
The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales
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$9.95 - $19.95Reviews
School Library Journal
“Middle school and lower high school readers will be drawn into the science of cosmology. Similar to the composition and critical thinking opportunities offered in an academic science textbook, facts and purposeful queries are presented at the start and end of each chapter. Readers are sure to gain knowledge about the impact of revolutionary thinking and discovery. Cornell’s comic-style characters, engaged in dialogue at the beginning of each chapter, spark readers’ interest in the topics introduced, from the first stars to spiral galaxies to life on Earth. . . The neatly arranged page layouts guide readers between the main body of text and the impressive photographs (often cited from NASA) and diagrams. Interactive QR codes are provided; links offer relevant visual media and resources. The text includes a time line of cosmic phenomena, metric conversions, an extensive glossary, an index, a bibliography, and STEM experiments for the creation of models. VERDICT An in-depth educational science resource for middle and high school readers with basic astronomical knowledge. Readers will achieve a greater understanding of the science of cosmology and its related content, from the big bang to a star’s life cycle to Earth’s geosphere.”
Professor Raymond Jeanloz, University of California, Berkeley
“Overall, an outstanding overview, impressive in its clarity and ability to engage the reader. I also appreciated the structure of the book, with a build up not only toward big-picture topics (future of the Universe!) but also toward the practical, societally important issues of climate change and environmental challenges here at home.”
Teacher Resources

Classroom Guides
For educators! Download a packet of essential questions, mentor texts, and Common Core State Standards to use in classrooms and libraries.
Classroom GuideDetailed Book Description
What exactly is the universe? How did it begin? How will it end?
Explore these questions and more in The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales. Readers ages 12 to 15 embark on an exciting journey that starts with the Big Bang and takes them all the way to the end of the universe, with many exciting stops in between. Take a look billions of years into the past and discover the mind-bending early moments of the universe, the rise of the first stars, and the formation of the earliest galaxies. Explore the birth of our sun and solar system and the formation of the only place in the universe known to support life: the earth. Finally, zoom billions of years into the future to learn about the death of the sun, a colossal collision of galaxies, and even the fate of the universe itself.
The Universe includes hands-on STEM projects that encourage critical and creative thinking skills, along with graphic novel–style illustrations, amazing photography from NASA, and links to online resources.
Try these hands-on science projects!
- Examine ancient black holes with citizen science
- Measure the speed of light
- Explore the effects of local climate change
Hardcover, $22.95 9781619309296 |
Paperback, $17.95 9781619309326 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Timeline
Introduction
Welcome to the Universe
Chapter 1
It Begins With a Bang
Chapter 2
Great Galaxies
Chapter 3
Stellar Stars
Chapter 4
Plentiful Planets
Chapter 5
The Living Earth
Chapter 6
Into the Future
Glossary
Resources
Selected Bibliography
Index