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Smash!: Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider
What is the universe made of? At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, scientists have searched for answers to this question using the largest machine in the the Large Hadron Collider. It speeds up tiny particles, then smashes them together―and the collision gives researchers a look at the building blocks of the universe.
Nick and Sophie, two cousins, are about to visit CERN for a tour of the mysteries of the cosmos. Sophie's a physics wiz. Nick, not so much. But by the time they're through, Nick and Sophie will both feel the power of hidden particles, fundamental forces, dark matter, and more. It's all a blast in this mind-blowing graphic novel!
Nick and Sophie, two cousins, are about to visit CERN for a tour of the mysteries of the cosmos. Sophie's a physics wiz. Nick, not so much. But by the time they're through, Nick and Sophie will both feel the power of hidden particles, fundamental forces, dark matter, and more. It's all a blast in this mind-blowing graphic novel!
72 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2017
4 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Sara Latta
58 books8 followersSara Latta is the author of seventeen books for children and young adults on topics that include dark matter, the secret life of microbes, DNA, bones, and forensic science. She also has a masters degree in immunology. She does have a bit of a phobia about heights, as she discovered when faced with having to climb down from a pyramid in Teotihuacan, Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 27, 2022
I stumbled across this comic for middle-grade kids on Hoopla. It is a nice and easy explanation of the Standard Model and how the Large Hadron Collider works. I have read multiple science books and they failed to explain the basic concepts - like, what is a hadron? Answer: the proton and the neutron.
But the most interesting was the diagram of the LHC and the explanation of how they accelerate the particles and why. Badically they make them faster and faster with large magnets and in increasingly large circular beams. They have two beams circulating in opposite directions. Once they have reached 99% of the speed of light (!), they smash them and Boom! New particles are created en masse. They study the explosion with gazillions of instruments, and crunch the data with supercomputers.
The book is trying hard to be cool by having one nerdy kid guide another who likes to draw comics, but it is not succeeding very well. This is basically a science lecture for kids, or adults like me who want to know without going into too much detail. It might be too much detail for a kid who is totally new to particles and forces, or isn’t a science-y type. The art for people was just ok: the simple line art really needed some shading to convey faces well. It worked great for the diagrams, though. And it is easy to see and read, even on my iPad, which is often a challenge.
A quick, informative read for the nerdy type interested in physics but not knowing much about it - like me!
But the most interesting was the diagram of the LHC and the explanation of how they accelerate the particles and why. Badically they make them faster and faster with large magnets and in increasingly large circular beams. They have two beams circulating in opposite directions. Once they have reached 99% of the speed of light (!), they smash them and Boom! New particles are created en masse. They study the explosion with gazillions of instruments, and crunch the data with supercomputers.
The book is trying hard to be cool by having one nerdy kid guide another who likes to draw comics, but it is not succeeding very well. This is basically a science lecture for kids, or adults like me who want to know without going into too much detail. It might be too much detail for a kid who is totally new to particles and forces, or isn’t a science-y type. The art for people was just ok: the simple line art really needed some shading to convey faces well. It worked great for the diagrams, though. And it is easy to see and read, even on my iPad, which is often a challenge.
A quick, informative read for the nerdy type interested in physics but not knowing much about it - like me!
February 23, 2018
Children's book that is suitable for all ages. Accessible introduction to high energy physics. explains why Higgs Boson is both a big deal and far from the end of the story.
March 12, 2017
4.5 stars from Bill, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Smash, written by Sara Latta and illustrated by Jeff Weigel, is a clear and concise explanation for young people of the standard model of physics (including the newly discovered Higgs Boson) and in particular of how the giant CERN supercollider contributes to furthering the model’s accuracy/completeness. Saying the book is aimed at the young, however, does it a bit of a disservice, as it works just as well for adults looking for that same clarity and concision.
In tried and true format, Latta has much of the explanation take the form of a dialogue between one knowledgeable person (Sophie, whose parents work at CERN) explaining a difficult concept to one struggling to understand it (her cousin Nick, visiting CERN in hope of finding inspiration for a superhero comic he’s drawing for a contest). As Sophie gives Nick a tour of CERN’s more public facilities, she teaches him the basics of the standard model, describing various particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons; the various quarks that make up those larger particles, and the several known force carriers such as the photon (electromagnetic force) and gluon (strong force). Thanks to some imagination and Weigel’s drawings, her lecture is supplemented by the appearance of some of the well-known physicists whose discoveries added to the Standard Model. These include J.J. Thomson, discoverer of the electron; George Zweig and Murray Gell-Mann, who proposed and named the quark, and Peter Higgs, who with several colleagues came up with the idea of the Higgs field and the Higgs Boson. Einstein pops in with his famous E = MC squared equation, and then, in a series of cosmic panels the two kids swirl through space as Sophie explains the creation of the universe, starting with the Big Bang, moving through the creation of matter/energy, the formation of galaxies, and eventually ending roughly ten billion years later with “our very own blue marble in space.”...4.5 stars from Bill, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Smash, written by Sara Latta and illustrated by Jeff Weigel, is a clear and concise explanation for young people of the standard model of physics (including the newly discovered Higgs Boson) and in particular of how the giant CERN supercollider contributes to furthering the model’s accuracy/completeness. Saying the book is aimed at the young, however, does it a bit of a disservice, as it works just as well for adults looking for that same clarity and concision.
In tried and true format, Latta has much of the explanation take the form of a dialogue between one knowledgeable person (Sophie, whose parents work at CERN) explaining a difficult concept to one struggling to understand it (her cousin Nick, visiting CERN in hope of finding inspiration for a superhero comic he’s drawing for a contest). As Sophie gives Nick a tour of CERN’s more public facilities, she teaches him the basics of the standard model, describing various particles such as protons, neutrons, and electrons; the various quarks that make up those larger particles, and the several known force carriers such as the photon (electromagnetic force) and gluon (strong force). Thanks to some imagination and Weigel’s drawings, her lecture is supplemented by the appearance of some of the well-known physicists whose discoveries added to the Standard Model. These include J.J. Thomson, discoverer of the electron; George Zweig and Murray Gell-Mann, who proposed and named the quark, and Peter Higgs, who with several colleagues came up with the idea of the Higgs field and the Higgs Boson. Einstein pops in with his famous E = MC squared equation, and then, in a series of cosmic panels the two kids swirl through space as Sophie explains the creation of the universe, starting with the Big Bang, moving through the creation of matter/energy, the formation of galaxies, and eventually ending roughly ten billion years later with “our very own blue marble in space.”...4.5 stars from Bill, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
May 4, 2017
Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider is an informative graphic novel written by Sara Latta and illustrated by Jeff Weigel.Nick and Sophie, two cousins, are about to visit CERN for a tour of the mysteries of the cosmos. Sophie's a physics wiz. Nick, not so much. But by the time they're through, Nick and Sophie will both feel the power of hidden particles, fundamental forces, dark matter, and more. Ideas that are explored hinge on the question "What is the universe made of?" At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, scientists have searched for answers to this question using the largest machine in the world: the Large Hadron Collider. It speeds up tiny particles, then smashes them together, and the collision gives researchers a look at the building blocks of the universe. Our two characters explain and explore together.
Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider started off a little weak for me, because not everyone has a teen cousin with access to the Hadron Collider- or do they and I have just been missing out? Once I got past that little issue I was left trying to understand the science that Sophie is trying to explain to Nick. It starts off fairly simple, with ideas in physics that I already had a decent grasp on, but it progressed to ideas that I had to read a couple times to really feel like I had a grasp on. I think the graphic novel does a good job of introducing and explaining the information, and readers that are already enamored of science will greatly enjoy the read. I think it would be a wonderful resource for high school and even college courses that are covering these ideas, as a refresher or additional resources. I do think that it tries a little too hard to be cool, however those interested in the subject matter will be able to look past that, but it will make it less enjoyable for those reading the graphic novel for coursework of under and kind of duress (like teacher or parent suggestions).
Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider is an interesting and informative read. I think young readers that have some interest in science, and physics in particular, will enjoy it the most.
Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider started off a little weak for me, because not everyone has a teen cousin with access to the Hadron Collider- or do they and I have just been missing out? Once I got past that little issue I was left trying to understand the science that Sophie is trying to explain to Nick. It starts off fairly simple, with ideas in physics that I already had a decent grasp on, but it progressed to ideas that I had to read a couple times to really feel like I had a grasp on. I think the graphic novel does a good job of introducing and explaining the information, and readers that are already enamored of science will greatly enjoy the read. I think it would be a wonderful resource for high school and even college courses that are covering these ideas, as a refresher or additional resources. I do think that it tries a little too hard to be cool, however those interested in the subject matter will be able to look past that, but it will make it less enjoyable for those reading the graphic novel for coursework of under and kind of duress (like teacher or parent suggestions).
Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider is an interesting and informative read. I think young readers that have some interest in science, and physics in particular, will enjoy it the most.
May 21, 2017
Latta, Sara Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider 71 pgs. Graphic Universe (Lerner), 2017. $11.99. Content: G.
This graphic novel features two cousins Nick and Sophie spending some time at CERN. Sophie is good at science and Nick is good at art, in fact his making a comic and needs a superhero character idea. Sophie takes Nick on a tour (part in the imagination) during which Nick (and the reader) learn all about Atoms, Quarks, the supercollider and more, as part of a bigger discussion on what is the universe made of. Features black and white comic book style illustrations.
This is a complex book that is just stuffed with science information that I haven’t touched since high school. It dives in rather quickly and rapidly became super confusing due to my lack of familiarity with these concepts. I think it could work for readers that have been studying the topic in depth, who may find that graphic novel focus on a visuals a good way to relate to the information and/or review it. I do not think it is a great way to introduce the concepts. As for the illustrations, I felt very cheated when I found they were all in black and white but the cover was color.
MS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
This graphic novel features two cousins Nick and Sophie spending some time at CERN. Sophie is good at science and Nick is good at art, in fact his making a comic and needs a superhero character idea. Sophie takes Nick on a tour (part in the imagination) during which Nick (and the reader) learn all about Atoms, Quarks, the supercollider and more, as part of a bigger discussion on what is the universe made of. Features black and white comic book style illustrations.
This is a complex book that is just stuffed with science information that I haven’t touched since high school. It dives in rather quickly and rapidly became super confusing due to my lack of familiarity with these concepts. I think it could work for readers that have been studying the topic in depth, who may find that graphic novel focus on a visuals a good way to relate to the information and/or review it. I do not think it is a great way to introduce the concepts. As for the illustrations, I felt very cheated when I found they were all in black and white but the cover was color.
MS –OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
May 25, 2017
Two teen-aged cousins visit the Large Hadron Collider (or LHR as it is often referred to) in Cern, Switzerland. Nick likes to draw comics, Sophie knows a lot of physics. They team up to find out more about the science of subatomic particles and the four fundamental forces. She explains a bunch of things to him; they also find out some history of the LHR and some of the work and discoveries accomplished there.
The book is a thinly-veiled overview of basic concepts of the Standard Model of particle physics. The story of the kids is not at all interesting. Nick has an idea to make a comic about their adventure--maybe the creators thought that was clever? Sophie is little more than a conduit for explanations. The jokes are infrequent and not particularly funny.
This is great as a high-level overview of physics but not particularly engaging as a story. I did learn things but I was not very entertained.
The book is a thinly-veiled overview of basic concepts of the Standard Model of particle physics. The story of the kids is not at all interesting. Nick has an idea to make a comic about their adventure--maybe the creators thought that was clever? Sophie is little more than a conduit for explanations. The jokes are infrequent and not particularly funny.
This is great as a high-level overview of physics but not particularly engaging as a story. I did learn things but I was not very entertained.
September 25, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised at how much detail this book goes into in regards to the purpose of the Large Hadron Collider and the science it is investigating. While YA targeted, some of its concepts were at or above the limits of my understanding, and the book uses the graphic novel format intelligently, providing pictorial representations of some of the science and throwing complex formulas at the reader as part of the background. While the story of the main characters isn't particularly entertaining, it serves as a perfectly good foundation for its investigations. Definitely recommended for young readers with a scientific focus.
July 17, 2017
Smash! tells the story of two cousins who explore the building blocks of the universe via the Large Hadron Collider, a machine that accelerates particles and "smashes" them together. Presenting fascinating and relevant concepts, this graphic novel will appeal to middle school and high school students who are already interested these topics. For those of us less familiar with this branch of science, having the illustrations in color would have made the concepts clearer and more memorable. (NetGalley provided an e-ARC for an honest review.)
March 11, 2017
A entertaining way to learn about particle physics in graphic novel format. Readers meet Nick who is visiting his cousin Sophie in Switzerland. Her parents are scientists at CERN, the European research lab for nuclear physics. Sophie gives Nick a tour of the facility. Along the way he is introduced to the Hadron Collider, finds out about bosons and black holes and dreams about what the future may hold.
Reviewer 19
Reviewer 19
August 23, 2017
If you or your child is science loving person, than I think it is perfect graphic novel for you. It explores physics, explains in entertaining and fun way some of the science subjects.
This graphic novel is intended for ages 13-18, but I think it is a great read for adults as well.
I also adore illustrations in the novel. My copy is black and white though, and I am sure color version looks even better.
This graphic novel is intended for ages 13-18, but I think it is a great read for adults as well.
I also adore illustrations in the novel. My copy is black and white though, and I am sure color version looks even better.
June 19, 2017
An easy and approachable look at the science going on in the large Hadron collider.
July 18, 2017
A great treatment of a complex topic. The subplot of creating a webcomic is flimsy and doesn't work, though.
April 26, 2018
Sheldon should give this to Penny
October 25, 2018
Made the science of particles very easy to understand!
April 8, 2020
Not my cup of tea. I found it boring and preachy. Not much story here.
February 4, 2021
Good information, nice art, but I'm not a science person, so I quickly got bored.
August 27, 2022
AUGUST 2020 Hoopla Bonus Borrows Recomendation
It's no Miss Frizzle, but still does a good job explaining science. Probably good for 7th or 8th graders.
It's no Miss Frizzle, but still does a good job explaining science. Probably good for 7th or 8th graders.
July 19, 2017
In this graphic representation of science, the main character attempts to explain the mysteries of the universe to an up and coming comic book artist.
The narrative felt forced and wasn't completely compelling.
The narrative felt forced and wasn't completely compelling.
April 16, 2020
Graphic format is good for this, but I think given how slim the story framework was I think a straight up comic with more visuals on the concepts and not bothering with the comic book inspiration parts might have worked better.
March 24, 2017
Science is not my first love but I think this will appeal to teens who are science "nerds".
Graphic novel format was an inviting way to share all the science facts.
Graphic novel format was an inviting way to share all the science facts.
April 26, 2017
More telling, than showing, but heck, how many physics comic books are there? Can't be too picky.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews