Tantalizingly introduces readers to far-flung scientific wonders.
A rare look at our astronomical neighborhood’s outermost reaches.
Even top-tier solar system tours seldom devote more than glances beyond the known planets to the outlying Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud. But as Miller reports in enough specific detail to satisfy even demanding young sky watchers, recent observations have revealed quite a lot going on out there—from new dwarf planets and excitingly strange interstellar visitors like ‘Oumuamua to immense swirling waves caused by interactions between solar winds and cosmic dust. The author threads in recaps of the solar system’s formation and the history of our search for the outer planets (persuasively explaining the position of most planetary scientists that Pluto is a regular, not a dwarf, planet) and closes with annotated lists of helpful print and web resources to launch further investigations. All of this he enhances with a mix of astrophotos and his own schematic diagrams of orbits and magnetic fields as well as photorealistic depictions of space probes, comets, and relevant celestial phenomena. There are no human figures in view, but all of the dwarf planets found to date line up for (as it were) star turns. This inviting work is perspective adjusting, particularly for readers who haven’t imagined much beyond a star, a handful of planets, and a few extra rocks.
Tantalizingly introduces readers to far-flung scientific wonders. (glossary, source notes, bibliography, index, photo credits) (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 978-1-72847-534-9
Page Count: 104
Publisher: Twenty-First Century/Lerner
Review Posted Online: Nov. 28, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Small but mighty necessary reading.
A miniature manifesto for radical queer acceptance that weaves together the personal and political.
Eli, a cis gay white Jewish man, uses his own identities and experiences to frame and acknowledge his perspective. In the prologue, Eli compares the global Jewish community to the global queer community, noting, “We don’t always get it right, but the importance of showing up for other Jews has been carved into the DNA of what it means to be Jewish. It is my dream that queer people develop the same ideology—what I like to call a Global Queer Conscience.” He details his own isolating experiences as a queer adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish community and reflects on how he and so many others would have benefitted from a robust and supportive queer community. The rest of the book outlines 10 principles based on the belief that an expectation of mutual care and concern across various other dimensions of identity can be integrated into queer community values. Eli’s prose is clear, straightforward, and powerful. While he makes some choices that may be divisive—for example, using the initialism LGBTQIAA+ which includes “ally”—he always makes clear those are his personal choices and that the language is ever evolving.
Small but mighty necessary reading. (resources) (Nonfiction. 14-18)Pub Date: June 2, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-09368-9
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: March 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change.
Testa’s connection to and respect for nature compelled her to begin championing animal causes at the age of 10, and this desire to have an impact later propelled her to dedicate her life to fighting plastic pollution. Starting with the history of plastic and how it’s produced, Testa acknowledges the benefits of plastics for humanity but also the many ways it harms our planet. Instead of relying on recycling—which is both insufficient and ineffective—she urges readers to follow two additional R’s: “refuse” and “raise awareness.” Readers are encouraged to do their part, starting with small things like refusing to use plastic straws and water bottles and eventually working up to using their voices to influence business and policy change. In the process, she highlights other youth advocates working toward the same cause. Short chapters include personal examples, such as observations of plastic pollution in Mauritius, her maternal grandparents’ birthplace. Testa makes her case not only against plastic pollution, but also for the work she’s done, resulting in something of a college-admissions–essay tone. Nevertheless, the first-person accounts paired with science will have an impact on readers. Unfortunately, no sources are cited and the lack of backmatter is a missed opportunity.
Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change. (Nonfiction. 12-18)Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2020
ISBN: 978-0-593-22333-8
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: July 26, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2020
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