Luis Alvarez and the Development of the Bubble Chamber ANNOTATION
Examines the life of the physicist who, among other achievements, was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize for physics for developing the hydrogen bubble chamber, a powerful tool for tracking atomic particles.
FROM THE CRITICS
VOYA - Gillian Wiseman
This new biographical series (Unlocking the Secrets of Science) profiles "the 20th century achievers in science, medicine, and technology." Luis Alvarez is written in a lively, engaging fashion, sure to capture the attention of any young science buff. It is not a particularly easy read, however, despite its brevity. The biography begins with a description of Alvarez being awarded the Nobel Prize. One of the strongest features is how well the book captures Alvarez's love of science and how that developed into a career. Throughout, both the meaning of his scientific research and the impact of it on the world are addressed. Very little is said, however, about Alvarez's personal life as an adult. The final chapter might hold the most interest for young readers; in it, the impact of the work of Alvarez and his son Walter on the theory of dinosaur extinction is explained. This excellent biography is written as simply as the subject matter will allow, and is sure to engage any reader. The intent of this series is to give young adults an understanding of the significance of these scientists in the development of modern life. Unfortunately, the thirty planned titles include only two women, a circumstance that the publisher states is because "for the greater part of the 20th century science, medicine and technology were male-dominated fields." With subseries on inventors, scientists, and pioneers are biographies of Christiaan Barnard, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Jonas Salk, and Frederick Banting. Except for the lack of women subjects, this series appears to be one that any middle school, high school, or public library should be pleased to add to its collection. Glossary. Index. Photos. Further Reading.Chronology. VOYA Codes: 4Q 3P M J S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2002, Mitchell Lane, 48p. PLB
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Concise, yet detailed presentations about two 20th-century scientists. Students will appreciate the easy-to-read layout that includes numerous black-and-white photographs. Comprehensible narratives describe how the individuals achieved their accomplishments, despite many hardships. Allison covers the life of a Nobel Prize-winning scientist about whom little has been written for this audience. Today, new techniques using Alvarez's bubble chamber allow scientists to provide better environmental monitoring and assurance of drug quality. This book provides a more detailed presentation than Corinn Codye's Luis W. Alvarez (RSVP, 1990; o.p.). Bankston does a fine job of presenting the many ups and downs in the life of one of the 20th century's best-known scientists. However, John Severance's Einstein: Visionary Scientist (Clarion, 1999) offers a more engaging and thorough presentation of the genius. These solid additions include just enough of each individual's personal travails and angst to keep readers interested.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
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