Potassium Book

Describes the characteristics, sources, and uses of the element potassium.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Readable overviews of these elements. Explanations are succinct and clear, without being oversimplified, and supplemental information is provided in boxed sidebars. Relevant diagrams, drawings, and photographs, mainly in color, appear on every page. Each book covers the element's history, where it is found, and how it is extracted and purified, as well as how it is used and its chemical reactions. Silver includes such topics as the element's role in the history of money, ornaments, and photography. Potassium details the element's importance in soaps and explosives, and in the human body. The large, bold text will appeal to younger readers, and the explanations and visuals provided for specific chemical reactions are especially helpful. In addition, each book has a spread devoted to the periodic table and the element's particular place in it. Good choices for reports.-Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, WA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.