Disappearing Spoon vs. The Mystery of the Periodic Table

[moonlight]

Has anyone read both of these books? Would it be redundant to do both? Do you prefer one over the other??

 

This is for DS13 to go with Big History Project and Ellen McHenry's The Elements (review) and Carbon Chemistry.

 

Thanks!

[chocolate-chip chooky]

I'm listening in.

I've got both of those books on my wishlist, but I've hesitated to buy because I've read mixed reviews, some even saying that there are factual inaccuracies in one/both.

 

 

[Kalmia]

I read both a long while ago. They are of very different reading levels. The Mystery of the Periodic Table being fine for 3th grade and up. The Disappearing Spoon is written for adults but I'd say 8th grade and up for strong readers. I have a vague memory that one of the chapters in The Disappearing Spoon had some content that some parents would find questionable, but as I don't have it in front of me I can't recall which chapter or what the questionable subject matter was. Plus since my son read it well before 8th grade it may have been questionable for his age group, but not for a 13 year old.

[SanDiegoMom]

I personally enjoyed Disappearing Spoon. I'd have no problem with an eighth grader reading it, and would assume that 7th or 8th would be a minimum grade due to reading level- for the average reader at least. Never read the other one.

[RootAnn]

I thought the Disappearing Spoon was more interesting than the MotPT, but there was at least one reference to $ex in one place, I think? (Same vague recollection as Kalmia's that there was some sort of 'adult content.' It wasn't graphic, but my oldest was only about 10 at the time, so it wasn't appropriate for her then. You would want to pre-read if someone doesn't remember what the one or two mentions where to give you more specifics.)

 

I don't think it would be redundant to do both. They focus on different things. I think they would both fit well with what you have planned. MotPT wasn't a very exciting read for ME.

[athomeontheprairie]

There are old threads here about the disappearing spoon. I'm amazed at younger kids reading it.

 

I found the disappearing spoon to be a good book. But I felt it was heavy, good for high school and up, and would be beneficial to someone who already had a basic understand of the periodic table. (Not just someone who had seen it and been told "this is the periodic table, isn't it awesome?", but someone who gets at least the groups and the numbers, even if only vaguely)

 

As for the s*x, well it's there. But so super easy to gloss over. No details. Honestly, if the hive hadn't mentioned it prior to me reading, I likely wouldn't have when noticed.

[Kathleen.]

Any reviews for the other book?