Grade 4-7. These series titles provide clear explanations of astronomical phenomena that many youngsters may experience firsthand. Aronson discusses both solar and lunar eclipses, topics rarely covered for children apart from general works on the solar system, the sun, or the moon. Helpful diagrams and photographs are well placed and captioned. Several historical examples are cited to demonstrate the effect these events had on people who did not understand them. Meteors offers a clear and concise explanation of a more common phenomenon. Both text and glossary make the meanings of "meteoroid," "meteor," and "meteorite" readily understandable. The well-chosen photographs of assorted meteorites and their effects will appeal to readers. Both books include brief lists for further reading (two and four titles respectively) and two Internet sites. Libraries will still want Patricia Lauber's Voyagers from Space (Crowell, 1989) for slightly older children, and Seymour Simon's Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids (Morrow, 1994), but Aronson's books will prove useful for report writers and budding astronomers alike.?Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Gr. 4^-6. Aronson carefully explains the differences between meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids in this introduction to shooting stars. Using concrete, easy-to-understand examples and comparisons, he defines a variety of scientific concepts and terms, which are presented in italics and reappear in a glossary. Full-page color and black-and-white photographs and diagrams complement the text and contribute additional information. The final chapter notes the best dates to view meteor showers. The attractive design and clearly written, interesting text make this a good choice for personal as well as school use. In fact, science teachers may want to add the book to their classroom collections. Chris Sherman
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