That Bull Is Seeing Red!: Science's Biggest Mistakes about Animals and Plants (Science Gets It Wrong)

Gr 4-6-Focusing on scientific misconceptions throughout the centuries, each compact volume reveals how scientists have debunked the erroneous claims of the past through persistence, further inquiry, and use of the scientific method. Concise narratives work well with photos and graphic images to convey the history of scientific thought while reminding readers that with advancements in science and technology, today's facts could just as easily be proven inaccurate in the future. Captions and sidebars provide additional information and context, and many entries contain highlighted words that are briefly defined at the bottom of the page. Although each volume has its merits, Your Head Shape Reveals Your Personality! stands out due in large part to the subject matter-the human body-and its gross-out potential.For the most part, the upcoming slate of science books for young and middle-grade readers provides an above-average reading experience, vivid photography, and ample opportunities for critical thinking and independent research. Rourke's "How It Works" makes complex ideas understandable for young readers, while middle-grade students will find Franklin Watts's "You Wouldn't Want to Live Without" to be an interesting mix of history and humor. Crabtree's "Ecosystems Inside Out" is part rallying cry, part travel guide that may inspire future activists to take a stand on environmental issues that threaten the planet. Similarly, Capstone's "Weather Aware" is commendable for its straightforward explanations that aim to inform, not scare, young readers about the potential dangers of extreme weather. The majority of the remaining series would be welcome additions as replacements for outdated material or as collection boosters.α(c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.