LOSURE, Mary. Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal’d. 176p. bibliog. index. notes. photos. reprods. Candlewick. Feb. 2017. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9780763670634.

Gr 6-8 –Losure brings a world-renowned scientist to life. Isaac Newton’s story, from his tough formative years through the end of his life, is ably told and peppered with a mix of Old English and scientific terms. Fascinating details, such as experiments with mercury that involved him tasting the poisonous element, humanize him and will keep reader interest high. Losure adeptly presents the complex subjects of chemistry, math, and physics, along with alchemy-related recipes, by breaking up the narrative with engrossing images from Newton’s published and private works and other books that he used or referred to in his research. The back matter includes excerpts from Newton’s journals and other contemporaneous texts and an author’s note that explains how Losure researched and used these materials—an excellent addition to reinforce lessons on how to find and use primary sources. VERDICT Losure has written a volume that both informs and excites. Highly recommended for middle school science biography sections.–Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY

This review was published in the School Library Journal December 2016 issue.