Discover's 20 Things You Didn't Know About Everything

July 1, 2008
Adult/High School-More than mere trivia, less than true science, this book is based on "Discover"'s popular monthly column of nearly the same title, "20 Things You Didn't Know About." The first thing the editors do is apologize for the volume's title, calling it "absurd." ""Everything"" is indeed misleading: "20 Things about 20 Things" is spot-on accurate. The topics range widely and are presented one to a chapter in alphabetical order, from airport security to weather, with bees, duct tape, meteors, rats, and sleep among those in between. The subjects fall into the categories of technology, health, and nature more so than hard science. Written with wit and humor, the entries are fun to read and easy to understand, demanding no scientific background. For most teens, the selections will prove to be things they truly did not know. Where is the most likely spot for alien life in the solar system? What did the ancient Greeks use to treat battlefield wounds? And that tape of a zillion uses: Is it duct tape or duck tape? The answers to these and many more, similar questions can be found in this entertaining compilation."Robert Saunderson, Berkeley Public Library, CA"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.