The Paper Boomerang Book

Gr 5—8—In a unique, if somewhat padded, guide Latno draws on nearly 20 years of teaching experience to explain how to make, fine-tune, and decorate a type of paper boomerang that can be constructed with commonly available materials and thrown with (relative) safety indoors. The instructions and simply drawn diagrams are embedded in a history of boomerangs and throwing sticks, a challenging technical discussion of the physics of boomerangs and gyroscopes, and very detailed descriptions of the characteristics of railroad board (Latno's preferred paper) and alternatives, plus art-and-craft materials that can be used to dress up finished models. Noting that boomerangs are very sensitive to small changes in their edges and weight distribution, the author repeatedly encourages young enthusiasts to experiment with their projects. He also provides directions for standard and trick throws, and closes with lists of relevant organizations. Similar instructional titles on boomerangs for young fliers are rare in this country, and this is by far the most comprehensive volume available.—John Peters, New York Public Library