Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book [Hardcover]

David M. Schwartz (Author), Kim Doner (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A is for Atom, B is for Black Hole, C is for Clone-hang on to your test tubes, we'¬?re covering a lot of ground here! But both the science-curious and the science-phobic are in for a treat as the author of one of the wittiest math books around takes on a new topic. Ranging freely from DNA to jet-propelled squid to proof that it'¬?s best to prepare dragon tonic using the metric system, this smorgasbord of science topics makes a great classroom resource or gift for the budding scientist. By the time kids plow through all the quirky pictures and funny captions we'¬?re sure they'¬?ll agree that W is for Wow! 55,000 hardcover G is for Googol: A Math Alphabet Book in print.‚Ä¢ A Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2001 ‚Ä¢ Educators, please visit our Resources section, above, for teaching guides and curricula .

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-This book does for science what Schwartz's G Is for Googol (Tricycle, 1998) did for mathematics. Each entry is defined in at least two pages of humorous folksy language. The scope includes the atom, clones, gravity, kitchen, Systeme International, xylem, and "Zzzzzzzzzz." The text is filled with readable and clear explanations for some very complex concepts. Complementary cartoon illustrations and/or labeled diagrams appear on every page. Even if readers are not studying jet propulsion or Occam's razor, they will be introduced to a variety of scientific ideas and they will enjoy browsing through this funny and informative book.

Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Starred Review, Library Talk:
Editor's Picks: "A well-written, informative alphabet book that will be an asset to anyone wanting to make science fun."

Review, Smithsonian Magazine:
"Sophisticated and entertaining. . . .disarmingly accessible book, not just for kids."

Review, School Library Journal:
"This book does for science what Schwartz's G IS FOR GOOGOL did for math."

Review, L.A. Parent, June 9, 2010:
"Chocked full of fascinating information."

Review, Children's Literature Newsletter:
"[Will] make science fun. . . . does not talk down to kids; it makes them stretch and in the process they may be interested enough to dig even further in the scientific disciplines." -Marilyn Courtot

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582460213
• ISBN-13: 978-1582460215
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 0.4 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,025,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With the same energy, humor and clarity found in his 50 books, David wows audiences at schools around the United States and beyond. David is an accomplished storyteller and a master at getting kids to think and have fun at the same time. His presentations lead children on entertaining and educational journeys that combine math, science, reading and writing. David also gives keynote presentations and workshops for educators at professional conferences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT PEAK AT SCIENCE, September 27, 2003

By 

Alfonso A. Campbell "acbroker" (Laredo, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book (Hardcover)

An excellent peak at science for both children and adults. Although rather simplistic, it does a good job explaining basic science concepts. I specially liked the parts on T for Think, where the author explains how scientists use the Scientific Method as a tool for testing observations, making inferences and weed out erroneous beliefs; and O for Occam's Razor, again as of useful tool for reasoning. I sure hope there is a sequel.

Only one observation: The publishers should have chosen a more portable book format (paperback) so you can take it anywhere and either enjoy it by yourself or share it with someone else.

AC.CHB

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schwartz has done it again!, May 21, 2006

By 

Lorel Shea (New England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book (Hardcover)

If I could travel back in time 30 years and have a library of David Schwartz books, I'd be one happy kid! My kids love his work, and so do I!

A former biologist, elementary school teacher, and journalist, Schwartz knows how to present complicated information in a straighforward and accessible manner. He and artist Kim Doner have put together a wonderful companion to their earlier book, G is for Googol. Q is for Quark is engaging and fun for strong independent readers of all ages. Each letter of the alphabet introduces a different scientific term. E is for element, O is for Occam's Razor, and Q is for Quark, of course! I highly recommend this book for any science minded kid.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars E is for Excellent!, July 28, 2008

By 

amf0001 (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book (Hardcover)

We got G is for Google a while ago and I bought Q is for Quark for my son's 11th birthday. He's not a big reader, but he likes to read this series. The entries are quite complex, they really explain sophisticated science, and the entries, although usually only a page long, are also quite dense - this is not a dumbed down version.

It's genuinely interesting and we read it in bite size (or letter size) portions, and learn something new. This is a book you definitely read more than once, and each time, you remember a little more. I really enjoy it and would recommend it for anyone over 10 (parents learn a lot from this book too!)