Discovering Mars: The Amazing Story of the Red Planet [Paperback]

Melvin Berger (Author)

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (December 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590452215
• ISBN-13: 978-0590452212
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #380,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Prize-winning author, Melvin Berger, believes that science should always be fun. In his books - he has written over 200! - and in his talks to young people, he stresses the excitement of science and the thrill of scientific discovery.

He also believes in a hands-on approach to science for young people. Many of his books are full of interesting, informative, and easy-to-do activities and experiments.

His great enthusiasm for science spills over into Mr. Berger's hobby of collecting old scientific instruments. In his collection is everything from 18th century microscopes to an ancient chinese opium balance.

Born and raised in New York City, Mr. Berger has earned degrees from the University of Rochester, Columbia University, and London (England) University. In 1983, he was elected to the New York Academy of Sciences. Over the years he has won awards from the Children's book Council, National Science Teachers Association, Child Study Association, Library of Congress, and New York Public Library. He lives in New York City and East Hampton, New York, with his wife, Gilda, who is also an author.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Although dated, it is still a quality science book for children, October 25, 2009

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Discovering Mars: The Amazing Story of the Red Planet (Paperback)

If it is properly presented, the American public will overwhelmingly support a significant program of space exploration. Humans have an innate and overwhelming curiosity about the universe and are willing to see tax dollars go to learning the details. Much of this interest is cultivated in children; their interests extend to what they see in the sky. Therefore, quality books that accurately describe the various heavenly bodies plant the seeds that lead to the support of discovery.
While this book is now dated due to new discoveries in the last 15 years, it is still a good introduction to the known planet with the most Earth-like environment. The basic history of what was thought of the planet is covered; quite naturally it is back-loaded to the present. Unfortunately, a great deal of misconceptions about Mars still exists; fortunately this book will clear up most of them. It is still a quality contribution to the scientific literature for children.