Review by Booklist Review
A scientific catalog as elegantly organized as the periodic table deserves a book to match, and this smart and stylish guide is just that, breaking down a potentially overwhelming amount of material into beautifully bite-size bits that give each element its due. After a brief but not insignificant introduction to the overall concepts of elements and the periodic table itself, each member of the table gets the same treatment: an attractive two-page spread containing a wealth of information. One text-filled page gives descriptions of an element's properties, atomic structure, and other attributes, and the opposing page presents strikingly illustrated forms and usage. Gillingham's (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, 2016) vibrant drawings are spare and stylized, sometimes wonderfully reminiscent of Charley Harper's older biological drawings. Thomas has an obvious affection and admiration for the subject, and the excitement carries over into the text, which is never stilted but always friendly and familiar. Readers can immerse themselves in the material for hours or simply dip in and out at random; the book lends itself beautifully to either approach. Helpful back matter includes further reading, a glossary, and detailed index. Truly an exceptional introduction to the periodic table and all its wonders.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6--9--With accessible language by Thomas and colorful, delightfully clean and simple graphics rendered by Gillingham, this title takes readers on a tour of the periodic table. The text begins with the basics of what elements and compounds are and where they come from and then moves through an illustrated treatment of each element of the table. Elements are grouped by commonalities. For each element, one page is devoted to describing the element, its history in terms of significance to humans, and why it behaves the way it does. A second page depicts and details its forms and uses. The writing compellingly balances scientific language and sincere wonder. VERDICT Thomas and Gillingham provide an approachable and fun resource, making this title a wonderful supplementary text for a middle school science class or a great independent read for a curious young chemist.--Mallory Weber, Convent of the Sacred Heart, NY
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An illustrated guide to the periodic table and all 118 discovered elements. Chic, minimalist illustrations and clear, engaging text combine in a striking and attractive design. An introduction describes elements ("the building blocks of everything"), chemistry ("the scientific study of all the different substances we find around us"), and the periodic table ("an important map, telling chemists and other scientists where to look when they are trying to answer a question, invent a new material, or solve a problem"). In the chapters that follow, based on categories that group similar elements together, each element gets a two-page spread of its own. One page shows the element's atomic diagram, key properties, and main sources together with several paragraphs about its history and characteristics. The second page shows illustrations of the element's significant forms, like "gemstones" for aluminum (rubies and sapphires are aluminum oxide crystals), and uses, such as "violet fireworks" for rubidium. Some less-common elements have shorter sections. Clean lines, scrupulous organization, and a palette based in primary colors present this complex information in a simple and pleasing way. Included with depictions of several White European scientists is an illustration of African American chemist James Andrew Harris. Written with infectious enthusiasm for science, the text also acknowledges the hard truth about technology: "Many of the elements used to make smartphones and other devices are quickly running out. Mining and using what is left is putting tremendous pressure on our planet." Could make a chemist out of anyone. (tables of elemental properties, recommended sources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 8-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
