VVMBookBlog

After reading this book, fast food might never look the same to you! Find out secrets behind those tasty French fries, where that hamburger comes from, and wait ’til you see the list of chemicals in that strawberry milkshake! And especially, where does that red/pink/purple food coloring come from???

Lots of interesting history of fast food production, marketing strategies that get us to buy fast food, and the unfortunate consequences for some kids who grow up eating a diet of too much fast food and sugar-sweetened pop.

Guys Write for Guys Read edited by Jon Scieszka

This is an awesome book for guys and girls who want to find out more about a favorite author. It also has wonderful (often funny) stories about when the authors were young. Although I started to read this book cover to cover, I realized I really wanted to read about the authors I recognized. When I had those authors read, I went back to read the others. I will also admit I loved the “random fact for each author.” One author actually makes money playing a kazoo. Another author ran away from home in his teens to live with the carnival.

If You are looking for short funny excerpts about boys this is the place. This is also a great resource if you are looking for a book. Read about each author. Then read his books. Each author has a bibliography (list of books) at the end of his excerpt. Guys Read is also a great book if you just want to read a little at a time. Each author’s excerpt is only a couple of pages. Once you read this book, you’ll know what book you want to read next!

The Radioactive Boy Scout by Ken Siverstein

It is a bit amazing that this is a true (non-fiction) story. This book is definitely a must for readers interested in chemistry and nuclear energy. David is a teenager who actually attempts to build a nuclear reactor in his backyard. His teachers, parents, and even girlfriend have no idea about all of the elements he has obtained to make this possible. Eventually, the EPA has to come in and bury his lab in a radioactive dumpsite.

When other students at school were making fun of “Radioactive Boy,” they had no idea. David is able to obtain information from several organizations in letters he wrote stating he was Professor Hahn. Even though he was not able to spell, which should have shown someone he wasn’t a professor, he was able to retrieve information from a variety of sources. Anyone with a strong interest in science (especially chemistry and physics) should read of David’s adventure. Please be reminded, “Do not try this at home.”