Invisible Exposure: Science of Ultraviolet Rays

Stille, Darlene R. Invisible Exposure: Science of Ultraviolet Rays
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 48p 27.99
978-0-7565-4215-3 ms VG
Headline Science (Capstone)
This title examines the issue of UV rays as the author discusses both the problems that they cause as well as their current usefulness for medicine and science. Stille details the harm UV rays do to human skin and eyes and cautions the reader to use sun block and sun glasses. There is also a section about tanning beds that have become very popular with young adults yet can trigger cancer problems. Stille also discusses the flip side of UV rays and how they have been helpful in treating diseases, developing green science, and furthering the science of astronomy. Many clear, color photographs highlight the text along with side bars and charts. They are all placed appropriately within the text and are helpful to the understanding of the issue. Some of the photographs are what some young readers would call “gross” because they are unflinching pictures of what UV rays could do to skin. The format for this title includes a brief timeline that starts in 1704 and goes up to 2009. In addition, there is a glossary and a list of other informative books. As for the Internet, this book points to facthound.com, a safe but limited source that might appeal to the younger readers for whom this book is intended. Source notes and an index round out this book. Although this is written at around the 6th grade level, it could be useful as a high interest title for upper grades. It could be compared to a decent article on the internet in terms of information.
Although this book is written at around the 6th grade level, it could be useful as a high interest title for upper grades. It could be compared to a decent article on the internet in terms of information. Weinraub, Tina