Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 4-6. In this attractive introduction to crystals, Stangl describes their nature and structure, then provides a series of experiments for those who wish to observe crystal formation. Exceptionally clear, colorful photographs and black-and-white drawings illustrate the text. In the last chapter, Stangl explains that nonliving substances cannot "grow" and that the process should be called recrystallization, but she herself uses the imagery of "growing" and "gardens" so often that misconceptions seem inevitable. Still, most books at this level don't even point out that "growth" is a euphemism. Since crystal demonstrations are a staple of elementary and middle school science fairs, the variety of simple activities described makes this a useful addition to libraries needing books of science experiments. --Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
An unnecessary purchase. The illustrations are well-done: vivid color photographs enhance the text, and excellent line drawings elucidate the experiments. The text and experiments, however, are confusing, and the directions will not be clear to children. The text lacks inspiration, as if Stangl were covering required material rather than writing a book on an interesting topic. The photographs are not always relevant, and the experiments seem more like busy work than exercises intended to illustrate scientific principles. The visual clues used in the experiments are inconsistent: one experiment shows a single spoon for the directive to add three tablespoons of liquid; in another, two spoons complement the directive to add two tablespoons of salt. The conclusion to the final chapter is good, encouraging readers to do further experimentation on their own. Unfortunately, this book does not provide enough information for readers to learn from the results. --Kathleen Riley, Hilltop Elementary School, Beachwood, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Black-and-white and color photographs. An attractive introduction to the subject. The book provides scientific explanations about crystal formation, tips for growing crystals, and instructions for experiments. Excellent photographs and clear, informative captions. Bibliography, index. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
