Book Review: Fun Science by Charlie McDonnell Book Review

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Book received at no charge to facilitate review.

You Tube star, Charlie McDonnell thinks science is awesome and he's found a way to make a "Big Bang" with his first book. From the formation of the universe to the inner workings of your body, McDonnell covers a vast array of scientific topics with easy to understand facts. Written from a science fan's point of view instead of a scientist helps the younger reader get a grasp on basic principles.

McDonnell has a way of making facts fun by adding jokes and side notes along the way. For example when he adds the side note, "This rock is deep,, man...it has many layers," it makes it easy for the reader to visualize the concept of a layers of a sedimentary rock.

The best part of Fun Science is that it doesn't have to be read from front to back like a novel. The reader can choose the subject that is the most interesting and start in the middle if he chooses. While the high school or college science enthusiast might find some of the concepts to basic, the budding young scientist will love the introduction to all things science. A fun book that might light the path of  a future astronomer, doctor, geologist, or researcher.

Rating:★★★★☆

Publishing Information

Publisher: Quadrille Publishing (October 18, 2016)

ISBN 978-1849498029

Hardcover: 224 pages

This book can be purchase through Amazon:

BOOK REVIEW: Itch: The Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter:

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**FTC Disclosure: I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. My opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources**

Itchingham "Itch" Lofte didn't mean to burn off his eyebrows. He also didn't mean to send his whole science class to the hospital with arsenic poisoning. When you take up a dangerous hobby like collecting elements from the periodic table, those things are inevitable. 

When Itch acquires a super radioactive rock, not yet discovered by scientists, he ends up in a harrowing adventure that makes his previous mishaps seem minor. The head of the science department confirms the rock is actually element number 126, one not ever seen before. It turns out scientists, as well as terrorist groups from all over the world, want the rock and the unsavory ones will stop at nothing to get it. With the help of his sister Chloe, female cousin Jack and even a beloved science teach, Itch races against death to make sure the new element does not fall in the wrong hands. When Itch tries to track down Cake, the element dealer he acquired the first rock from, he discovers the rock is not the only one. Unfortunately, there are seven more.The realization of the just how dangerous the element really is, gives Itch an urgency to keep it from those who want it.

 Itch exhibits an amazing level of maturity and moral courage, instantly elevating his status from science geek to reluctant hero. 

Simon Mayo's debut novel is one of the best adventures for middle schoolers I have read in years with an original premise and non-stop action that will have the reader on the edge of his seat. Strong female characters will appeal to girls as well. For ages 10-14 but overlaps into the young adult group.

Who knew that the periodic table could be so exciting? 

 Highly Recommended

Publishing Information:

Publisher: Splinter (April 2013)

Pages: 432 (hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4549-0509-7

This book can be purchased from the following retailers: