Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber

by Sarah Albee, Eileen Ryan Ewen (illustrator)

Ever wondered what makes rubber bounce? Or why it's stretchy? And WHY is rubber so . . . rubbery?! Learn the fascinating science and history behind this ubiquitous material!

With sidebars, graphics, fun facts, and more, the history of rubber reveals plenty of fascinating secrets and surprises. Elementary school readers will discover that early balls didn't bounce; that people in the rainforest made waterproof gear from rubber thousands of years before Europeans got into the act; and that sneakers, bicycles, and cars created demand for more and more rubber!

Back matter includes a time line and a bit about the complicated implications of harvesting rubber.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, History, Childrens, Stem, Sports

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by Sarah Albee and the same for the 8 to 14 year-old audience. This short but fact fill book about the history of rubber is enlightening to anybody. Filled with fun facts, wonderful, illustrations, and the authors eye to connect with her target audience, this is a book that should be on everybody's Christmas wish list if you have children, grandchildren, or friends. The author has carved out a niche in this age group category, and and writes books that are both historical and scientific in nature. This book in particular is filled with a lot of short stories to capture the attention, and then at the end there is a history of rubber timeline which sets for some of the major events regarding rubber. Including this book is a very basic discussion about polymers, how they work and how they are used with rubber. The book ends with a very complete bibliography of the sources used by the author in her research and just brings home the fact that while the book is aimed at the 8 to 14-year-old category, the research is as good as you were going to get on many other books, no matter the age range.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Albee always does such a great job researching various topics and explaining the cultural significance as well as the science behind the topics. This went very far back in time to explore the history of rubber, and makes sure to mention some of the problems with the indigenous workers who were mistreated so that the world could have this new product. Charles Goodyear and vulcanized rubber were are mentioned, but also the problems with the fact that this can't be recycled. There's a great time line, and bibliography. It's more of a picture book than some of Albee's longer form nonfiction, and would be a great resource to have in elementary school or middle school libraries.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you imagine being a kid and not playing with a ball that bounces? Even though rubber has been around for thousands of years, it wasn’t always realized what rubber could actually do. In the new children’s picture book, BOUNCE!, kids will learn the history of rubber, the science behind its formation into something that bounces or rolls, and the danger of too much demand for rubber.

Today is National STEM Day, which makes it the perfect day to learn about rubber. Over time, rubber was found to be useful as a raincoat but then became sticky when it got hot or hard when it got cold. Both Charles Goodyear in America and Thomas Hancock in England struggled to understand the science behind rubber. After years of tinkering, a simple ingredient seemed to be the solution to rubber holding its shape.

From rubber being used in shoes to rubber in a basketball to rubber in tires, kids will learn the process of trial and error, patents, and how rubber is used today. There will be pages of simple scientific formulas to explain the science behind rubber as well as fun illustrations of adults trying to play tennis with a ball that didn’t bounce. Can you imagine riding a bike with wooden tires? Thank goodness for rubber!

The end of the book includes an author’s note about the troubling aspects of harvesting rubber from trees and the danger to our atmosphere and nature due to the pollution of rubber. A timeline at the end of the book beginning 3,500 years ago through today explains the history of rubber and its creation and use over time in an easy-to-understand format.

[Maleeha Siddiqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool! The book also contains chemistry information to explain why rubber behaves the way that it does, which is something my kid is going to enjoy reading about.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a nutshell, this book was very well-organized, easy for a kid audience to understand, but a little inconsistent in some spots. On certain pages, there was a lot of explanation, which was helpful and broken up into smaller and simpler pieces to get the full idea across. However, on the other pages the explanations were a bit sparse. I think that this might raise questions for readers (especially since they are younger) and might make reading a bit more frustrating or unenjoyable, especially if parents are reading this along with their kids.
Putting that aside, though, I overall liked this book. It was something different and you don't see a lot of scientific books for kids out there anymore. I liked that the author took something that people use in their everyday lives but don't think about that much (or at least not in this depth). The illustrations were executed really well to show the different key properties of rubber.
Lastly, I very much appreciated the author's notes at the end. While kids will likely not read these, parents might and that's really great. Then parents can potentially demonstrate the value and understanding of the darker side of the history of rubber, and kids will pick up on this (even if they might not comprehend it yet).

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five hundred years ago, Europeans didn’t even have a word for bounce, much less words for a material that can be molded and shaped, stretched, floated, rolled and, most importantly, can rebound. All that changed when rubber balls, and the active games they allowed, were imported from the New World. Bounce goes deeper than anecdote, with the science behind elastic polymers and an eye-opening account of the inventions rubber allows. Varied and active fonts, paired with whimsical watercolor and ink illustrations, humorously convey the game-changing versatility of rubber and the stinky, tinkering experiments needed to overcome its physical limitations. An afterword adds disturbing details about rubber’s history. Back matter includes a detailed timeline, bibliography, and quote sources. Illustrations show varied racial ethnicities. Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an unbiased review.

[Eunice R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children's book certainly has bounce! For the truly scientifically-minded child, I believe this book will be fascinating and for the children who like things that bounce, they will be entertained and likely learn several new and interesting things they didn't know before about rubber, raincoats, balls and more. Household names such as Macintosh, Goodyear, and Hancock will be more than about apples, car tires and signatures. Accompanying illustrations help to bring the words alive in compelling educational manner. Indeed, I believe readers of all ages will be able to find satisfaction with what this book has to offer.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

May 2024

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always loved bouncing balls, and now my twin granddaughters have so much fun playing with them, but I never gave much thought to why they bounce. This fascinating book not only tells us the history of why things bounce, but also gives us the scientific answer. The diverse, cheerful watercolor illustrations help to clarify the story of rubber and to illustrate how children use it today.

Important back matter explains why the author uses the term Indigenous to refer to the native people in the story, rather than the names of their individual nations. She also writes about the “deeply disturbing details about rubber” which includes treatment of the workers and the environmental problems of rubber. A timeline of rubber concludes the book.

Budding scientists, especially those always asking “why” will be fascinated by this story. I guarantee you’ll never look at balls, boots or tires in the same way.

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small history of rubber has realistic illustrations featuring people from history along with simple chemistry lessons.

Some things were glossed over in this book. The depicted story of Charles Goodyear omits the serendipity of his rubber discovery. He stumbled on vulcanization of rubber, it’s true. But it was a literal stumble. He tripped and some of the rubber he was holding fell onto a hot stove. Eureka! He’d discovered that vulcanization made rubber usable and workable. Alas, he was a terrible businessman and died penniless.

The history of rubber also involves theft and slavery. However, the book gets into that mostly in the back, where a child is unlikely to look. Still, if a child is using this as information to support a history paper, s/he might be thorough enough to read all the way to the end. Just follow the bouncing ball.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOUNCE! A SCIENTIFIC HISTORY OF RUBBER is a fascinating nonfiction book detailing the history of rubber. The picture book format mixes a series of historical anecdotes featuring uses of rubber with science, providing plenty of content to inform readers about the origin, evolution, and uses of rubber over time. The author includes detailed back matter that addresses some of the ethical concerns around rubber and provides an extensive timeline. Definitely adding it to my elementary school’s media center collection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an eARC of the book with me.

[Megan Clendenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and fascinating non-fiction story about rubber – kids will love to learn about how exactly their favorite sporting balls got their bounce, as well as learn about tires, raincoats, and more. The book details the history of rubber in a kid-appropriate way with playful text and engaging illustrations. I learned a lot about the history of rubber reading this book, in particular about how it was traditionally used by Indigenous People in the Americas. I loved the side bars that show the science behind the bounce and stretch of rubber. The back matter offers important information about environmental and human rights concerns around the production of rubber.

[Laurie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sarah Albee is a master at combining history, science, and SUPER FUN readability, and this book doesn't disappoint! While at first glance appearing to be a simple picture book, there's so much to dig into here. Albee doesn't shy away from the chemistry, the historical detail, or the downsides. The illustrations add a whole other level, bringing it all to life in an eye-catching and interesting way. This engaging nonfiction will delight many different kinds of young readers: budding scientists, history buffs, sports fans, artists, and more. A must for school and public libraries, it's a worthy addition to home libraries as well.

[Nora Nickum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating tale of rubber--how it was used traditionally by Indigenous peoples in the Americas, and how people in Europe and the US later tinkered with it to make new products from bicycle tires to basketballs. Kids will love the engaging and often playful text and illustrations.
Text boxes sprinkled throughout explaining some of the key scientific properties of rubber (why is it stretchy? why does it melt when it heats up?), and there is important and informative back matter about the environmental damage and human rights atrocities that have accompanied the global demand for rubber.

[Debra Shumaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating picture book about the history of rubber. Bouncing balls, sneakers, and tires are such a common thing today, I never gave a thought to how and when rubber was discovered and how it became an indispensable feature of our lives. When early explorers saw indigenous people playing games with balls that bounced, they were astonished. The balls they played with in Europe did not bounce. This book takes that discovery and follows the history and science of rubber and how we use it today. With lively text and fun art, kids will learn a lot.

[Helen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating blend of history and science! Rubber is one of those things that most of us take for granted, but in reality, it is integral to our daily lives. In a clear and accessible voice, this story walks you through the origins and evolution of rubber, as well as the chemistry behind its unique properties. In the backmatter, the author addresses the dark side of the rubber industry and its impacts on the people who harvest it and on the environment. Highly recommend this book as a worthy addition to any home or school library.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Charlesbridge for the digital arc.
This picture book packs a lot of information into its colorful 48 pages!! The book begins with the who, when, where, and how of rubber cultivation in the rainforests of Mexico and Central America by the indigenous people. When the Spaniards landed, they became obsessed with a game played with a with a ball that bounced, especially since their balls did not have that ability. Between scientific explanations of why rubber does what it does, and the scientists who developed uses for rubber, this is a fun history of the science . It concludes with the unfortunate environmental impacts of rubber. The author's note explains the reason for the use of the term indiginous rather than the specific tribal names. The back matter includes a time line and bibliography. All libraries should purchase BOUNCE!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a fascinating and entertaining look at the discovery, development, and many uses of rubber. This is one of those things that you may not have even thought to wonder about, but you'll be glad you learned the facts from this book. Eileen Ryan Ewen's illustrations are charming, and the whole package is a delight. This would be a great addition to your library's picture book nonfiction section.

Thanks to Charlesbridge and NetGalley for the read.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone knows rubber balls can bounce, but do you know why? Do you know how they came to be? Where does rubber even come from? This book answers all of these questions and more. I learned SO MUCH about history, science and just how much rubber revolutionized the world. The layout of this book is wonderfully engaging and makes some complicated ideas very accessible. I think this would be such a fun book to use with a science or history class.

[Beth Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sarah Albee takes on a kid friendly topic in all its complexity and uncomfortable history. Along with how the items that kids are familiar with came about such as rubber balls and balloons, the book explains the science of rubber’s properties. This intro to chemistry is engaging and informative.

[Patricia Newman]

Bright illustrations and bouncy text combine for a multi-layered journey into the history of rubber. Albee successfully mixes science and history for an in-depth look. I especially liked the back matter where Albee addresses the environmental and social justice issues surrounding the harvesting of natural rubber and the production of vulcanized rubber.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool history & Science book! A series of discoveries, inventions, and experiments results in the rubber materials we know today. The author gives the information in a very fun and kid-friendly way.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good nonfiction picture book! This book has clever and cute illustrations and teaches about the science and history of rubber, with an addendum at the end about social and environmental impacts.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

Wow! This book was very informative but also managed to keep from being dry. Even as an adult, I learned a lot from reading it. There is even some back matter included to address the negative effects of our desire for rubber has had on people and the environment.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating!

[Michele Knott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for intermediate and middle school readers/teachers. A blend of science and history, Albee does a fantastic job explaining the science behind some well-known items!

[Ava F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting picture book about the history and evolution of rubber, I learned a lot from this book

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent hybrid nonfiction about the history and science of rubber. Accessible at lower and higher elementary levels.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history with illustrations that bounce and stretch along with the text.

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that rubber is so fascinating?!?! I loved the way Albee rotates between the narrative history of rubber and the science of rubber. It truly is so mind-blowing in general how this substance has made such an impact on history and science.