Messengers, Morse Code, and Modems

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Does lightning go up or down? Why does slithering make some snakes go
forward and others go sideways? What is the connection between a
galloping pony and the modem on a computer? Why is ice slippery? How can
hot peppers be used in medicine? What kind of beeswax is somebody’s
business? What mysterious force can cook your dinner, chill your
dessert, and peek inside your stomach to find out if you swallowed your
fork? These are just some of the strange questions readers will be able
to answer after reading this playful yet informative Science@work
series.

Each book in the 12–volume set focuses on a particular scientific
phenomenon. Boomerangs, Blades, and Basketballs answers sports
questions. Scales, Slime, and Salamanders looks at reptiles and
amphibians. Wings, Wheels, and Keels is about transportation.
Cockroaches, Cocoons, and Honeycombs explores the insect world around
us. Engines, Elevators, and X Rays describes machines in our society.
Forgeries, Fingerprints, and Forensics investigates crime science. The
theme of Messengers, Morse Code, and Modems is communication. Sunburns,
Twisters, and Thunderclaps explains the weather. Circuits, Shocks, and
Lightning examines electricity. Allergies, Asthma, and Exercise focuses
on health. Peppers, Popcorn, and Pizza deals with food. Comets,
Stardust, and Supernovas discusses the universe.

As you might discern from the whimsical titles, these books are
designed not only to teach science but also to be a fun read. All of the
volumes follow the same basic format: eight chapters per book plus a
glossary and index. The first chapter, “Finding Links,” deals with
four themes: society, the environment, technology, and careers. At least
three or four full-color illustrations support each page of text. Two
pages of “Fast Facts” in each book provide the reader with a barrage
of quick-and-quirky facts about the subject. This section is followed by
a quiz, a bibliography, and a list of Web sites covering the same theme.
Individually or as a set, the Science@work books are a delightful way to
introduce young readers to science. Highly recommended.