If you know any young readers who are fascinated with space, then you need to share a copy of this book with them. As the cover shows, the content answers 84 different questions. Those Q&A are grouped by topic such as the solar system, life as an astronaut, and alien life. Each question is followed by three possible answers, which allows readers to make their best guess before reading any further. For the impatient, there is a quick answer from among the multiple-choice options. Then the "amazing answer" discusses the details in depth for a couple of paragraphs. There is also a diagram or image to accompany each question.
Some questions and answers are followed by the definition of a "useful science word, explained in plain language." This term might be something like "thought experiment," "observable universe," or "galaxy" that was used in the answer to the question on that page. There are also additional "amazing facts" such as the possibility of completely different rules of nature in a multiverse. Occasionally there are suggestions to try things such as experimenting with sound waves or a note about a "big idea" like "Space doesn't have one single temperature." Some pages even offer additional "DID YOU KNOW?" fun facts such as "The dark side of the Moon" is a misleading name!"
Diagrams explain axial tilt and its relation to seasons, spaghettification of a spaceship entering a black hole, and possible ways to slow a craft for a Mars landing, among other things. Images include breathtaking views of the Pillars of Creation, the remains of Cassiopeia A, and an artists' conception of a Mars base. Nonfiction features such as a table of contents, glossary (gathering all the new words into one place), a list of sources and websites for further exploration, and image credits are also provided.
This type of book is versatile because it can be read cover to cover or dipped into for answers to specific questions or to satisfy curiosity about a particular aspect of space science. Youngsters could even use it to quiz each other on their knowledge using the questions and multiple-choice answers. I appreciate that the final thought in the text encourages readers to keep asking questions and learning new things. "REMEMBER There are still giant questions left in the universe. Some of them may be yours."
I received a complimentary digital review copy in return for my honest, independent opinion.
The paperback is available on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/
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