Reviewed by annieb123 on
Supersimple Chemistry is a resource guide for learning and studying chemistry. Due out 23rd June 2020 from Penguin/Random House on their DK imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. As almost always with DK's offerings, I was blown away by the detailed, clear, and solidly expert photography. Every photo is well rendered and easy to follow. The supportive text is also clear and accessible.
This is a well written, factual, science based introduction to chemistry aimed at middle grades and up. The book introduces basic concepts starting with the scientific method and critical thinking skills, through basic chemistry: atoms, structure, isotopes, mixtures, solubility, etc and followed by chapters on elements and the periodic table, structure and bonding, states of matter, nanoscience, quantitative analysis, acids, metals, electrochemistry, rates of reaction, and even (surprisingly to me) a solid introduction to organic chemistry.
The graphics and formatting are top notch. There are color sidebars with explanatory details and side information. "Key Facts" sidebars also give bullet lists of salient points in easily remembered and digested one sentence capsules of information. Photographs and explanations cover all the concepts from lab safety to an overview of geochemistry.
Especially now that remote & self study have become so important, this would make a worthy addition to the student's home library. This book and its sister volume are written under the auspices of the Smithsonian.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 14 June, 2020: Finished reading
- 14 June, 2020: Reviewed