A Black Hole Is NOT A Hole

Brandi Meineke, Collection Development Specialist at Booksource

2/25/2013 10:27:22 AM
If a black hole is not really a hole, then what is it? Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano and Michael Carroll pair their writing and artistic talents to answer this question in this engaging and informative text.



Each chapter starts with an intriguing heading and a beautiful image that illustrates the concept of black holes in science. Useful text features help to support learning and do not distract from the main text. DeCristofano does a great job of introducing basic concepts before diving into more complex ones. For example, one of the first things in the book is a diagram of numbers showing the place value relationships from one hundred to a nonillion—a one with thirty zeros behind it. Without this explanation, it would be very difficult for readers to visualize the astronomical distances being discussed.

DeCristofano acknowledges that black holes are very hard to comprehend and that they are mysterious—even scientists have many questions about them! This acknowledgement will help keep readers from becoming frustrated if they find the ideas are hard to grasp. After explaining the difference between Newton’s and Einstein’s theories of gravity, the author tells the reader that although Einstein’s theory is more comprehensive, many scientists still use Newton’s because it is less complex and still an accurate model to follow for some cases.

While recommended as an informational text for late elementary through middle school, older readers will enjoy this book too and can learn a great deal from it. High school Science teachers will find this book to be a valuable resource for their students. DeCristofano does an excellent job of relating readers to a very complex concept. Filled with useful analogies and enlightening illustrations, readers will come away with a better understanding of the theories behind the universe.

Emma Williams, Collection Development Specialist at Booksource

10/26/2012 10:22:10 AM
Although certain things about black holes still baffle the mind, I certainly have a better understaning of these mysterious "holes" in our universe! I la-la-LOVED the illustrations and would have been lost without them as they really helped reinforce the ideas in the text. DeCristofano does a fantastic job of making real-world comparison and analogies that make these tough concepts clearer. A must read informational text for grades 4-7!