Basher Science: Extreme Physics

Basher Science

by Simon Basher (Illustrator), Dan Green

Basher Science: Extreme Biology From the sensational series that's too cool for school -- this is a totally unique guide to biology! Full description

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Education

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 4, 2013

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good companion to Physics: Why Matter Matters!. A personified first-person narrative to example the basic principles of Quantum Mechanics, theory, Particle Physics, and history. Each topic is a character telling the story of itself.

It might be best for advanced kids. Younger kids might not understand some of the allusions, but perhaps a great way for a kid and adult to discuss the book together and teach about the allusions.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Information - 2013

This book was very well done! It's a great pick for those kids who are really into science and want to learn beyond what's talked about in the classroom in elementary school. In this book each particle and phenomena have a cute character that tells about itself. Physics is a difficult topic and this book does an excellent job of making it understandable to kids.

[Britta Congdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a scientist myself, I vetted this for my son that’s become super interested in physics and it’s not a bad introduction to the field. Sometimes the author sacrifices information for being fun and quirky and relatable but the issue there is that a lot of physics concepts and parts already sound “magically unreal” (seriously, try explaining a Quark to anyone really) so they really need more effective explanations. As they say, the mark of true genius is being able to effectively explain complex topics in the most simplest terms.

[Shilo Quetchenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good introduction to quantum physics - especially the elementary particles and forces. Once it tried to get into the more complicated subjects it simplified them rather too much until they didn't make much sense. But really it's impossible to summarize some of these brain-bending concepts in a paragraph. My 7-year-old LOVED it.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in a way that is engaging for elementary school students, but the topic is advanced enough for one is a much higher grade. The whole Basher books series is wonderful.

[Sivyu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon Basher. Basher Science: Extreme Physics (2013). Quantum physics is not an everyday subject but Basher Science makes it fun and easier to understand. The book is divided into four chapters; Quantum Folk; Particle Posse; Fundamental Forces; and Quantum Weirdness. Each concept has a large title, bullet pointed definition, discovery information, fun facts, and a page long personified description and colorful full page computer illustration. The characters make a hard topic lighthearted and interesting. The glossary explains physics terms in everyday language that is easy to comprehend. It would work better for someone with some physics background. This would work well in science unit, specifically physics. It's written for children but would be a great for adults as well. Ages: 11 years+

[Jim Erekson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other noteworthy things about this series not mentioned in my review of the Biology book:
Simon Basher, the illustrator, originated this concept series in the UK for Toucan Books, and now published in the US by a Macmillan imprint.
Dan Green is the series writer.
Each title has a scientist consultant, this one James Valles at Brown University.
As with many smaller books, I question the need for a Table of Contents and Index in this series. It seems like one of those things the editors and publishers probably told Basher he needed and he just said OK. It would be interesting to see if this is something that was just added for the US publication

[William V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging science textbook brings complex concepts like physics and chemistry to life with its dynamic, interactive approach and infectious enthusiasm for the subject matter. Author Dan Green's ability to explain even the most mind-bending ideas in a clear, concise manner is a testament to his skill as an educator. While some readers may find certain sections too simplistic or others too dense, overall the book excels at making science fun and accessible to students of all levels, providing a valuable complement to traditional classroom instruction.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I wasn't being forced to read this out loud as a bedtime book (when I'm half asleep), I might be learning a lot about the parts of physics I didn't get in school because they hadn't been invented yet. Up and Down quarts, positrons, Weak Forces... they all spin before my eyes, as my first grader asked for this for his birthday (he's a big Basher Science series fan) and in addition to reading it himself, he asks for chapters from it for bedtime reading!

[Crafty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basher finally does it again. Watch in amazement as Basher whips away at explaining physics.

[Cheryl]

This style does not work for me after all, too bad. But for some kids or auto-didacts, it might be perfect. A short small book... I didn't read enough to be able to say if it's concise or superficial, though.