LIGHTNING by Seymour Simon

1. Bibliographic data

Seymour, Simon. 1997. Lightning. New York: Morrow Junior Books. 0-5900-3613-0.

2. Plot summary

Seymour Simon's Lightning provides a plethora of information about lightning in our world yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Simon begins with the different explanations have had for the source of lightning through the years. He provides information about lightning's speed, voltage, causes, types, history, and experiments that have been conducted to learn more about lightning. He uses photographs paired with text to explain what occurs when lightning strikes, as well as to reveal new kinds of lightning recently discovered. He highlights Tucson, Arizona and the entire state of Florida as lightning-prone location. Simon concludes by giving advice concerning lightning safety.

3. Critical Analysis

As I read Lightning, I was surprised to run across bits of information that I had never heard of before. This edition of Seymour Simon's book was published in 1997, so I was naturally surprised to find myself learning from a book that was ten years old. Most of the facts I already knew to be true, so I think this book is very accurate for the year of 1997. I know that Simon recently published a new Lightning in 2006, so this edition is sure to have more up-to-date information. Despite its older publication date, this book's facts have not be disproved and I feel like it is accurate for its time. However, if I had the choice between the 1997 and 2006 editions, I would definitely choose the latter for my class.

I was not as impressed with this book's organization. There are no reference aids - no table of contents, subheadings, or index. The book seems to go all over the place, and there is no flow of subject matter. Simon's focus bounces from people's perceptions of lightning to lightning's speed and voltage, to how and why lightning strikes, to Benjamin Franklin, to how scientists study lightning, to lightning's temperature, to thunder, to the different types of lightning, to more types of lightning, to new kinds of lightning, to examples of high lightning areas, to lightning made in the lab, and then finally to advice about lightning safety and possible future discoveries. If this book's organization is in fact organized, I missed it. I think subheadings and re-organization would help - perhaps this was achieved in the new 2006 edition.

Lightning's design is great. I find the cover and design within very inviting. The full-page photos attract the eye and draw the reader's interest. I found that most of the photos complemented the text. I realize that not all of the text's information (for example, the page about thunder and temperature of lightning) could be translated into photographs. Heat and sound cannot be felt in a picture, so a photograph of lightning suffices. I felt like the overall layout was appropriate to the subject matter. The subject of lightning and photographs of its majesty don't really need any fancy graphics or imaginative design to be impressive. They stand alone.

Simon writes Lightning in a very appropriate tone for children and adults alike. He doesn't talk down or attempt to discuss concepts beyond our reach. Simon is pretty objective and straightforward in his writing: "Lightning sometimes strikes the ground and tunnels downward into the soil. The intense heat of the electricity fuses the sand particles together into the shape of the bolt's path." While Simon's gives descriptions of lightning clouds and suggests experiments students can do safely at home, I don't really sense a great deal of enthusiasm in his writing. After reading this book, I wasn't aching to read anything more about lightning. If he did have any enthusiasm, it didn't translate to me.

I didn't find any instances of Simon challenging students to think critically. While his vocabulary was appropriate, his words didn't encourage any curiosity within me. Any desire on my part to read more about lightning would be because of the wonder of lightning itself, not Simon's description of it.

While I applaud Simon's objective descriptions and factual information, I wasn't incredibly intrigued by Lightning. This book is worth its weight because of the beautiful pictures and factual information, but it doesn't really encourage critical thinking, curiosity, or further reading. This is a good read, but not a must read.

4. Review Excerpts

"Simon's simple yet dramatic description of lightning as a "river of electricity rushing through an ocean of air" sets the tone for this excellent photo-essay. The subject is exciting, the information is amazing, and the full-color photographs are riveting, each spectacular picture more exciting than the last. Simon's explanations are concise but thorough. He includes plenty of information for student researchers--incredible statistics about lightning strikes and storms, explanations of different types of lightning (including some recently discovered ones), and information on how lightning occurs and is studied by scientists. There are also some intriguing anecdotes to add texture to the facts. The book will be a valuable addition to science classrooms and library collections serving a variety of age levels. Even students older than the target audience will enjoy browsing the wonderful pictures..." - Booklist

"A purple-hued cover photo attracts readers to this fascinating topic. The stunning, vibrantly colored photographs help to explain the text, illustrating points such as the differences between the three kinds of lightning. Short, simple sentences make this topic accessible to younger readers but do not talk down to older report writers. Simon emphasizes precautions about lightning (for example, "If you are in water, get out as soon as possible"). He also lists safe places to be if you are caught out in the open during a lightning storm...outstanding photos make Simon's book a striking selection." - School Library Journal

5. Connections

Related Books:

Seymour, Simon. 2002. Danger! Earthquakes. New York: Seastar Books. 1-5871-7140-6.

Seymour, Simon. 1992. Storms. New York: Mulberry Books. 0-6881-1708-2.

Seymour, Simon. 1999. Tornadoes. New York: Morrow Junior Books. 0-0644-3791-4.