Review by Booklist Review
This young readers edition of StarTalk, based on dynamic astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson's podcast and National Geographic talk show, blends science and pop culture to make scientific topics both understandable and fun. Divided into four broad categories Space, Planet Earth, Being Human, and Futures Imagined the book uses practical and riveting questions, such as What is Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection? and Why can't I get a pulled-pork sandwich in space? to introduce each topic. Others range from black holes, pollution, and DNA to roller-coasters, time travel, and the possibility of alien life. Accompanying the one-page explanations are high-quality photographs, sidebars, and quotes and commentary by Tyson, Bill Nye, George Takei, Elon Musk, Seth Myers, and a variety of other influential scientists, futurists, actors, and comedians. Interspersed double-page spreads expand on topics like climate and viruses with eye-catching images. Most notable throughout the book, as on the original television show, are the connections between science and creativity, art, and wonder. Educational and entertaining, this will engage loyal followers and recruit new fans.--Leeper, Angela Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Horn Book Review
Tyson's popular StarTalk radio programs--which seem to cover nearly every aspect of science (and even some science fiction)--are adapted into a book for teens, arranged by the broad topics of "Space," "Planet Earth," "Being Human," and "Futures Imagined." In each segment, an engaging series of questions and answers are accompanied by photographs and quotes from the show's celebrity and scientist guests. (c) Copyright 2019. 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.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A slimmed-down version of the popular podcast's 2016 print spinoff, reflecting the show's free-wheeling mix of big issues and odd sidelights found at the intersection of the natural world and human culture.About a third of the entries have been invisibly excised, but the previous edition's Q-and-A narratives and photo-rich page layouts are unchanged. Tyson and other personalities from the podcast here prompt younger audiences to decide, for instance, if, like pets and their owners, scientists really resemble the space probes they work with; to enjoy here a pictorial spread chronicling astronaut food through the years and there a juicy discussion of the zombie apocalypse; and to mull questions ranging from the nature of creativity to whether Superman would survive a black hole. Exploding myths and delivering sage opinions (comet-riding? "It so would not work") as they go, a posse of savants led by the redoubtable Tyson offer an unusual mix of brainy science and fun that makes engaging reading whether the subject is internet trolls or the water cycle, climate change or how the International Space Station's human waste is expelled as a "fiery fecal payload."Rewarding reading for science geeks and casual browsers alike. (Nonfiction. 12-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
