04/01/2019
Gr 3–7-In this children's adaptation of the 2017 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry Tyson introduces young readers to the creation of the universe and cosmic discoveries. He also discusses other related topics including dark matter, dark energy, and the periodic table of elements alongside plenty of personal anecdotes from his life. Chapter headings such as "How to Communicate with Aliens" will engage young readers. Dark-colored text boxes featuring white text highlight key information and interesting stories (including one on how Tycho Brahe lost his nose in a duel). In another such text box, Tyson mentions he was "warned that it would be unwise to introduce so many names and terms to young readers" in regards to the many names of matter, and then proceeds to briefly describes quarks and leptons. While the text is geared towards students, the content is still detailed and comprehensive. Tyson's dry sense of humor appears throughout. Images and diagrams are included over the course of the book, which concludes with a short glossary and an index. VERDICT Upper elementary or middle school students with an interest in the universe would be well served by this text, which offers an accessible overview of the topic while also inspiring curiosity.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA
