IF: A MIND-BENDING NEW WAY OF LOOKING AT BIG IDEAS AND NUMBERS by David J. Smith

Concepts like the vastness of the universe, broken down into relatable concepts - like all the world's water represented by 100 drinking glasses or the planets represented by balls. This book translates things that are hard to fathom into images we can grasp.

I loved this book!! Colorful, interesting illustrations. Fascinating facts. I would read a hundred books like this - this is such a cool idea! This would be fantastic for science discussions, classroom use, car rides, and curious kids. This makes me want to check out other books by this author, pictured below.

5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at this time

      


* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH by Jennifer L. Holm

Ellie is entering middle school when a teenage family member moves into her house - her grandfather. A scientist, Melvin has figured out how to turn himself from a 77-year-old man to a 13-year-old boy. And living with him introduces Ellie to her passion - science.

This book is lovely. It's about family. It's about aging, the cycle of life, the beauty and consequences of science. It's about identity and finding your passion. Ellie is a wonderful, insightful character. She shows great observation of her experiences and the things happening around her.

5 out of 5 stars
No AR reading level at the time of this writing.

* I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher for free in the hope that I would review it honestly on my blog. Regardless, I only review books I enjoyed. I don’t believe in passing on negative reviews. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

ALA Week: WAKE UP MISSING by Kate Messner

One of the highlights of my summer was our trip to Chicago for vacation and for the American Library Association annual conference. Publishers graciously provided Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) of some of their upcoming books and I have been slowly working through my pile of these treasures. For the next couple weeks I'll be reviewing some of the books I picked up at ALA. If a book hasn't released yet, I'll post the release date in the review.  Enjoy!!

Cat fell out of a tree while bird watching, and it left her with post-concussion issues like debilitating headaches and confusion. But she's going to I-CAN for a revolutionary treatment. In the Florida Everglades with five other kids and the program stuff, far from her home and parents, Cat starts to suspect that the treatment at I-CAN is not what everyone thinks it is.

Great suspense/adventure story. It references science as well as historical figures like Einstein and Edison, but not in a heavy handed way. The author includes information on websites kids can go to for more information on the science and history portions of the story. I would recommend this for kids in 4th grade and up. In fact, I already have my copy for the library on order. It should release on Tuesday, September 10th in stores and online.

4 out of 5 stars
No AR rating at this time