The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry: 24 Experiments for Young Scientists

This substantial chemistry primer (following The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science) explores complex concepts in an approachable, graphics-laden format. Connolly’s first 20 chapters focus on a single element per section—discussing each element’s discovery and attributes, and concluding with an experiment. Later chapters round up the “Dirty Dozen,” denoting elements too dangerous for experimentation. Connolly writes with light humor that serves to spark readers’ natural curiosity: “Red phosphorous is the most common form of the element, and it is the only phosphorus that you’ll ever come across—unless you’re really unlucky.” The experiments are accessible and intriguing: “Playing Cat Detective” invites readers to use a black lightbulb to detect cat urine (it contains phosphorus, which glows under ultraviolet light, Connolly explains). Charts and sidebars offer visual variety to weightier sections of text, and playful illustrations anthropomorphize the elements (hydrogen resembles a bearded wizard). This is a lively, hands-on introduction to chemistry. Ages 9–up. (Nov.)