Smith-Llera, Danielle. Double Helix: How an Image Sparked the Discovery of the Secret of Life.

Smith-Llera, Danielle. Double Helix: How an Image Sparked the Discovery of the Secret of Life. Capstone Publishers 2018 64p  $34.65  ISBN 978-0-7565-5642-6  ms  VG-BNS  series: Captured Science History     

Middle-school students who enjoy learning about science will appreciate this new title in the Captured Science History series.  Written in a story-like manner, the book will give students a better understanding about the discovery of what DNA looks like through a photograph taken by Rosalind Franklin. This famous photograph was known to the world as Photo 51 and left scientists with questions to figure out about DNA. Students learn about DNA and see how scientists used Franklin’s photograph, notes and data to help solve the DNA puzzle and gain knowledge about DNA.

The author includes color photographs, interesting sidebars, a timeline of events, a glossary of terms, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound to get more information, critical thinking questions, source notes, a selected bibliography, and an index.    The title would make a great addition to a middle-school collection for science research. 

Summary: “A look at DNA and the history of research into it, covering significant scientists and findings.”

DNA Research History, Genetics, DNA                   --Charleen Forba-MacCain