Matthew Brenden Wood
2
Books Reviewed
The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales
4.8/5
reader rating · 60 ratingsPublished by Nomad Press in April 2021 as part of the Inquire & Investigate series, this illustrated nonfiction title for readers ages 12–15 guides young learners from the moment of the Big Bang through the large-scale structure and eventual fate of the universe, pairing content with hands-on STEM activities and research projects throughout.
Reviewed Apr 29, 2026
Projectile Science: The Physics Behind Kicking a Field Goal
4.6/5
reader rating · 46 ratingsProjectile Science: The Physics Behind Kicking a Field Goal and Launching a Rocket with Science Activities for Kids by Matthew Brenden Wood, illustrated by Tom Casteel, is a STEAM-focused nonfiction title from Nomad Press targeting readers ages 10 to 15. It unpacks the physics of ballistics — from three-pointers and field goals to rocket trajectories — through hands-on science activities, essential questions, and real-world examples. Barnes & Noble's product listing notes it as "an extremely readable yet factually accurate account of mechanics and its applications to projectiles," and it sits within Nomad Press's four-title Technology for Today set alongside titles on industrial design, big data, and artificial intelligence.
Reviewed Jun 6, 2026
Ask LuvemBooks about Matthew Brenden Wood
- Where should I start?
- The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales is the strongest entry point, holding a reader rating of 4.8/5 from 60 Amazon ratings and covering an impressively broad range of science — from cosmology to scale comparisons that ground abstract ideas in something tangible. It best represents Wood's approach of making large, complex topics approachable for young readers. If the reader has a specific interest in physics and sports, Projectile Science is a compelling alternative with a tighter, application-focused lens.
- What's their writing style?
- Wood writes in a clear, instructional voice shaped by his years in the classroom — explanations tend to be structured and purposeful rather than conversational or narrative-driven. He favors concrete anchors to make abstract science accessible, such as using a football field goal to explain projectile motion, or invoking blue whales alongside black holes to give cosmic scale a human reference point. His style prioritises clarity and curiosity over dramatic flair, which suits readers who want to genuinely understand a subject rather than just be entertained by it.
- Books we've reviewed
- We have reviewed two books by Matthew Brenden Wood on LuvemBooks. The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales (Science & Nature) is a wide-ranging exploration of cosmology and scale for middle-grade readers, rated 4.8/5 by readers on Amazon. Projectile Science: The Physics Behind Kicking a Field Goal (Children's Books) applies physics principles to sports scenarios, rated 4.6/5 by readers on Amazon.
- How do his books compare?
- The two reviewed titles take noticeably different approaches to science writing. The Universe casts a wide net, moving across cosmology, scale, and natural phenomena in a way that suits readers drawn to big-picture thinking. Projectile Science is narrower and more applied, using the specific scenario of a field goal kick to unpack physics concepts — it's a better fit for readers who learn well through real-world examples. Both share Wood's clear, structured voice, but the choice between them largely comes down to whether a reader prefers breadth or focus.
- What genre does he write?
- Wood writes nonfiction science books for young readers, sitting at the intersection of Science & Nature and Children's/Middle-Grade educational publishing. His books are not narrative or story-driven — they are content-focused works designed to explain real scientific concepts, informed by his background as a STEAM educator. Readers who enjoy authors like Nate Ball or titles from the 'Ologies series may find his work similarly appealing.
- What should I read after The Universe?
- After The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales, the natural next step within Wood's reviewed catalogue is Projectile Science: The Physics Behind Kicking a Field Goal — it shifts from cosmological scale to hands-on applied physics, offering a satisfying contrast while staying within the same clear, instructional style. Readers wanting to stay in the cosmology and big-science space might also explore titles like Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything (for a more narrative approach) or DK's Space Encyclopedia for visual depth.
Who is Matthew Brenden Wood?
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