Explore the Cosmos Like Neil deGrasse Tyson: A Space Science

Gr 5–8—Combining biographical information about Neil deGrasse Tyson, the popular American astrophysicist, with an exploration of space science, this work seeks to interest middle school readers in both. Tyson's fascination with the universe came early, and his enthusiasm is exhilarating and contagious. His many quotes frame the chapters on familiar planets and the farther, less familiar outer reaches of space. Up-to-date information culled from unmanned space probes makes this work useful for research. However, the organization of the material, interspersing biographical tidbits with astronomical data, results in an often confusing reading experience. The author's habit of referring to Tyson by his first name and including comments about his opinions on music, films, and wine, as well as other fascinating but irrelevant facts, dilute interest in the cosmos-related material. A good bibliography and glossary will help those doing school reports, and the chapter notes are often beneficial.