A Black Hole is NOT a Hole

By Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
Illustrated by Michael Carroll
Published by Charlesbridge Publishing
Hardback, ISBN 9781570917837
Ages 9 -12

Locate a copy at IndieBound | Amazon |
Barnes & Noble | Local Library

Would you like a personalized, signed copy? Order through Westwinds Bookshop (my local indie). Begin with an email to info@westiwndsbookshop.com.

“Stargazers will be entranced…”
–Kirkus Reviews

•ALA Notable 2013
•Junior Library Guild 2012 Selection
• One of Kirkus Reviews’ 100 Best Children’s Books of 2012

•A School Library Journal Best Book 2012

• Recommended Designation, NCTE Orbis Pictus Committee, 2013

A “Best of the Best” Book, Chicago Public Library 2012

•A Los Angeles Public Library Best of 2012 Children’s Book

• One of 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing (Children’s Books), NY Public Library

• Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association

 

★”Black holes are out of the grasp of almost everyone’s mind. But then along comes this clear explanation of important concepts in understanding deep space astrophysics…The author adds a light touch of humor and awe-inspiring facts to let the reader comprehend what even Einstein himself never completely accepted. The illustrations, both artist renderings and telescopic images, allow a sense of the power and magnitude of these phenomena, the strongest and least-understood in our universe.”. -Todd Krueger, for Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens, Starred Review

 

“…brings a challenging concept down to Earth.  Like all things powerful and mysterious, black holes are fascinating to children; but they are also difficult to understand, even for adults. This little book meets the challenge head-on by explaining, in very simple language, how some stars turn into black holes, how astronomers learned about a massive black hole in the center of our galaxy, how gravity affects everything (even light), and what happens to things that fall into black holes. Especially engaging is the way the book handles a common metaphor—a whirlpool—by explaining how it is similar to, but also different from a black hole. This book would make a perfect birthday present for children who are awakening to an interest in the stars and planets.  Even if they don’t fully grasp all of the concepts at first, the clear and well-illustrated ideas will plant a seed that has the potential to grow into a lifetime interest in science.” –Cary Sneider