Published by Charlesbridge

Summary:  Since early times, humans have been attracted to things that are iridescent, like beetles and mica.  In more recent history, people have learned to manufacture this iridescence, starting with “flitter”, a mix of ground-up mica, metal, and paper that was sold in the early 1900’s.  During World War II, mica was needed for industry, so a man named Henry F. Ruschmann began making plastic glitter from his factory in Bernardsville, NJ.  This product, which has become ubiquitous in our society, has its downsides, being the very definition of microplastic, a material that is wreaking all kinds of environmental havoc.  Alternative glitters are being created, so it looks as though, one way or another, glitter is here to stay.  Includes an author’s note that talks about how he researched the book, an illustrator’s note, books for further reading, and a bibliography.  48 pages; grades 2-5.

Pros:  Chris Barton tells the story of glitter with some history, some science, and a lot of humor in this extremely engaging nonfiction book.  The illustrations are lots of fun, and what kid is not going to want to read about glitter?

Cons:  My vacuum cleaner and I have kind of a love/hate relationship with glitter.