When is a Planet Not a Planet? by Elaine Scott

[Mandy]

I really like the idea of this book. Now that Pluto has been demoted, there need to be books that include and even explain this change for children (and adults).

However, I wasn't terribly impressed with this title in particular. Scott gives a brief overview of early astronomers and the discovery of the planets. The chapter on "Pluto's Problems" was well-written and helped me understand why astronomers have re-classified Pluto, but the discussion of "What is a Planet?" seemed stunted, and the book just didn't seem cohesive as a whole.

Good, but not my favorite.

[Teresa]

I completely agree with you. And, while scientists might agree to call Pluto an "icy planet" that still has planet in the name, so how does that mean anything really to the non-scientist community?