What Makes a Magnet?

Author(s): 
Franklyn M. Branley
Illustrator(s): 
True Kelley
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1996
ISBN: 
9780064451482
Publisher: 
Harper Collins
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

What Makes a Magnet? constitutes a fairly substantial introduction to magnets for children approximately ages 5 to 9. They are invited to do a little discovery for themselves by doing some "fishing" with a magnet in a box of miscellaneous objects and see what things the magnet will pick up. The book goes on to explain that magnets pick up, not everything made of metal, but objects which contain iron in particular. Also explained are how to make your own magnet and compass, the poles of magnets and the earth, and the history of the discovery of the first magnets (lodestones) and how they were used for early navigation. This is a very nice early science book (despite a few "corny" pictures) because of the rich content in a simple format and how the book actively involves the child in the learning process.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-27-99