Audrey Sumser

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Experiments with Electricity

Isabel THOMAS | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

Solid additions.Grades 5 & Up

These books explore physical science concepts through topics including circuits and shadows and applications such as robots and lanterns. Definitions are followed by activities that demonstrate or extend the topics. The page layouts are uninspired; most steps are accompanied by photographs of the setups. Scientific principles such as fair tests and careful data collection are emphasized throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Read and Experiment titles: Experiments with Electricity and Experiments with Light.

I See Rainbows

Tamra B. ORR | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

A smart and incredibly appealing series.

Icy Comets: Sometimes Have Tails

J. Clark SAWYER | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

Useful selections for emergent readers and budding space enthusiasts.

Limited facts about objects in the solar system are presented in simple sentences for beginning readers. The two-page illustrations feature images of the planets, the sun, and occasionally spacecraft on eye-catching starry black backgrounds. A chart comparing the featured body to Earth's temperature, atmosphere, and other conditions concludes each book. There are eight other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Out of this World titles: Icy Comets, Pluto, The Sun, and Venus.

Understanding Quantum Physics

Kristen PETERSEN | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

Enlightening and attractive additions.

Key Discoveries in Physical Science

Christine ZUCHORA-WALSKE | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

Visual and nonvisual learners alike will appreciate this series' approach.

Clear organization helps make fairly dense content accessible. Four sections (e.g., "Milestones in Motion") begin with a pictorial timeline of selected milestones, such as Newton's 1687 laws of motion, followed by illustrated text that expounds on these milestones. The selections are generally sound, though somewhat limited, and the prose undistinguished. A suggested activity lacks sufficient background. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

The 12 Biggest Breakthroughs in Energy Technology

Marne VENTURA | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

A satisfying and truly enjoyable series.

Asteroids and Comets

Ian GRAHAM | SERIES MADE SIMPLE, Apr 01, 2015

Weigh the pros and cons of this mixed series before purchasing.

Factual statements about the solar system and outlying bodies in the universe are accompanied by diagrams and high-quality images of planets, stars, moons, and spacecraft. The series' coverage is uneven. For example, each planet receives just two pages in a book, while the moon and sun are treated more in-depth in full volumes. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Space titles: Asteroids and Comets, Galaxies and Stars, Our Moon, Our Sun, Planets Far From Earth, and Planets Near Earth.