Looking Up!

June 1, 2017

Gr 2-4-Information about our solar system is presented in a readable chapter book, but most of the material is old news; however, the emphasis on stargazing is timely considering the 2017 solar eclipse. Short chapters focus on the basics: the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, and meteors and comets. A final chapter on solar and lunar eclipses is detailed, offering not just facts but also historical context and important tips on viewing a solar eclipse safely. The text flows smoothly, and the comic illustrations will appeal to kids, although readers will need strong vocabulary and comprehension skills to absorb the content. The information is up-to-date, and the chapter on eclipses makes the volume worth adding to the collection, since it can be difficult to find accurate, accessible books about an event that was last experienced in 1918. VERDICT A general purchase for those seeking information on the August 2017 solar eclipse for strong chapter book readers.-Casey O'Leary, Mooresville Public Library, IN

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