Food Chain: Producers

Magnetic Fields

This is a strange and wonderful book. The writing style takes some getting used to, as it is written from the perspective of fictional spirits of earth, air, fire, and water, but once you get used to that, it is a marvelous journey through the history of science. The author gives you detailed instructions for actually doing things, from starting a fire by friction to brewing mead, from smelting metal to making your own glass. It was written as an introductory chemistry textbook for college, but it would work equally well for Middle school and High school students, or anyone that wants to really know the science behind basic technology. A perfect book to have if you are ever stranded on a deserted island.

I am a huge fan of Larry Gonick's Cartoon Guides, and this one is great, as usual. After reading this, I am looking at news articles on genetics with a totally new perspective. Fascination stuff, but a bit scary too.