Fault Lines & Tectonic Plates

December 12, 2016
Reilly provides a detailed examination of the movements of tectonic plates, and the effects of those movements, in this addition to the Built It Yourself series. Throughout, Reilly poses relevant questions (“Are there any benefits to earthquakes? Do they serve a valuable purpose for our planet?”), discusses scientists’ hypotheses about Earth, and invites readers to get involved via 25 activities, which include cooking molten rock candy, making a cardboard box seismograph, and creating a Jackson Pollack–style painting of an erupting volcano. Thompson’s cartoon spot illustrations break up the book’s substantial text. It’s a solid starting point for readers interested in Earth’s geology. Ages 9–12.

February 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-Reilly uses the theory of plate tectonics to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, and more in this comprehensive look at earth science. Each chapter concludes with several hands-on activities to encourage understanding of the concepts discussed. They vary in quality (some are recycled from the author's 2012 Natural Disasters: Investigate Earth's Most Destructive Forces with 25 Projects), but they are effective at encouraging readers to come up with their own ideas and solutions. "Words To Know" are defined in sidebars on each page. One standout feature is the primary source boxes, which use QR codes to link to videos, maps, and documents. Reassuringly, the author has provided a list of links for those without QR code capabilities, and search terms are suggested in case of broken links. The volume covers a lot of ground in a conversational tone and avoids sounding dry or textbooklike. One drawback is that at times there are no visuals when they would be helpful, and most of the images are simplistic drawings.

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