Looking for Life in the Universe: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Packed with facts, much of the information is presented in terms that youngsters can understand, i.e. "It would take 10 billion bowls of cereal to fill [the telescope's dish] to the brim." Part of the "Scientists in the Field" series and told from a third person perspective, Jill Tarter, director of SETI (Search for ExtraTerrrestrial Intelligence) and the woman whom Contact by Carl Sagan is loosely based on is heavily featured throughout the book. Many of the colorful, clear photographs are taken with a wide angle lens and are distorted in a "bubble" like fashion. An addendum at the end of the book lists related websites for children, additional bibliography and is careful to note that SETI does not work with people who have claimed to be abducted by aliens. This non-fiction piece would be ideal to augment 3rd, 4th and 5th grade astronomy centered lesson plans as well as for any young budding scientist. Additionally, this book could be used as part of a unit on "careers"