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Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction!

(Basher Science)

Simon Basher,

Dan Green

4.29 · Rating details · 294 ratings · 10 reviews

Discover the secrets of chemistry, and learn about the properties of matter and the ways in which they interact, combine and change. Chemistry is a compelling guide to a community of characters who make up everything around us.

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Paperback, 128 pages

Published July 6th 2010 by Kingfisher (first published January 1st 2010)

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· 294 ratings · 10 reviews

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Start your review of Chemistry: Getting a Big Reaction! (Basher Science)

Jan 15, 2021 Jon Nakapalau rated it it was amazing

Shelves: childrens-books, comics, favorites, science

Love this series - STEMtastic book for your young scientist.

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Apr 21, 2015 Yvonne Mannion rated it really liked it

Shelves: etec545-bio-science-hi-low-how-to

Topic: An introduction to terms and concepts relating to chemistry

Summary: This book provides a very basic introduction to chemistry. It is broken down into eight chapters, plus an introduction, index, and glossary. The chapters are further identifiable by color coding. Each section within a chapter has a combination of text and cartoonish illustration, with key concepts identified by bulleted lists.

While some of the chapters have irreverent titles, such as “Nasty Boys” and “Obnoxious Organics Topic: An introduction to terms and concepts relating to chemistry

Summary: This book provides a very basic introduction to chemistry. It is broken down into eight chapters, plus an introduction, index, and glossary. The chapters are further identifiable by color coding. Each section within a chapter has a combination of text and cartoonish illustration, with key concepts identified by bulleted lists.

While some of the chapters have irreverent titles, such as “Nasty Boys” and “Obnoxious Organics,” they contain quite a bit of information in a limited amount of space. The text is written in first person, from the point of view of whatever is being discussed. Each section generally contains one page of text, containing scientific terminology written in an informal style, with a full page illustration following. The illustrations are designed for enjoyment and engagement as opposed to being strictly informational. For example, on pages 22 to 23, the Periodic Table talks about himself, and is illustrated as a smiling table, complete with legs and a strange little man standing on it.

Strengths/Weaknesses: This book would be a fun supplement for a student studying chemistry. While the style is fun and informal, quite a bit of complex vocabulary is introduced. While this is good, there is not much room for depth. The book is visually appealing, with it’s clearly laid out text and whimsical illustrations. However, while entertaining, the illustrations don’t add much conceptually.

Illustrations: The illustrations are fun to look at, but are not particularly helpful for concept development. Each concept has a related illustration in which that concept is personified. For example, melting point is portrayed as a smiling, singing, apparently melting candle, with a thermometer sticking out of the top.

Target Audience: Upper elementary to middle school aged chemistry students.

Curriculum Ties: This book would be a fun addition to a chemistry or science teacher’s classroom library. It could be used as an introduction or review of concepts, as a supplementary material.

Personal Critique: I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to classroom teachers. While the scientific vocabulary is advanced, it is embedded in simple, playful text. The illustrations are fun and approachable, and the format is appealing, making it a less intimidating option for those science-phobic students. ...more

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Dec 07, 2011 Shelbi Bishop rated it it was amazing

Shelves: concept-book

This book teaches all about different aspects of chemistry from the Mole to the property changes of matter.

This book would be great to help children, as well as adults, learn the many aspects of Chemistry!

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Mar 04, 2019 Karen rated it really liked it

This is a fun way to introduce grade-school children to Chemistry. My son loves the quirky illustrations, and I love the valuable information.

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Feb 16, 2013 Maria rated it it was amazing

I love the style. I usually don't like non-fiction but I can read these books quick and learn so much I totally recommend this entire series to every one especially people who easy good science. ...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Alex rated it really liked it

it was a pretty nice read.

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Jan 04, 2022 Shilo Quetchenbach rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-with-kiddo

Kiddo enjoyed this one, although as usual with Basher science books there was too much of an emphasis on puns and some of the more complicated concepts get overly simplified. It does give a good grounding in the basics of chemistry however and gives a jumping off point for more learning on the subject. It paired nicely with the Basher periodic table book, a more complicated periodic table book, a DK science encyclopedia, and a National Geographic chemistry set.

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May 31, 2020 Ashley rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction

A book of definitions. It jumps around and doesn't build upon the previous information. For example, it will talk about elements and processes that aren't explained until several pages later. Obviously not written by a teacher or someone who understands how learning best works. And this is not a children's book, even though the publisher says yes. It's better for teens. ...more

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