Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

What amazing things could be made from the very tiniest building blocks?Physicist Wade provides an introduction to the science of new and to-be-discovered materials based on nanotechnology. "Everything is made out of something," she begins, starting with a general, macro look at the world around us. Materials like paper, wood, metal, cotton, glass have different attributes: "light, heavy, strong, or flexible." The way that atoms, or elements, are "mixed together" creates the attributes of the resulting material. Carbon, a "very important element" in the human body and "in every living thing," can be found on its own as graphite, as in the soft substance in a pencil. One layer of carbon atoms makes up a new substance called graphene-"the strongest material known to human beings. If you made a tightrope out of graphene, an elephant could walk along it without breaking it." Castrillón's whimsical art is intriguingly paired with the subject matter, incorporating both the explanatory and speculative, using fine lines that seem delicate but are also robust-light but muscular, just like the materials Wade describes. Graphene and other nanomaterials have astonishing applications both current (lighter airplanes, self-washing windows) and potential (sieves that could make ocean water drinkable; nervelike connections that could help blind people see). (This book was reviewed digitally.)A marvelous spark for the imagination and motivation to learn more. (further information, index) (Informational picture book. 4-9)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Wed Sep 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

Gr 1-4 Using clear, down-to-earth language, a friendly writing style, and a touch of humor, this book explains the nature of nanosciencethe study of very, very small materials. The explanations are perfect for young readers. They begin with what children know ("Look around your home. Everything is made out of something") and then proceed to introduce words readers need to know such as atom, molecule, graphite, grapheme, and nanomaterial. The author doesn't hesitate to speak directly to the reader. After explaining that everything on Earth is made from atoms, she writes, "Stop: read that last sentence again. It's a gigantic idea to get your head around, but it's too important to skip over." The written content is presented using engaging and effective examples that are well-supported by the illustrations. A discussion of how nanoscience is a work in progress discusses how graphene, a material made from a single layer of graphite, is already being used to make lighter airplanes that require less fuel and emit less pollution and windowpanes that wash themselves using only sunlight. The illustrations show "Before" and "After" pictures of both planes and windows. Throughout the book, readers are also told about the nature of sciencehow discoveries are often preceded by years of failure, that exciting discoveries are yet to come, and that these discoveries might even be made by the reader. VERDICT An excellent book for getting young children interested in science, this supports classroom studies of matter, the work of scientists, and the possibilities of future discoveries. Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York

ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

It's incredible to think that everything in the world is made up of smaller parts. In some cases, it's easy to see: a book has pages of paper, and a bedspread is made of cotton, but what makes up the things that make up other things? Everything in the physical world is made up of atoms. It's a huge (tiny) topic to tackle, but Wade, a physicist, breaks the topic down into delightful morsels, introducing young readers to the wonders of nanoscience. The book follows a spritely, blue-haired girl around her colorful world as basic concepts of physical matter are established: atoms, molecules, elements. Once those ideas are in play, Wade delves even further into the scientific possibilities surrounding the use of nanomaterials, from new environmental technologies to medical breakthroughs. Castrillón's intricate illustrations are vibrant and inviting, equally adept at capturing whimsical landscapes and detailed scientific explanations. An appealing and enlightening introduction to the small parts of a big universe.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

What amazing things could be made from the very tiniest building blocks?Physicist Wade provides an introduction to the science of new and to-be-discovered materials based on nanotechnology. "Everything is made out of something," she begins, starting with a general, macro look at the world around us. Materials like paper, wood, metal, cotton, glass have different attributes: "light, heavy, strong, or flexible." The way that atoms, or elements, are "mixed together" creates the attributes of the resulting material. Carbon, a "very important element" in the human body and "in every living thing," can be found on its own as graphite, as in the soft substance in a pencil. One layer of carbon atoms makes up a new substance called graphene-"the strongest material known to human beings. If you made a tightrope out of graphene, an elephant could walk along it without breaking it." Castrillón's whimsical art is intriguingly paired with the subject matter, incorporating both the explanatory and speculative, using fine lines that seem delicate but are also robust-light but muscular, just like the materials Wade describes. Graphene and other nanomaterials have astonishing applications both current (lighter airplanes, self-washing windows) and potential (sieves that could make ocean water drinkable; nervelike connections that could help blind people see). (This book was reviewed digitally.)A marvelous spark for the imagination and motivation to learn more. (further information, index) (Informational picture book. 4-9)