Editorial Review
What Are Sedimentary Rocks? - Children's Literature

Sedimentary rocks are a common form of rocks, as they result from sediment forming to build a new structure. Hyde walks the reader through the process of this creation, from bits of sand or particles of rock falling off and being carried away by wind, ice or rain, to the deposits of these particles building up and creating a new rock. One recipe/experiment on “Make your own rock” involving Epsom salts, sand and water, gives a hands-on feel to the process of rock creation. It will be particularly helpful for teachers or parents. Hyde also uses examples of natural structures, like the White Cliffs in Dover, England, to make her case for the prevalence of these sedimentary rocks, and shows how useful they are to people. For example, limestone is a sedimentary rock, and the majority of stone cathedrals in the world, such as Notre Dame in Paris, were created with limestone. Sedimentary rocks also can contain fossils, which will be of particular interest to those students interested in dinosaurs and archeology. While the geology behind rock creation is complex, a helpful glossary, bright pictures, and recipes make it easy enough for the upper elementary student to understand. It is a good choice for those teaching an elementary geology curriculum. It is part of the “Let’s Rock” series from Crabtree. Reviewer: Elizabeth Leis-Newman