Pluto: From Planet to Dwarf

A True Book

by Elaine Landau

Describes Pluto compared to the planets previously known; explains how similar objects in space beyond Pluto made scientists decide to reclassify it as a dwarf planet; and discusses its moons and space probes sent to explore it.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Astronomy, Space

48 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 2007

Reviews

[Julesmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is for the whole series. Astronomy is one of the science units in my 3rd grade curriculum, so I decided to use it as an opportunity to help the students learn how to do research. I purchased 3 different sets of books on the solar system, and I have to say this was by far my favorite. The facts are useful and easily accessible, the tougher vocabulary words are bolded and every picture has an informative or fun caption.

Additionally, this was the only series which covered missions sent to each planet, something covered in our unit but hard to find in books designed for children.

Lovely series!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pluto: From Planet to Dwarf would be a nice addition to any school library or classroom; particularly 5th grade when the solar system is covered. Many people were sad when Pluto got "kicked off" the planet list, this book does a good job of describing all the quirky ways Pluto differs from the planets.

After reading this I can't wait for the spacecraft New Horizons to bring back images from Pluto. It is scheduled to reach the dwarf planet in 2015 (having left Earth in 2006).

[Andreia]

Just think I can actually say... "When I was young... Pluto was a planet"

[Seung Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it to my five year old. He likes this series and liked this book as well. Informative...