Bounce! A scientific history of rubber by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen

I love Sarah Albee's books, which generally cover historical subjects but often include a scientific aspect, and this latest work is no exception.

There are two main threads throughout the book; the historical use and development of rubber and the science of rubber itself. Albee skillfully moves from the earliest uses of rubber in Central and South America to the invaders who carried it back to Europe and on to the discovery of vulcanized rubber and its effect on daily life. As she explains each historical development, she shows the science behind how rubber works and how it was developed into the material we use today with short, simple explanations.

With experienced illustrator Eileen Ryan Ewen filling the book with historical cartoons, illustrations of scientific concepts, and depictions of how we use rubber today, these two collaborators have created a unique and accessible look at a scientific concept through a number of different perspectives.

Throughout the book, Albee refers to the original use of rubber by Indigenous peoples and the art overall shows a light-hearted depiction of history. Back matter includes a note about the names of Indigenous peoples and a lengthier note from the author labeled "Some deeply disturbing details about rubber" which delves more thoroughly into colonization and current-day oppression of people who harvest natural rubber as well as the environmental hazards of vulcanized rubber and synthetic latex. There is also a timeline of events, and detailed bibliography and sources. I appreciated that Albee made a clear delineation between the Indigenous peoples who had been using natural rubber products successfully for many years and the European "discovery" and adaptation of those resources. Although the book and illustrations are light-hearted, Albee makes sure that this introduction is factual about the historical events.

Verdict: I think Albee does a great job of simplifying concepts for her audience and this is just the right amount of scientific and historical information for an elementary audience. Teachers and caregivers discussing the book with their children will also have all of the available facts of the historical and environmental damages of the rubber industry to discuss with their readers as appropriate. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781623543792; Hardcover/Picturebook on Baker & Taylor for $10.63

Published October 2024 by Charlesbridge; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library