Lewis Carroll showed that having axioms – even the best axioms – is not enough for determining truth in a system of logic; for great care must be taken about the choice of assumption. They must be explicitly augmented by the exact mechanisms by which the deductions of the consequences are based.
In the delightful stories and poems of Cindy Schwarz’s particle physics students at Vassar, the assumptions are playfully, yet seriously laid down. The resulting products give the casual reader and physicist alike, a new perspective on those sub atomic “animals” in her Sub Atomic Zoo. It is a wonderful read.
--Cathy Ezrailson, former high school teacher, now TAMU

It was fun to read about my own experiment in poems and short stories. I recognized it immediately even though the particles talked and had feelings. It was entertaining to imagine myself one of the main characters, a proton in a hydrogen atom hanging on for dear life to her electron as she was propelled into the particle accelerator.
--Melissa Franklin, Professor of Physics, Harvard University

I have always appreciated the power of student writing as an assessment tool. The construction of the stories and poetry, focused on the content of particle physics, allowed the students to demonstrate their understanding in a creative format that they clearly enjoyed. Through the writing process, they made connections and brought to life many of the abstract concepts they had learned.
--Paul Hickman,Center for the Enhancement of Science and Mathematics Education
Northeastern University

I thought the stories were creative and very interesting. I think anyone interested in particle physics or "where our universe came from" would be interested in this collection. This collection of stories and poems was wonderful. It was a delightful collection.
--Thomas O’Kuma, Physics. Lee College, Past President of AAPT