COLD LIGHT

Sitarski offers a well-organized and thorough introduction to light that is produced by something other than heat. In short chapters amply illustrated with color photographs, the author includes descriptions of photoluminescence, bioluminescence and chemiluminescence, the history of their discovery and a clear explanation of some of their new uses, including those made possible by recombinant DNA. She treats this complex subject with respect but also with a lighthearted tone and ample use of puns likely to appeal to the middle-school reader. While there have been a number of juvenile titles about bioluminescence, there is nothing else available at this level on photoluminescence, chemiluminescence or the general subject of cold light. With a bibliography that includes rich websites and even a place to purchase bioluminescent organisms for science projects, this should be a first purchase for school and public libraries supporting science-fair participants. (bibliography, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)