Rocks and Minerals (Reader's Digest Pathfinders) (Hardcover)

by Tracy Staedter (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Grade 4-8-Boldly colored illustrations, computer graphics, and an innovative format make this oversized volume out of the ordinary. Children can either read the book from cover to cover or follow one of the icon-identified discovery paths. "Inside Story" gives personal accounts of people in the field of geology, "Hands On" features experiments and activities, "Word Builders" gives the history of words and phrases, "That's Amazing!" offers awesome facts, and "Pathfinder" provides cross-references to related subjects on other pages. The book is divided into three sections: "Rocks," "Minerals," and "Collecting Rocks and Minerals," and each double-page spread is packed with information provided by the text, diagrams, full-color photographs and illustrations, and boxed discovery paths. Much of the material one would expect to find in a basic book about geology is here, e.g., rock formation, uses of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, weathering, rock cycles, and crystals. Although there is enough content for basic reports, the book's strength lies in its capacity to be explored in many different ways over several readings. Children who are used to multilayered Web sites will find this format attractive and enticing. A good glossary and index make the subject matter more accessible.
Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Introducing a revolutionary new series that combines dynamic, multi-layered visuals with stimulating and accessible text plus easy-to-follow cross references. The result enables readers to chart their own paths of discovery through a range of high-interest nonfiction subjects. Each path is completely unique, and readers can choose a new path every time they pick up the book.

Superb photographs and vibrant, varied color graphics enliven every page. The lively text, written to stimulate young imaginations, has been checked for accuracy by experts from such institutions as the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History.

More than "museum tours in books," these kid-friendly guides offer a true hands-on approach to learning.

Rocks and Minerals is different from any other information book that kids have ever picked up. They can start at the beginning and learn about our rocky planet, then read through to the end and find out how to collect rocks and minerals. Or they can follow their own interests! If they have a special interest in crystals, they can jump right into the "Meet the Mineral" section. They'll also find plenty of other discovery paths and read about great moments in geology and the scientists who made them.

Each of these features is found on every spread:

* VISUAL SECTION OPENER stimulates curiosity.

* INSIDE STORY puts a human face on important scientific discoveries.

* HANDS ON describes fun projects and activities.

* WORD BUILDERS explores the fascinating history of words and phrases

* THAT'S AMAZING! highlights extraordinary facts and figures.

* PATHFINDER provides cross-references to other spreads.

Dimensions (inches): 9 1/2 x 13 1/4 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover
• Publisher: San Val (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1417603798
• ISBN-13: 978-1417603794
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #5,133,727 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Rock and Mineral Book I've EVER Seen!, April 28, 2000

By	Greg and Patricia Randall (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rocks & Minerals Glb (RD Pathfinders) (Hardcover)

I am a retired engineer and life-long mineral collector, and I own or have read dozens of books on the subject. I also volunteer at our local elementary school, and take every opportunity to teach the kids about minerals and let them handle my specimens. This is by far the most interesting presentation of rocks and minerals I have ever ever had the pleasure of reading. Every page is filled with superb photos and/or very realistic 3D color illustrations.

All of the text is broken up into bite-size paragraphs that are easy to digest, yet comprehensive enough that even experienced adults will find something new on each page. The pictures/diagrams and shorter paragraphs should be of much interest to ages 9 and 10, with full enjoyment for ages 11 to 100!

The origin of rocks and minerals, ie., geology, and how rocks and minerals are used in our daily lives, are heavily emphasized, and for me this is what makes learning in this field so fascinating. I will use this book in my teaching for years to come, and many of my friends will receive it as a gift. Thank you Tracy Staedter for a true work of art.