“When is a planet, not a planet? The Story of Pluto” by Elaine Scott
ISBN 978-0618898329
I listened to this story, read by Pete Larkin — so I cannot comment on how the story is portrayed on the page or the illustrations, but I can tell what we thought about how it was read.
First, the basics: this story is about 45 minutes — so it can be cut into a class period pretty easily. The main reader is very good — though my 7 year old son thought the “Space Facts” pretty annoying with the ‘chimey’ music. I know that the editors were trying to separate the main story from the side notes but to be honest I tend to agree with my son.
The history of the Solar System is fascinating though and all the transitions from one scientist to the next are a great study. The book is full of dates and back ground information so that it is very educational as well. It mentions the technology throughout the ages and is very informative. This book is one that I would highly recommend for the classroom for its easy to understand concepts.
So all in all this is an excellent book and a very good listen. Though I mention the space facts being annoying — the facts are good. It is just the music choice that could be different.
From Booklist
Scott takes the 2006 downgrading of Pluto from planet to dwarf planet as a teachable moment for discussing questions such as how the number of planets has changed through the centuries, what can be called a planet, and how scientists come to conclusions—and occasionally change their minds. Following a section on early astronomy, a succinct, timely, and somewhat surprising account of planetary history begins with Herschel’s 1781 discovery of the seventh planet, Uranus. Twenty years later, Piazzi found Ceres, which was considered the eighth planet. In 1846, Galle discovered Neptune, bringing the total to nine. When objects similar to Ceres were found in the same orbit, all (including Ceres) were placed in a new category: asteroids. In other words, even before the discovery of Pluto, there were once nine planets, but one of them was demoted. Beautifully designed, the book includes many well-captioned, color illustrations, from period portraits to NASA images to artist’s conceptions. A glossary and lists of recommended books and Web sites are appended. A good choice for updating astronomy collections. Phelan, Carolyn
