The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Rivalry, Adventure, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements (Young Readers Edition)

This young readers edition explores true stories behind the periodic table of the elements. Sam Kean presents accounts of how elements have played surprising roles in human history, finance, mythology, conflict, art, and medicine. The book addresses questions such as why Gandhi opposed iodine, how radium affected Marie Curie's reputation, and why tellurium sparked an unusual gold rush. Each story follows the scientists who discovered these elements, many of whom were unconventional figures. The periodic table emerges not only as a scientific achievement but also as a record of adventure, greed, betrayal, and obsession. The edition includes line-drawings and sidebars throughout to support learning. It is suited for aspiring scientists, STEM classrooms, and those interested in scientific history and trivia.