BOUNCE! A SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF RUBBER, by Sarah Albee and Eileen Ryan Ewen, Charlesbridge, Oct. 22, 2024, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 6-9)
Discover the who, what, when, where and why of rubber in Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber, by Sarah Albee and Eileen Ryan Ewen.
Ever wondered what makes rubber bounce? Or why it’s stretchy? And WHY is rubber so . . . rubbery?! Learn the facinating science and history behind this ubiquitous material!
With sidebars, graphics, fun facts, and more, the history of rubber reveals plenty of fascinating secrets and surprises. Readers will discover that early balls didn’t bounce; that people in the rainforest made waterproof gear from rubber thousands of years before Europeans got into the act; and that sneakers, bicycles, and cars created demand for more and more rubber!
Back matter includes a time line and a bit about the complicated implications of harvesting rubber. —Synopsis provided by Charlesbridge
At first glance, Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber seems pretty simple, maybe even too simple for the suggested age range of 6-9, but as the book progresses, the science comes into play, making for an engaging and informative read.
Author Sarah Albee mixes the science and history providing interesting tidbits for readers with varying interests. For example, Albee details when people began to stretch rubber, using it for boots and balloons. Then, she tells readers why rubber is stretchy.
Now, some of the science stuff could be confusing. That’s where Eileen Ryan Ewen comes in. Her artwork on the science pages really helps illustrate the whys and hows behind rubber. But that’s not all. Ewen takes on different historical periods with ease, helping readers place rubber in the present and the past.
Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber is a fascinating nonfiction picture book that has broad appeal.
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