Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small by Jess Wade (review)

In this exceptionally well-organized and smoothly narrated discussion, Wade proceeds from familiar around-the-house scale, down to the molecular level, and then to the mind-bending ultrathin molecular level of nanomaterials, all in terms elementary schoolers can understand and in conceptual steps they can follow. A house cutaway highlights familiar possessions, the materials they’re made of, and properties of those materials. A paper book is light and flexible, whereas a stone book would be too heavy, a glass book too delicate, and a chocolate book too, well, prone to melt. Scientists, she explains, learn about these properties by studying how atoms (identified as elements) connect to form molecules. Then, by focusing on carbon and its ability to be peeled down to single-atom thick layers, materials with amazing properties can be manipulated into existence in a lab. Finally comes a litany of engineering wonders from nanomaterial: lighter-weight aircraft that reduce pollution, self-cleaning windows, thinner phones with brighter color displays, accurate delivery of medicines within a human body, and perhaps in the near future, a sieve with nano-sized holes that can filter seawater to make it drinkable. Castrillón’s digitally colored pencil work sets scientific discovery into a visual world of imaginative fantasy-scapes and visual metaphors, with graphic insets harmoniously integrated into the compositions. With end matter including information about scientists who help develop nanomaterials and the research tools they use, as well as an index, this title will be a treasure of a group read for teachers and students with minds wide open.