Although BOUNCE! A Scientific History of Rubber has the look of a picture book, the content inside will appeal to middle grade readers. In an easy to understand way, the various chemical properties of rubber are explained. The section titles hint at the more technical nature of the book: Why is rubber stretchy? Why does rubber melt in the heat and get brittle in the cold? and How can rubber be molded and shaped?

Vivid, color illustrations appear throughout. They add meaning to the text and are fun to look at again. The more serious side of rubber is covered in the Author’s Note.

Indigenous people were the first to be mistreated as they worked in areas where natural rubber grows. Present day brings long hours and low pay for people who harvest natural rubber. There is also the environmental impact of rubber as it is difficult to recycle, and latex balloons create other problems for animals.

The short 48 pages end with a detailed timeline and bibliography. BOUNCE! is the perfect choice as a read aloud and discussion starter. Kudos to the author and illustrator for such an appealing format.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 22, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR

Sarah Albee writes children’s books for many age groups and under a number of pseudonyms. She has had three of her books appear on the New York Times Bestseller list. Before she began her career as a children’s book writer and editor, Sarah was a newspaper cartoonist and a semiprofessional basketball player. These days she lives in Connecticut with her husband and three children.

Eileen Ryan Ewen is the illustrator of many books for children, including H is for Honey Bee, Jonas Hanway’s Scurrilous Scandalous Shockingly Sensational Umbrella, and Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story. 

Instagram:

Sarah Albee: @sarahjalbee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: @eileenryanewen

Charlesbridge: @charlesbridgepublishing

Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media 

Facebook:

Sarah Albee: @sarah.albee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: Eileen Ryan Ewen

Charlesbridge: Charlesbridge Publishing

Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media 

Twitter/X:

Sarah Albee: @sarahalbee

Eileen Ryan Ewen: N/A

Charlesbridge: @Charlesbridge

Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.