Reader's Digest Pathfinders Rocks and Minerals

Grade 4-8-Boldly colored illustrations, computer graphics, and an innovative format make this oversized volume out of the ordinary. Children can either read the book from cover to cover or follow one of the icon-identified discovery paths. "Inside Story" gives personal accounts of people in the field of geology, "Hands On" features experiments and activities, "Word Builders" gives the history of words and phrases, "That's Amazing!" offers awesome facts, and "Pathfinder" provides cross-references to related subjects on other pages. The book is divided into three sections: "Rocks," "Minerals," and "Collecting Rocks and Minerals," and each double-page spread is packed with information provided by the text, diagrams, full-color photographs and illustrations, and boxed discovery paths. Much of the material one would expect to find in a basic book about geology is here, e.g., rock formation, uses of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, weathering, rock cycles, and crystals. Although there is enough content for basic reports, the book's strength lies in its capacity to be explored in many different ways over several readings. Children who are used to multilayered Web sites will find this format attractive and enticing. A good glossary and index make the subject matter more accessible.

Kathryn Kosiorek, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brooklyn, OH

Five out of 5 stars My son Loved this book !

Geraldine Johnston May 20, 2018

Five out of 5 stars She loved the book My kid is into this stuff. She loved the book. Came fast too.

Carminia May 18, 2017

Five out of 5 stars. Best Rock and Mineral Book I've EVER Seen! I am a retired engineer and life-long mineral collector, and I own or have read dozens of books on the subject. I also volunteer at our local elementary school, and take every opportunity to teach the kids about minerals and let them handle my specimens. This is by far the most interesting presentation of rocks and minerals I have ever ever had the pleasure of reading. Every page is filled with superb photos and/or very realistic 3D color illustrations. All of the text is broken up into bite-size paragraphs that are easy to digest, yet comprehensive enough that even experienced adults will find something new on each page. The pictures/diagrams and shorter paragraphs should be of much interest to ages 9 and 10, with full enjoyment for ages 11 to 100! The origin of rocks and minerals, ie., geology, and how rocks and minerals are used in our daily lives, are heavily emphasized, and for me this is what makes learning in this field so fascinating. I will use this book in my teaching for years to come, and many of my friends will receive it as a gift. Thank you Tracy Staedter for a true work of art.

Greg and Patricia Randall April 28, 2000.

Really liked it! If you like really shinny rocks and minerals and diamonds then you should read Reader's Digest Rocks and Minerals. You will see great pictures of them and will get to read and learn more facts about them. I did not really have a favorite because they are all really cool.

Tim Harper's review Oct 15, 2013.