What Makes a Magnet?

There are not many high quality books about magnets geared towards lower elementary age children. Of what is available, this book is one of the best. It introduces the idea of fishing with magnets, what types of things magnets attract, what poles are and how they work, and also mentions the history of magnetism. This book is a little awkward to read, though, as it engages the PK-K audience with the first few pages, and then appeals more to the 1-3 audience with that last pages. I jump around a lot when I read this aloud to PK and 1st graders. I also need to supplement information. This book would be stronger if it contained real photographs of magnets, introduced some additional magnet experiments, or talked more about what they are and show more how they work in the intial pages and not towards the end. Still, I would recommend it to elementary science teachers. show less

What Makes a Magnet? is a good introduction for young readers to get an understanding of what magnetism is. The book cleverly begins by having the reader "go fishing" in a box by placing various things into the box (things made with and without iron) and making a fishing pole with string, a magnet, and a pencil. It explains that magnets can only pick up things made with iron. Additionally, it briefly explains to the reader that the earth is a magnet because it contains a lot of iron. There is also an experiment presented in storybook fashion where the reader can make their own compass. I really liked this book and can see myself using the ideas in a middle school science class. It is illustrated with colored drawings of a little girl show more discovering magnets and has a cute little mouse helping her. show less

This incredible book is explains what magnet is, describes interesting experiments to determine whether something is magnetic or not in simple terms. I really enjoyed reading it, and I think it is very important that elementary school children read it. Magnetism is a very important area of Physics. This book could inspire a lot of good future scientists!

This is an easy-to-read book about magnets with good, simple explanations. It also has a couple of easy experiments for children. A good beginner book on the subject.

Not so much a storybook as a collection of suggested activities you can do with magnets, plus some historical background. Luisa's current favourite book, and the suggested activities really ... align my north and south poles.

This is a great book for a teacher to read to a science class. The teacher can start with this book for the students to get the idea of magnets then they can start the activity. It will help them understand why they are learning about magnets.

With this book, children can learn everything about magnets and even make some experiments with magnets! It's a very informative book and it's good for reading at home and can also be used in school!