Are There Other Earths?

Gr 2–4—These quick surveys infuse high-interest topics with enough drama to draw casual browsers. The account of Pluto's demotion may be an exception, as it was accomplished not by fiery violence or a huge explosion but by the votes of members of the International Astronomical Union. UFOs, in contrast, has plenty of suspense, but the result is an uncritical, sensationalistic account of prominent sightings complete with a "You Decide!" closing. The other volumes are somewhat more successful in presenting informational content in stimulating ways. "Out of This World!" sidebars throughout every title deliver bite-size facts, e.g., "In 1609, the Italian astronomer Galileo became the first person to observe Mars through a telescope." Aside from a science fiction magazine cover misidentified as a book of short stories in UFOs, the mix of photos, reproductions, digital composites, and speculative art supply sufficiently informative and stimulating visuals.