book reviews by Margriet Ruurs
What is science?
The dictionary defines it as:
sci·ence -
/ˈsīəns/ the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.There are many different kinds of science: technology, biology, physics… And possibly the best way to learn more and to find out which type of science most appeals to you, is by reading books.
Science books are as varied as the branches of science themselves. Many of the contributors to this blog are writers of books or articles about science. Here is a list of recent, and not so recent, titles that I love:
Back Holes and Supernovas by Joan Marie Galat, Capstone Books, ISBN 978-1-4296-7225-2, is a fascinating read about the lives and deaths of stars and the black holes they leave behind. Full of interesting facts and photos.
50 Climate Questions, A Blizzard of Blistering Facts.
Written by Peter Christie and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird, published by Annick Press, ISBN 978-1-55451-374-1.
This book is divided into different topics. Each page starts with a question, all to do with climate change. Questions about volcanoes, ancient civilizations, electricity and much more. Besides answers, there are text boxes with additional information as well as a few activities. The illustrations almost turn this book into a fun graphic novel.
One of my favourite science books is
The World in your Lunch Box, The Wacky History and Weird Science of Everyday Foods, written by Claire Eamer, illustrated by Sa Boothroyd and published by Annick Press, ISBN 978-1-55451-392-5.
What a cool idea to look at the history, mystery and facts of food by looking at what’s in most people’s lunch boxes. The history of pizza, what kind of eggs can you eat, why are hot dogs called hot dogs, how did we get spices? A great book for anyone who’s ever… well, eaten anything.
Philippe Cousteau is the grandson of the famous Captain Jacques Cousteau who brought us awareness of oceans, its wildlife and water pollution. Philippe and Cathryn Berger Kaye, an educator, wrote two books together:
Make A Splash! ISBN 978-1-57542-417-0 is a kid’s guide to protecting oceans, lakes, rivers and wetlands. Full of facts and photos, the book shares information on such topics as over-fishing, trash, keeping rivers clean, wildlife and much more. But most importantly, it gives many examples of how kids can make a difference. It offers solutions to many problems and helps kids to become environmental activists.
Similarly,
Going Blue ISBN 978-1-57542-348-7 by the same two authors, is aimed at teens.
Tackling trash, water shortages, coral reefs - every aspect of water - this book also offers solutions and doesn’t just state problems. There are many examples of young activists from around the world who are making a difference.
And finally some fictional reads with a science twist. When are animals really extinct? The last one touches on sci-fi. Or does it?
Music for Tigers by Michelle Kadarusman, published by Pajama Press, ISBN 978-1-77278-054-3, is fiction does have to do with environmental protection and species going extinct. This is a realistic story about a girl who visits a relative in Tasmania. There she learns about the environment and about an elusive animal that is occasionally spotted. Could it be the Tasmanian Tiger, believed to be extinct? After I finished reading this novel, I searched the topic online and discovered that, indeed, many sightings are still being reported. So perhaps Tasmanian Tigers are still living in deep, dark corners of their habitat….
And finally a book that walks a fine line between fiction and science fiction:
Elephant Secret, by Eric Walters, published by Penguin Random House, ISBN 978-0-7352-6281-2
In this story, Samantha and her dad run an elephant sanctuary. They face financial troubles and fear that they might not be able to protect the elephants any longer. Until a new elephant baby arrives that seems both adorable and strange. The baby arrives at the same time as a mysterious investor. In this riveting novel, Samantha learns about cloning and wonders if, perhaps, she is raising a wooly mammoth instead of an elephant.
