From School Library Journal
Grade 7 Up. This book uses a question-and-answer format to present facts and theories about the planet, including the origin of the universe and of life, the structure of the Earth, volcanoes, earthquakes, oceans, fresh water, and weather. The viewpoint is scientific and objective, but there are numerous poor word choices and small errors, e.g., "that's how whales and humans can be of the same species." Interesting details are presented in graphically attractive text boxes. Although the language is colorful, the dense writing style slows inexperienced readers to a crawl. Clear diagrams and cartoonlike line drawings are adjacent to the text they illustrate. There is no reason given for including the New York Public Library in the title, as there are no footnotes and the bibliography is quite general. No attempt is made to tie the questions and answers together; it's simply a collection of information. Other books in this format include 101 Questions and Answers About Our Planet Earth (Facts on File, 1995), Tom Stacy's Earth, Sea and Sky (Random, 1991), and Bridget and Neil Ardley's Arco Book of 1001 Questions and Answers (Arco, 1984; o.p.). The scattershot approach makes this new title useful for students doing reports on the specific topics covered, but does not provide the overall perspective necessary for true understanding.?Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 4^-7. How hot is lava? What are fossils? What causes a rainbow? These and other questions commonly asked of professionals at the New York Public Library get their due in this accessible, fact-rich book for the science-minded. Although the answers are not always sufficient to serve report writers, they are clear and succinct enough to set curious kids on the right track. Maps and charts are included, and boxed insets expand on the main ideas covered. Questions dealing with the beginning of the universe lead off, with succeeding chapters covering earthquakes, volcanoes, oceans, and various weather conditions.
Stephanie Zvirin