MythBusters: Don't Try This at Home
Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman are the Mythbusters starring in the eponymous Discovery Channel show and their images embellish the cover of this colorful paperback authored by popular science writer Packard. Fifteen intriguing episodes that challenge commonly held myths and urban legends have been excerpted from the broadcasts and incorporated here. Does running in the rain keep you drier than walking? Does a sinking ship pull swimmers down with it? Along with careful scientific scrutiny of these questions, lots of good-natured humor, witty props, and gadgets are employed to enthrall youthful readers. Each chapter includes a guide for safe "at home" experiments along with a brainbuster quiz challenging commonly held notions about the subject. Of course, answers are provided at the back, along with a glossary, an index, and a listing of web sites. The comic-book layout with its incandescent palette of reds, yellows, and brilliant blues should be graphically appealing to the visually oriented preadolescent population. Suitable for all public and junior high-school libraries.—Rita Hoots, Woodland Coll., CA (Library Journal, March 15, 2006)