Killer Rocks from Outer Space: Asteroids, Comets, and Meteorites(Discovery)

Grade 5-8--An attractive and readable look at planetary impacts by comets, asteroids, and meteorites. While Koppes focuses on the possibility of future impacts on Earth and the danger they present, his writing is not as sensationalistic as the title. The text describes historic impacts, including the recent collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy into Jupiter and evidence of past impacts on Earth, such as Meteor Crater and the Tunguska event, and on other planets. Impact scars on Earth and how scientists recognize them are covered. Related subjects include the extinction of dinosaurs, the lesser-known Permian extinction, and the possibility that past impacts delivered to Earth the chemical building blocks of life. Information on the Martian meteorites is included but neglects to explain how astronomers identified their place of origin. Final passages include recent and planned space missions to observe comets and asteroids, and proposals to protect Earth from future collisions. Informative color photos and other graphics enhance the utilitarian text. Raman Prinja's Comets, Asteroids and Meteors (Heinemann Library, 2002) describes smaller heavenly bodies but does not assemble as much detail on the story of past and probability of coming impacts as effectively.--Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH
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Gr. 7-10. With its Star Wars-like cover and zany title, this book might lead one to believe it's a wild take on astronomy. Not so, although the "killer rock" topic will certainly interest many readers. Koppes packs a wealth of facts into this modest-size volume, including information about how to recognize meteorites, impact craters, and scars; connections to dinosaur extinction; and the methods scientists are using to defend the Earth from cosmic disasters. The sophisticated language and the scientific terms (there's a glossary) won't suit reluctant readers, nor will the fairly text-heavy layout, although maps, diagrams, charts, and photographs do break up the text. Better readers, however, will find lots for reports or for personal interest. Included is a map of impact sites around the world, and a list of Web sites and further readings are appended. Jennifer Locke
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