Turn It Loose: The Scientists in Absolutely Everybody

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

Turn It Loose is written from the rather odd premise that if you
redefine the term “science” to encompass virtually every
intellectual activity, then everyone is born a scientist. We should all
be comfortable with that, and we should practice it. For Swanson, the
definition of “scientific” activities includes connecting sounds,

locating patterns, questioning, investigating, comparing, observing,
analyzing, and figuring things out. By making this sweeping
generalization, she can include just about anyone who has ever done
anything significant in her book of “scientists.”

She does include some of the usual great scientists, such as Charles
Darwin, Marie Curie, and Michael Faraday. But Swanson also includes as
exemplary scientists individuals whom most readers would probably be
surprised to find in this context, such as writer Beatrix Potter,
musician Louis Armstrong, and hockey player Wayne Gretzky.

Apart from this strange construct, Swanson’s general message—that
individuals should use and improve on the strengths that they
possess—is a laudable one. Each of the biographies is well written and
enjoyable. Swanson begins each one by giving us only the individual’s
first name, so that our reading of the person’s history is not clouded
by our pre-knowledge of that person; this allows the reader to identify
more closely with the subject.

Preteens will enjoy the “Brainplay” activities that encourage them
to exercise some of the characteristics that Swanson’s
“scientists” demonstrate, such as analysis, problem solving, record
keeping, and estimating. Recommended.