Reviews (1)

Informative, Ambitious, and Not for Children Only
This book is a marvelous summary of the story of the Wright Brothers, and both children and their parents are likely to learn from it. My 6-year-old enjoyed it, in part because of the interesting mix of illustrations - there are nine handsome and painstakingly accurate full-page paintings, as well as a further mix of vintage and color photographs, diagrams and sketch plans - but this book seems intended for somewhat older children in the 8-12 age range. The book not only succeeds as biography and history, but it also tries to explain some of the mechanics and science of flying. Thus, there are insets on such topics as "How Does Wing-Warping Work?", "The Wright Wind Tunnel," and diagrams explaining concepts such as pitch, roll, and yaw. There are other insets focusing on aspects of late nineteenth-century social history ("The Bicycle Craze") and other aerial pioneers who paved the way for the Wright Brothers ("Otto Lilienthal: The Flying Man"). The book includes all of the key historical artifacts (the first picture of the first flight, Orville's elated but still understated telegram home to his father announcing "Success . . . inform Press . . . . home Christmas "). It goes beyond the first flight itself, detailing the world's surprisingly muted reaction to the Wrights' great achievement, the difficulties they had protecting their patent rights in subsequent years, and the 1908 air crash that resulted in the first fatality in an airplane and serious injuries to Orville Wright. It also tells the striking story of the brothers' father, Bishop Milton Wright, whose gift of a toy helicopter to his two young sons ultimately led to one of the most important scientific accomplishments of all time. One of the happiest aspects of the Wrights' story is that the old bishop lived to fly through the skies with his son Orville.

This book is thus a wonderful retelling for younger readers of the remarkably focused and disciplined five year-campaign in which two self-taught mechanic-scientists, neither of them a college graduate, with no corporate backing or financial resources aside from those supplied by their own successful small business, realized man's oldest dream and conquered the sky. Beyond that, it is a moving reminder for parents of the astonishing results that can sometimes grow from a gift to a child, and the willingness to foster and facilitate a child's curiosity about their world. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn what the sun is made of, and how the sun's gravity makes the planets orbit around it.Find out how far each planet is from the sun, how many moons each planet has, and what the planets look like up-close! ... Read more

Book Description

New Look! Relaunched with new jackets and 8 pages of new text!

Here is a spectacular, thought-provoking, and highly informative guide to the fascinating world of astronomy.Superb full-color photographs of scientific instruments, experiments, and innovative 3-D models reveal the discoveries and research that have transformed our understanding of the Universe.See how sailors navigated by the Sun and stars, where the asteroid belt is, how the planets and constellations were named, why the Earth was considered the center of the Universe, what a black hole is, and the hot volcanic surface of Venus.Learn how space probes photograph planets, what causes a meteor shower, what makes Mars red, why the Sun shines, where the Moon came from, how the first telescopes worked, the stages in the life of a star, and how the Earth's atmosphere sustains life.Discover what creates auroras, why the Zero Meridian is located at Greenwich in England, how the amazing early observatories were built, how Saturn could float on water, the "sound" of our own galaxy, how a comet is formed, and much, much more. ... Read more

Book Description

Mind-Boggling ExperimentsYou Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects

The perfect science fair idea books . . .Spectacular Science Projects
Janice VanCleave's Solar System

• How is a comet like a dirty snowball?
• Does a planet’s distance from the Sun affect its temperature?
• How can the Moon block the Sun’s light?

Figure out the answers for yourself with out-of-this world activities and experiments that help you learn about the wonders of the solar system. Janice VanCleave’s Solar System: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn into Science Fair Projects guarantees hours and hours of fascinating, hands-on, safe, low-cost science fun.Try these awesome projects at home or in the classroom: trace theEarth’s path through the celestial sphere, create a comet in your own bedroom, and build a model of Saturn and its rings.Each experiment includes an illustration and simple, step-by-step instructions, as well as clear explanations of the astronomical concepts you’re seeing at work.

Children ages 8—12
Also available in the Spectacular Science Projects Series:

Janice VanCleave’s Animals
Janice VanCleave’s Earthquakes
Janice VanCleave’s Electricity
Janice VanCleave’s Gravity
Janice VanCleave’s Insects and Spiders
Janice VanCleave’s Machines
Janice VanCleave’s Magnets
Janice VanCleave’s Microscopesand Magnifying Lenses
Janice VanCleave’s Molecules
Janice VanCleave’s Plants
Janice VanCleave’s Rocks and Minerals
Janice VanCleave’s Volcanoes
Janice VanCleave’s Weather ... Read more

Amazon.com

From majoring in chemical engineering at Stanford University (at the ageof 16) to giggling with hairdressers in Nairobi (in Swahili) to orbiting theEarth as the first woman of color to travel in space (conducting experiments inlife and material sciences and bone cell research as the mission's sciencespecialist), Mae Jemison has never been one to sit and watch life pass her by.From childhood, Jemison knew she would be an astronaut--the fact that spacetravelers tended to be white men only meant one more obstacle she would gladlyface. Her autobiography, sassy, confident, and witty, is full of anecdotesdesigned to empower young readers, even as they chuckle at her foibles and cheerher victories. Whether working as a Peace Corps medical officer, fiercelyupholding her feminist stance in a sexist college class, or dancing her "fannyoff," Jemison is an inspiration to every child who dreams big. (Ages 10 andolder) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Just Ok
When I started reading this book, I expected it to be full of inspiration and advice on how to acheive great things in life as Dr. Jemison did.While I respect her for her wonderful acheivements, ambition, and zeal, through out the book I could not help but think she was conceited and stuck on herself.This book was not inspirational or encouraging to me.Rather, it was just about how wonderful Dr. Jemison is.She told story after story after story about how she was so wonderful, and I felt, above other people.I also found editing errors in it which I felt was unacceptable.I am a sixteen year-old girl who wants to be a doctor when I grow up, so I thought reading this book would be worthwhile.I do admire her for following her dreams and "the wind" (which by the way became an overused metaphor), but I spent my time reading the book frustrated and wondering when she would stop tooting her own horn.

Like a conversation with a friend
I saw Dr. Jemison on a public access TV program.Her writing in this book is so conversational that I did not even realize that she was actually *reading* from her book!I knew then that the book would be enjoyable to read since the writing would be very accessible.I got the book as soon as I had a chance.

It *was* enjoyable because she speaks in a normal conversational tone that makes one feel at home with her.

I found her life to be amazing -- and I've never read about someone who is so intelligent, talented and personable.

While I think that the intended audience for this book is teen/pre-teen gals, I did also enjoy it for the sake of just learning about this amazing woman.

My only criticism is that the book tended to jump around a bit.

Great for motivating young girls
I read this book with girls ages 11-14 in a mentoring program that I am involved in. We had such a wonderful discussion. The girls could instantly relate to the challenges that Dr. Jemison faced as a young African American girl trying to excel in a non-traditional field of endeavor.

I highly recommend this book because Dr. Jemison is so warm, honest and down to earth in her story telling. She also lets you see the ordinary side of her and her family. It gives every little girl the realization that they too (with a little hard work) can achieve their dreams if they remain focused and true to themselves.

Dr. Jemison's life is filled with adventure and adversity and she often chooses the "road less traveled". It truly has made all the difference.

Future of Women
I was lucky enough to meet Dr Jemison in persona dn get my book autographed by her.I was excited by this alone.However I got home and sat down and read the book and i was even more taken then I was when I started.A true fro teh grassroots story.Shows how far women have some and how far they ahve to go.I saw her do a session with children and she is a true role model for us all ... Read more

Amazon.com

Five minutes with this book, and no one will be able to say they "don'tknow much about the solar system." Chock-full of facts, questions, and answersabout the sun, gravity, planets, astronauts, space exploration, asteroids, themoon, and so much more, Kenneth C. Davis's Don't Know Much About the SolarSystem is a terrific resource for anyone interested in what's out there.Geared toward readers aged 6 to 9, the book uses a fun question-and-answerformat, as well as riddles and humorous illustrations by Pedro Martin, to makelearning about the solar system a positively sunny experience. Young readersdiscover why the moon is different shapes on different nights, which planets(besides Saturn) have rings, what's beyond the Milky Way, and why, if the earthis round, people on the other side don't fall off.

Davis, author of the bestselling Don't Know Much About History,has turned to a younger audience with his Don't Know Much About series. Don't Know Much About the 50States is a great companion to the solar system title, while Don't Know Much About PlanetEarth and Don't Know MuchAbout Space work well for older readers. (Ages 6 to 9) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Out of this World Experience.....
Do you know how old the universe is, why our galaxy is called the Milky Way, or why Venus is the smartest planet in the night sky? Do you know how far away outer space really is, if you could stand on Jupiter, or catch a shooting star? The answer to these and many other similar questions, can be found in Kenneth Davis' marvelous, fact filled, Don't Know Much About the Solar System. This is a book chock full of interesting information, fun facts and trivia and history about the universe, galaxy, solar system, planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, comets, stars, space exploration and astronomy. Mr Davis' text is written in an easy to read, question and answer, conversational style and complemented by Pedro Martin's humorous and engaging illustrations, that just add to the fun. Perfect for youngsters 8-12, Don't Know Much About the Solar System whets the appetite and leaves kids running to the library for more. So find out if there are aliens living on Mars, and enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

The Complete Book of Dinosaurs takes young dinosaur-lovers on a complete learning journey! Lively passages about dinosaurs, fossils, paleontologists and more will fascinate young learners. Reading comprehension questions, many of which are formatted just like standardized tests, and dinosaur-themed activities round out the learning fun. Plus, this complete volume includes a dinosaur dictionary and pronunciation guide. ... Read more

Book Description

"...follows a logical path through topics of safety, construction, sky coordinates, and, finally, design....Plans for each telescope are illustrated with both line drawings and photographs...procedures are laid out in an easy-to-follow technique...includes a rich gallery of illustrated telescopes that amateurs have built...a welcome addition as a source of ideas...well-written and well-illustrated book. The projects it presents are well within the skill level of a youngster...an asset to any school or public library."--Science Books & Films.160 pages, 40 color illus., 75 b/w illus., 8 1/2 x 10.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Complex but essential for INTERMEDIATE ATM'ers
I have to say at first i was dissapointed. I bought this book as a beginer telescope maker and i had to put it away. Then i bought Richard Berry's book and was enlightened. This is not to say that i don't like this book. If you have some experience with tools and wood i would suggest this book first. Or if you have made at least one telescope before, i would also suggest this book. Robert Miller & Wilson have many insights and examples but in many places they leave you on your own. Fortunately i have a degree in physics and was able to do fine on my own. One of my favoriate scopes was built using 3 of his plans mixed together. If you have a basic idea or have made scopes before... this is the best book to buy. If you have never made a scope before and are just getting into this field of astronomy, do yourself a favor and get Richard Berry's book.. (also here on amazon.com) But i promise that if you buy this book later on, you will be happy. If you buy it now,you will get frustrated. What Robert Miller & Wilson did teach me was to, above all, enjoy the scope you make!!

Excellent material on building your own telescope
This book makes it easier to understand the great hobby of Amatuer Telescope Making. I read this book from front to back, twice! Included in this book are easy to follow instructions on making six very usable amatuer telescopes. A must for any astronomer's bookshelf. Also included is a great chapter on a portable 8" reflecting telescope,designed by Bob Scholtz.

Well worth the price
This book is very imformative and useful to the beginning telescope maker. It does not describe mirror grinding or optical testing but very thoroughly explains construction, design, and tips for making 10 inch or less telescopes ... Read more

Book Description

Take a thrilling voyage through space! Did you know that...

Reviews (1)

NOT clock-accurate sundials
This book describes making a simple horizontal sun-dial with
a angled gnomon (the shadow casting thingy). For
"clock-accuracy" you have to look up an error offset in
a chart. The "equation of time" is not built into the
the design.
The book intentionally skips over the mathematics involved.
I found more information by searching the internet for
"analemmic sundial" than I found in this book. ... Read more

Book Description

The sun brings heat, warmth, and energy to the Earth.

What is the sun made of? How big is it? How far away? Read and find out!

Book Description

History buffs, budding anthropologists, and anyone who loves a good story will enjoy the fourth installment of Peter Ackroyd¹s award-winning Voyages Through Time series. Kingdom of the Dead takes readers on a 3,000-year journey to trace the epic story of Egypt.
Peter Ackroyd's Voyages Through Time is a series of highly illustrated nonfiction books that illuminate the world's defining eras of history‹from our humble beginnings to the exploration of space. Written in a fresh, bold narrative, this series is sure to become a publishing classic. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn the secrets of planet-hunters as they search for planets beyond our solar system. Is there more to a star than meets the eye?

Take a trip to an alien world and encounter wobbling stars, frozen moons, and boiling oceans. Stunning illustrations and cutting-edge science make this book a first in the field. Includes a glossary and index. ... Read more