The Hot Air Balloon Book: Build and Launch Kongming Lanterns, Solar Tetroons, and More

Gr 7 Up—Readers can expect some serious science fun with this detailed and unique treatment of an intriguing subject. A brief overview of ballooning's fascinating history could spur further research. Safety, a major concern with open flames near tissue paper and polyethylene, gets a full chapter plus frequent reminders. A closing section covers troubleshooting and repair information. Explanations of the science, which is meaty, are woven throughout the hands-on sections. Readers ready to begin will find detailed plans for eight different styles of hot-air balloons nicely bolded in the table of contents. Optional improvements and extensions are included with many plans. The directions are clear, detailed, numbered, and accompanied by meticulous line drawings. Occasional photos show a completed project or a special feature. Now and then, the instructions make reference to a feature, e.g., the cotton ball burner and lift, which are not explained until a later project. There is no index to help overcome this shortfall. Instructions also reference techniques that are not included, e.g., making a weld or working around pieces wrongly glued together. Other than these few problems, beginner through advanced hobbyists will find something to enjoy here. Hot-air ballooning is certain to have new devotees with this introduction.—Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI