Smash!

Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider

  • Interest Level: Grade 8 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

What is the universe made of? At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, scientists have searched for answers to this question using the largest machine in the world: the Large Hadron Collider. It speeds up tiny particles, then smashes them together—and the collision gives researchers a look at the building blocks of the universe.

Nick and Sophie, two cousins, are about to visit CERN for a tour of the mysteries of the cosmos. Sophie’s a physics wiz. Nick, not so much. But by the time they’re through, Nick and Sophie will both feel the power of hidden particles, fundamental forces, dark matter, and more. It’s all a blast in this mind-blowing graphic novel!

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4677-8551-8
$24.99
978-1-5124-3070-7
$11.99
978-1-5124-3593-1
$37.99
978-1-5415-2980-9
$39.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 8 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Graphic Novels, Science, Young Adult
Category STEM, STEM: Physical Science
Copyright 2017
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Graphic Universe ™
Language English
Number of Pages 72
Publication Date 2017-01-01
Text Type Informational Fiction
BISACS YAF010000, YAF043000, YAF055000
Dewey 539.7/36
Graphics 1-color illustrations
Dimensions 7 x 9
Lexile 670
Features Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Foreword, Glossary, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author: Sara Latta

Sara Latta has written several books for middle grade and YA readers, including Body 2.0: The Engineering Revolution in Medicine (Twenty-First Century Books, 2020); Black Holes: The Weird Science of the Most Mysterious Objects in the Universe (Twenty-First Century Books, 2018); Smash! Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe with the Large Hadron Collider (Graphic Universe, 2017), and Scared Stiff: Everything You Need to Know about 50 Famous Phobias (Zest Books, 2014). She lives in New York City with her husband and children. Visit her online at www.saralatta.com.

Illustrator: Jeff Weigel

Jeff Weigel is an illustrator, author, and designer of children’s books and graphic novels who lives in Illinois. Visit Jeff online at www. jeffweigel.com.

Reviews

VOYA

“Latta and Weigel succeed in breaking down major physics themes into bite-sized pieces, making this a great entry into complex concepts. . . . [H]ighly recommended for science classes or school collections.”—VOYA

Publishers Weekly

“[A]n engaging introduction to particle physics, the Big Bang, dark matter, and more.”—Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

“Big tech at its biggest; weird science at its weirdest: readers will echo Sophie’s ’It’s amazeballs!’”—Kirkus Reviews

Booklist

“Though it’s as dense as expected, Latta keeps the book from bogging down by offering clear, concise explanations that will appeal to those whose minds are already tickled by the mysteries of physics.”—Booklist

School Library Journal

“This title will be sought out for both pleasure reading and report writing. For all middle and high school science collections.”—School Library Journal