Isaac Newton and Gravity (Science Discoveries)

Gr 4-8--These biographies convey a good deal of information. Aristotle not only chronicles the man's major philosophies, but also gives readers a quick overview of his world and times and explains how his ideas set him apart from his contemporaries. The succinct explanation of ``dialogue'' and the chapter on Aristotle as naturalist/biologist, an area sometimes neglected in works on his life, are also noteworthy. Diversity is a strong undercurrent in Isaac Newton. While never negating the accomplishments of this physicist, Parker likewise spells out Newton's human foibles in interesting vignettes of the man's life. His late-in-life career as ``Master of the Mint''--in which he caught and sent many counterfeiters to their deaths--will be an interesting discovery to pupils who may previously have heard Newton's name only in conjunction with gravity. Although younger readers may not quite grasp the difficult concepts and myriad amounts of data presented, there is still sufficient biographical detail to make these titles viable considerations, particularly in libraries with requests for basic treatments of the subjects. Both books are illustrated with full-color photographs, illustrations, and reproductions. Augmenting their inviting format and colorful layout are glossaries of unfamiliar terms (shown in bold throughout the text) and cross-topic time lines.

Anita Palladino, Finkelstein Memorial Library, Spring Valley, NY

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