Spring 2026

Bang!

The Art, History, and Science of Fireworks

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 8

Pyrotechnics are all around us—and they have been for generations.

The science and craft of creating fireworks is called pyrotechnics. The word comes from two Greek words: pyro, meaning “fire,” and techne, meaning “art.” The art of fire. Have you ever seen or used a pyrotechnic device? Maybe you’ve held a sparkler at a wedding, attended a fireworks show to ring in the new year, or even simply struck a match. Fireworks in particular have long played an important role in cultural and religious celebrations, entertainment events, major holidays, and more. And many hobbyists like to create, use, or collect fireworks just for fun.

From ground-level fountains to handheld flares to airborne rockets, discover how pyrotechnics were invented and how people have utilized them throughout the centuries. Then explore how modern fireworks are made, what types are available, and how to stay safe when using them. Fireworks feature in all sorts of celebrations and hobbies. What new displays might light up our future? Find out all this and more in Bang!

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979-8-7656-6044-7
On pre-order until 03/03/2026
$27.99
979-8-7656-8293-7
On pre-order until 03/03/2026
$41.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions 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 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 8
Genre Social Studies, Young Adult
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Traditional Nonfiction
Copyright 2026
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Twenty-First Century Books ™
Language English
Number of Pages 104
Publication Date 2026-03-03
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS YAN055040, YAN025000, YAN016000
Dewey 662/.1
Dimensions 6 x 9
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Index, Photo captions, Primary source quotations/images, Sidebars, Source notes, and Table of contents

Author: Ron Miller

Ron Miller has worked as a freelance writer and illustrator for more than 30 years. Many of his illustrations appear in magazines like Astronomy and Scientific American. He has also worked on motion pictures and created postage stamps. (One of his stamps is attached to a spacecraft headed for the planet Pluto!) He has also written short stories and novels and has even created a comic book.