"This series has books for a variety of grade levels. Some suit the K–2 crowd, while others are better for grades 3–4 or 5–6. The strength of the series is that the format is the same in every book. Each begins with a science puzzle related to the topic. The next section introduces real-world applications of the principles or forces at work, such as magnets, weather, or human body systems. A discovery activity encourages further investigation, while another section traces the topic back in history. As the book is read, details are revealed that help the reader choose the correct solution to the puzzle. A final section discusses more real-life uses or examples. Notes in the back of the books answer questions posed throughout the text (with page references). Photos and diagrams support the text well.
VERDICT The format makes this series handy for planning class investigations." -School Library Journal
"Premise meets information in this book from the Iscience Readers series, designed to encourage scientific inquiry and critical thinking. In the opening pages, Sohn and Wright ask readers to make a decision: what’s the best paper product for creating a dollhouse. The “contest” as it’s called, is made up of four choices. Should you make your dollhouse from cardboard, construction paper, paper towels, or writing paper? A list of things to think about (strength, malleability, etc. is given. The book then proceeds to discuss how paper is made and its history and uses... the information is clear and neatly presented, and the attractive format, with bold backgrounds and color photographs, invite page turning. A glossary and bibliography, both short, are appended."
-Booklist
"This is a great series for beginning science introduction and study. Books are easy to manage both in size and amount of pages. Each book has a colorful cover with a round colorful picture of the subject. Inside it is packed with information with great photographs. Text is 2-3 paragraphs per page. There are additional features highlighting the topic and sub-topic headings. I like the science puzzle at the beginning - almost an ice breaker into the topic. The discovery activity is a great hands on example of the topic. Very nice series for the younger elementary." -Garland Independent School District
"Highly recommended. Readers will use scientific inquiry to determine/learn which kinds of paper are better than others for buildling a dollhouse. Paper production, environmental impact and recycling are all addressed. Solid glossary, index, and bibliography create a well-rounded resource for science curriculum." -Arlington Independent School District
"Eight chapters on how paper has evolved over the years. It center on questions for the reader to decide which paper is the best paper to utilize in creating a paper dollhouse. It offers an experiment on different types of paper, how to make paper, and how to recycle paper. The photographic illustrations give the reader visual knowledge in creating the best paper dollhouse. The book contains a glossary; further reading books and an index. The book is a welcomed addition in the library collection for natural resources and Egyptian Standards of Learning objectives." -Richardson School District
