The Science Book for Girls: and Other Intelligent Beings (Books for Girls)
Grade 3-5.  This book begins with a fictional story of a girl and her scientific "fairy godmother" Nora, who helps her explore everyday activities through experimentation. Activities include examining the effect of milk on different kinds of cereal, measuring air humidity with a hair hygrometer, and using chromatography to separate the colors in ink pens. In the segment that discusses food digestion, Wyatt does a nice job of simplifying the process and defining terms such as bolus, chyme, and peristalsis. Introductions to female scientists such as Mary Leakey and Sally Ride appear throughout the book, as do lesser-known women such as geologist Cathie Hickson and zoologist Melanie Watt, exposing readers to different careers in science. The text is decorated with watercolor illustrations and Nora bears some resemblance to Ms. Frizzle from the "Magic School Bus" series (Scholastic). The experiments are clear, easy to follow, and achievable for the intended audience. Procedures are illustrated, and sample charts will help readers to develop their own charts to map results. Wyatt also includes some helpful suggestions for adults on how to share science with girls in everyday situations. Overall, a well-done book that will be enjoyable and useful to both girls and boys.?Katherine Borchert, Arlington Central Library, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.