DeCristofano, Carolyn Cinami. A Black Hole Is Not a Hole. Michael Carroll, Illus. Non-fic. Charlesbridge, 2012. 74p. $18.95 978-1-570-91783-7. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 5-8.
A graceful, engaging narrative explains the nature and types of black holes, their origins, ideas and theories that led to their discovery, and where they are located. The author even provides an imaginary trip to a black hole for curious, would-be explorers. False-color telescope images, explained in the text, artists’ representations of astronomical phenomena, and diagrams are accompanied by informative captions and explantions. Snappy, clever balloon captions such as “Outta sight!” “Stay tuned,” and “Are we there yet?” add zest and humor. The occasionally informal narrative maintains a lively tone and voice, as when a particular gravitational pull is described as “whimpier” than another. Back matter includes a timeline, glossary, author’s note about her sources, resources for further study, and index.
Linda Perkins, Independent