From School Library Journal Grade 7-10-An examination of how scientists and engineers determine the properties of materials and how and why their attributes determine their best uses. These volumes do not contain articles in an encyclopedic fashion, but rather each is a lengthy introduction to its topic. The nine areas covered are plastics; metals; ceramics; glass; water; air; fibers; wood and paper; and dyes, paints, and adhesives. Readers looking for specific pieces of information may be frustrated by the essay approach to the topics; however, the table of contents and set index found in each book will aid access. The cross-referencing is limited to mention of other volumes in the set. The pages are heavy with graphics, mostly large color photographs. Words appearing in capitals in the text are found in the set glossaries, but there is no note explaining this to readers. There are no pronunciation guides. This information is not readily available for this audience, so the set might serve general readers, but it is not a first-choice reference tool.
