The Handy Science Answer Book

December 1, 2019

What causes thunder? Rapidly expanding air releasing energy as sound. What is unusual about the fish tapeworm? It is the largest cestode to infect humans, and can reach 66 feet long. This updated entry in the "Handy Answers" series tackles frequently asked questions along with those that editors and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh librarians Bobick and Balaban find intriguing. Occasional illustrations clarify the straightforward text, which includes updated statistics, and entries such as the Insight Mars mission and STEM-related topics. VERDICT More for dabblers than researchers, this is an enjoyable way for the scientifically inclined to while away a few hours.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
This update of the 2010 edition offers a plethora of fun facts along with brief scientific explanations. Arranged into 14 sections, the book provides information on general science, mathematics, biology, ecology, zoology, genetics, and more. As the title implies, information is presented in a question and answer format. Most of the answers range in length from one to two paragraphs. Statistical charts have been updated throughout, including the chart on the warmest years ever featured in the chapter on Meteorology and Climatology. Other updates since the 4th edition include the listing of new elements on the periodic table and the list of upcoming solar eclipses. Black-and-white photographs, charts, and images are included throughout the text. Boxed areas highlight interesting questions. The book concludes with a list of materials for further reading arranged by format (books, periodicals, and websites) that has been updated since the previous edition, as well as a comprehensive index. This informative and entertaining title would be a popular choice for school and public libraries.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)