Books on quantum theory?

[Mmmcoffee]

DD and I were talking about quantum theory (triggered by reading timeline by Michael Crichton). He actually made it sort of understandable, and she (and I!) would like to know more - she's 14.

Can anyone recommend a book that's vaguely understandable? I've been searching Amazon, and there are quite literally hundreds that seem to be on an 'introductory' level. We're not looking for a textbook for a quantum physics student, more like something that will help us figure out how it all works.

Its probably something you've read already but Steven Hawkings Brief History of Time has a good bit on quarks and the like. I certainly didn't understand it all but it did go some way to explaining the construction of sub-atomic particles and the way they react.
This might not be what your're wanting though

I read "The God Particle" when I was doing A-level physics and found it very digestible. It's the one by Leon Lederman.

Mr Tompkins in Wonderland by George Gamow?

Sorry for such a late update, we went on holiday!

Hanging I read Steven Hawkins years ago, I don't think it's quite what I was looking for but definitely worth another look. Fenouille I'd forgotten The God Particle, definitely one to get again, it was one of the few 'textbook' type books I actually enjoyed. Coke I googled Mr Tompkins, have never heard of the books but I would love to read them, they sound brilliant!

Thanks all for your suggestions.

Not sure if you're still looking for an accessible book about quantum physics but I loved 'The Quantum Zoo' by Marcus Chown; he wrote it with his wife in mind (so that she could read and understand it) and it's fascinating.