--to solve a problem. If the child's first effort fails, he or she persists to achieve success. The various illustrations (by different artists) are serviceable and the stories are fairly engaging, but kids will likely be more interested in the instructions for hands-on activities. Useful for early-elementary classrooms and makerspaces. Review covers these Makers Make It Work titles: Slime King, Rocket Rivals, The Broken Bees' Nest, and The Lost and Found Weekend.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 4-6 In this adaptation of his book for adults, Tyson explains the fundamentals of astrophysics: origins of the universe, universal laws of physics, light and the electromagnetic spectrum, dark matter and energy, and gravity. His signature goofy personality comes through clearly in the text, which includes jokes, tangents, and stories about peers and historical scientists. Occasional photographs of stars, planets, and galaxies enhance the presentation. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: Science of Fun Stuff series. Illustrated by Scott Burroughs. Four brief chapters present some basic science principles behind basketball, including how the laws of motion and gravity affect the game, the physics behind some of the Globetrotters' tricks, and the material composition of a basketball. This is high-interest trivia for hoops fans and emerging or struggling readers. A mix of color photographs and cartoony illustrations add appeal. Back matter includes world records, basketball jobs, and a quiz.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) PS This follow-up to counting book Stack the Cats introduces balance with adorably comical birds: two small birds on either side of a tree, five opposite an enormous owl, etc., and "Now the birds balance!" Subtly reinforcing the concept are smart uses of the gutter (to which the tree's center is aligned--or precariously unaligned) and background color (calm turquoise appears across the balanced spreads vs. bright, mismatched pages when unbalanced).

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. Each volume details the life of a significant person in a STEM-related field. Emphasis is placed on the individual's childhood, education, and development of a specific interest, as well as notable contributions. The prose is stilted but informative, and many photographs are included alongside sidebars of related information and "Tech Talk" quotes by the featured trailblazer. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Google Cybersecurity Expert Parisa Tabriz, Astronaut and Physicist Sally Ride, Code-Breaker and Mathematician Alan Turing, NASA Astronomer Nancy Grace Roman, Science Educator and Advocate Bill Nye, and Environmental Activist Wangari Maathai.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(1) PS First Science Storybook series. Illustrated by Richard Jones. Jenkins deftly weaves natural and physical science into this tale concerning birds' life cycles; inside that narrative he unobtrusively introduces the concept of force with examples of pulling and pushing, heavy and light, and gravity. In their stylized beauty, Jones's striking, collage-like mixed-media illustrations depict the most basic elements of the natural world and highlight the text's focus on science. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2018

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gilbert Ford. Voluble, irrepressible Jordie is delighted to spend time with the dog owned by her new neighbor, Professor Reese. The elderly physicist also has a laboratory equipped with a teleportation device, and she welcomes Jordie and brother TJ as young lab assistants. Combining Jordie's self-discipline struggles in school and at home with science, sci-fi, and mystery, Kerley's adventure has wide appeal.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 STEAM Stories series. Illustrated by Magalí Mansilla. In this STEAM-endorsing series of picture books, Suzy and Max use problem-solving skills to build playground equipment, race go-karts, and rebuild a robot. Using trial and error, they explore science and technology to achieve their goals, occasionally helped by an adult. Additional STEAM information is provided on the last two pages. The stories are pretty basic, but the kids' can-do attitudes will inspire the youngest scientists and engineers. Websites. Review covers these STEAM Stories titles: The Backyard Build, The Great Go-Kart Race, and Robot Repairs.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ayesha L. Rubio. Abby, who is avoiding doing her homework, secretly follows her physicist dad's instructions for making a black hole. But could there be a downside to entering a homework-free "baby universe"? While the story is somewhat contrived, its science is sound, as an author's note avers. The lovely swirls and hazes in the digital illustrations conjure something seemingly antithetical to science: magic.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Tom Jackson. Physical science and engineering concepts are transformed into odd manga cartoon creatures, who explain--in hokey, pun-laden first-person narratives--their characteristics and/or purposes in the engineering process. Arranged in a field guide–like format, topics covered include scientific principles such as force and motion; classical mechanics; design processes; construction materials; and the buildings, vehicles, and technologies produced by engineers. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: STEM Superstar Women series. Each volume provides a succinct overview of a trailblazing woman in STEM. The subjects' childhoods, education, numerous obstacles (many times because of their gender), and achievements are explained in readable prose. Archival photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes help to highlight each woman's importance in her field. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: STEM Superstar Women titles: Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Katherine Johnson, Rosalind Franklin, and Ada Lovelace.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) K-3 Pebble Plus: Great Scientists and Inventors series. These books provide cursory introductions to men and women who have made contributions to the scientific world. The brief texts deal with the subjects' early years, work, and legacies. Large archival photographs (mostly grainy portraits and poorly reproduced documents) accompany the simple narratives but do not add much visual interest for budding scientists. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Great Scientists and Inventors titles: Albert Einstein, Elizabeth Blackwell, and Rachel Carson.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. This picture book biography focuses on Newton's early years, showing how young he was when he began making major contributions to science. Words and pictures in combination do a good job of rendering complex and theoretical concepts for elementary-age readers, and Lasky does her best to dispel the myth of the falling apple and emphasize the groundbreaking nature of Newton's discoveries. Bib.

Reviewer: Sarah Rettger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2017

(4) YA Illustrated by Jeff Weigel. Nick visits his cousin Sophie--whose parents work at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research--to learn about the LHC. The graphic novel format works well in portraying subatomic particles in dramatic collisions and the teens imagining themselves at microscopic sizes. However, the scientific details are conveyed through long, awkward lectures from Sophie and famous scientists. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(1) 4-6 Isaac Newton grew up in a world where alchemy and "chymistry" (as it was then spelled) seemed to be related disciplines. Losure faithfully hews to this worldview, communicating the sense of awe and wonder about the natural world that Newton must have felt. This immersive experience is enhanced by historical documents reproduced throughout the text, along with several appendices. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2017