Like other books under the Ripley umbrella, titles in the Ripley Twist series pack astonishin. believe it or no. facts into visually exciting pages filled with color photos and diagrams. The additiona. twis. here appears on each spread: among the many text boxes, one is printed upside down, requiring a spin of the book to read the words. That feature is just one of many clever design elements, which also include recurring text heading. Big Word Alert. Brain Bo. that will help guide readers through the packed pages on a broad range of topics. Extreme Earth offers an introduction to earth science basics, beginning with an overview of the earth's place in the solar system. (Oddly, an accompanying visual image of the solar system isn't fully labeled.) Throughout the survey of earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes, the pages include many thrilling stories of human adventures as well as riveting photos (a large aerial view of the precipice of Niagara Falls, for example). Written in conversational, sometimes exclamatory language, these accessible volumes live up to their promise, deliverin. amazing facts, feats, and things that will make you go Wow!' --Engberg, Gillia. Copyright 2010 Booklist

Eye-punishingly busy spreads, including a random "twist it!" feature that requires readers to turn the book upside down, attempt to communicate facts about earth science. Pun-heavy captions and "Big Word Alert!" glossary entries plopped on the pages seem intended to downplay the subject's educational aspect. Still, reluctant readers may glean some information. Ind. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.