From kindergartners with truck obsessions to high school students researching the latest inventions, books on technology are always in demand. Some notable topics appear in this fall’s crop of books: simple machines and tools, amazing vehicles, and the development of technology over time. A few of the sets have individual volumes on specific machines, while others compile information on many similar devices. Publishers are creating titles that have great designs and visual appeal with blocks of text broken up by sidebars, diagrams, and vibrant color photos. Browsers rejoice! Most also have helpful back matter such as glossaries, detailed indexes, and lists of further resources that will assist researchers.

Preschool-Grade 4

ALLEN, Kenny. Aircraft Carriers. ISBN 978-1-4339-7159-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-7162-4. LC 2011043220.
–––– . Drilling Rigs. ISBN 978-1-4339-7163-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-7166-2. LC 2011043522.
–––– . Earthmovers. ISBN 978-1-4339-7167-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-7170-9. LC 2011043760.
–––– . Giant Cranes. ISBN 978-1-4339-7171-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-7174-7. LC 2011044025.
–––– . Jumbo Jets. ISBN 978-1-4339-7175-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-7178-5. LC 2011044091.
–––– . Submarines. ISBN 978-1-4339-7179-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-7182-2. LC 2011044223.
ea vol: 24p. (Monster Machines Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.
Gr 1-3–Machine-obsessed students will gravitate toward these titles, which introduce different vehicles and explain how they work. Each book ends with either an outstanding example of the machine or additional fascinating facts. Unfortunately, in Earthmovers and Cranes the photographs in this section are obscured by the text. On each spread, a few simple sentences are illustrated with a stock photo or diagram. Glossary words are displayed in bold font. Some equipment mentioned in the text is not pictured or labeled (for example, a submarine periscope or the propeller of an aircraft carrier). Aircraft-carrier crew members are referred to as soldiers rather than sailors.

GIFFORD, Clive. Cars. ISBN 978-0-7787-7474-7; ISBN 978-0-7787-7479-2.
–––– . Motorbikes. ISBN 978-0-7787-7475-4; ISBN 978-0-7787-7480-8.
–––– . Planes and Helicopters. ISBN 978-0-7787-7476-1; ISBN 978-0-7787-7481-5.
–––– . Trucks. ISBN 978-0-7787-7477-8; ISBN 978-0-7787-7482-2.
ea vol: 24p. (Machines at Work Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Crabtree. 2012. PLB $22.60; pap. $7.95.
Gr 1-3–These titles explain the mechanics of how vehicles work: what makes them stop, start, or turn, etc. The information is very basic. For example, in Trucks, readers learn that “They are powered by an engine that turns their wheels. As the wheels turn, they move the truck forward.” Cars focuses more on race cars than passenger vehicles. In each volume, the text is arranged in short paragraphs, accompanied by captioned photos and “Zoom In” sidebars that show close-ups of related vehicle parts. All the titles end with a quiz. Unfortunately, some of the stock photos are not helpful. In Cars, the spread on slowing down doesn’t actually show the brakes. An image that shows ailerons in Planes is too small to be elucidating. Though for a slightly older audience, PowerKids Press’s “Machines Inside Out” series has many more details about the workings of cars, trucks, motorcycles, and airplanes.

HARRISON, Paul. Superbikes. ISBN 978-1-84858-563-8. LC 2011051435.
–––– . Supercars. ISBN 978-1-84858-564-5. LC 2011051436.
–––– . Superplanes. ISBN 978-1-84858-565-2. LC 2011051517.
–––– . Supertrucks. ISBN 978-1-84858-566-9. LC 2011051438.
ea vol: 32p. (Mean Machines Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Arcturus. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-6–Kids who want to read about the biggest, fastest, or strongest vehicles will quickly grab these titles, each of which features 14-to-16 notable machines. All of the text is contained in boxes and photo captions, with a “Super Stats” table that details specifications about speed, size, power, and even price (for some). The indexes are minimal and words defined in the glossaries are not indicated in the texts, which limits their use for research. However, the large color photos and intriguing covers will draw browsers. Unfortunately, the texts are marred by errors and misspellings (e.g., in Superbikes, “cc” is defined as “cubic capacity” rather than “cubic centimeters”; in Superplanes, maneuverable and maneuverability are misspelled; and in Supercars, one sentence reads, “It has a big trunk and could easily carry home a family’s supermarket shop.”). Some of the books in Enslow’s “Wild Wheels” series (2007) cover the same territory in a more comprehensive fashion, though the format may be less attractive to browsers.

MARSICO, Katie. Inclined Planes. ISBN 978-16147-32730. LC 2012933600.
–––– . Levers. ISBN 978-16147-32747. LC 2012933653.
–––– . Pulleys. ISBN 978-16147-32754. LC 2012933654.
–––– . Wedges. ISBN 978-16147-32778. LC 2012933658.
OWINGS, Lisa. Wheels. ISBN 978-16147-32785. LC 2012933659.
SIROTA, Lyn. Screws. ISBN 978-16147-32761. LC 2012933655.
ea vol: illus. by Reginald Butler. 24p. (Simple Machines Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $27.07.
Gr 1-3–Each title introduces one of the six types of simple machines, explaining how it works, identifying its parts, and listing examples. The authors have included real-life scenarios that students might encounter when describing how machines make our lives easier. Each spread features colorful illustrations or stock photographs featuring multicultural characters. The simple language is accessible to beginners, and the glossaries contain good explanations of new terms, making them suitable for curricular use. However, there are some spots where an additional photo would have been helpful. For example, in Wheels, there is no picture of a windmill and in the section on doorknobs the photo doesn’t show that a doorknob has an axle. The content is similar to Creative Education’s “Simple Machines” series (2011) and Capstone Press’s “Simple Machines to the Rescue” set (2007).

NELSON, Robin. What Do Pliers Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8980-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0071-9. LC 2011039075.
–––– . What Does a Hammer Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8976-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8976-7. LC 2011039073.
–––– . What Does a Level Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8981-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0070-2. LC 2011039074.
–––– . What Does a Saw Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8979-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0072-6. LC 2011039076.
–––– . What Does a Screwdriver Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8978-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0073-3. LC 2011039077.
–––– . What Does a Wrench Do? ISBN 978-0-7613-8977-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0074-0. LC 2011039078.
ea vol: 24p. (First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work Series). diag. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $16.95.
K-Gr 2–Using very simple language and only a few sentences per page, these titles introduce common tools. Each book shows the parts of the subject (which are easy to identify in close-up photos) and explains how the item is used and by whom. All the volumes include a list of safety tips at the end. Color photos show a multicultural cast of boys, girls, and adults using wrenches, hammers, etc,, most wearing the necessary safety equipment. A page at the back of each title explains how the tools are simple machines or why they are important. Unfortunately, though this section is written in simple language and would likely be relevant to school curriculum, the sheer amount of text might deter early readers. These books have more information than Anne Rockwell’s The Toolbox (Walker, 2004), but will appeal to a slightly younger audience than the “Tools of the Trade” series (ABDO, 2009).

OXLADE, Chris. Electricity. ISBN 978-1-4329-6565-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-6570-9. LC 2011038248.
–––– . Garbage and Recycling. ISBN 978-1-4329-6566-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6571-6. LC 2011038249.
–––– . Heating. ISBN 978-1-4329-6564-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-6569-3. LC 2011038247.
–––– . Water. chart. ISBN 978-1-4329-6567-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-6572-3. LC 2011038250.
ea vol: 24p. (How Does My Home Work? Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $22.65; pap. $6.49.
K-Gr 2–This series examines the resources that enter and leave our homes. Each title covers where the utilities and items come from, how they arrive at residences, and how they are used. The texts emphasize why we should conserve natural resources and reduce waste, though Garbage neglects to mention composting. Information is presented in a question-and-answer format and follows a logical order. The few sentences on each page are enhanced by color photos or charts. Picture glossaries aid with the comprehension of unfamiliar words, and each title has an activity that students can use to track and reduce their energy use or increase recycling. These volumes lend themselves easily to curriculum use.

VON FINN, Denny. Apache Helicopters. ISBN 978-1-60014-816-3. LC 2012002393.
–––– . F-22 Raptors. ISBN 978-1-60014-817-0. LC 2012002394.
–––– . Predator Drones. ISBN 978-1-60014-821-7. LC 2012007671.
ea vol: 24p. (Epic Books: Military Vehicles Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Bellwether Media. 2012. PLB $22.95.
Gr 2-5–Grabbing readers’ attention from the first sections, these titles all begin with a scenario of military vehicles on missions, then proceed to discuss special features and equipment and the types of undertakings each one is designed to complete. “Vehicle Breakdown” lists in every volume detail specifications, but the font is difficult to read. The books would be ideal for reluctant readers since the reading level is quite low. The large, color photographs (with parts labeled) and minimal text increase browser appeal, but the small quantity of information limits the volumes’ use for reports. Glossary words are distinguished in bold, and random facts are highlighted. Readers looking for more details might be better served by titles that compile information about several types of military machines, such as those in Crabtree’s “Vehicles on the Move” series.

Grades 5 & Up

BINGHAM, Jane. Producing Dairy and Eggs. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-6406-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-6413-9. LC 2011037497.
LYNETTE, Rachel. Producing Meat. chart. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-6410-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-6417-7. LC 2011037570.
MCMANUS, Lori. Producing Fruits. map. ISBN 978-1-4329-6408-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-6415-3. LC 2011037567.
RAND, Casey. Producing Vegetables. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-6407-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-6414-6. LC 2011037566.
SOMERVILL, Barbara A. Producing Fish. chart. map. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-6405-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-6412-2. LC 2011037496.
–––– . Producing Grains. charts. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-6409-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6416-0. LC 2011037568.
ea vol: 48p. (The Technology of Farming Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $32.65; pap. $8.99.
Gr 5-8–Each book begins with a history of how production has changed over time, discusses current methods, and relates how food is processed and brought to market. While the focus is on farming in industrialized nations, the authors also present traditional farming methods used in other countries. In addition to typical American foods, the texts also mention common fare from other parts of the world. For example, Meat mentions emus and guinea pigs and Grains highlights quinoa and millet. Although the authors do raise some of the issues surrounding factory farming, they remain fairly neutral, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Some contentious issues are not fully discussed, however; the books refer to cloning and genetic engineering, but don’t mention why they are controversial. With straightforward narratives augmented with diagrams, sidebars, color photos, and reproductions, these titles will be useful for report writers.

BRASCH, Nicolas. Robots of the Future. ISBN 978-1-4488-7885-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-8045-4. LC 2011051536.
–––– . Triumphs of Engineering. maps. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4488-7887-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-8047-8. LC 2011051703.
EINSPRUCH, Andrew. DNA Detectives. ISBN 978-1-4488-7883-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-8043-0. LC 2011048221.
–––– . Life on a Space Station. chart. ISBN 978-1-4488-7884-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-8044-7. LC 2011048224.
–––– . Wired World. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4488-7888-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-8048-5. LC 2011051641.
MCFADZEAN, Lesley. Technology and Treatments. ISBN 978-1-4488-7886-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-8046-1. LC 2011051556.
ea vol: 32p. (Discovery Education: Technology Series). diags. photos. chron. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.
Gr 4-7–These titles vary widely in content and organization. Only a few paragraphs of main text appear on each page, with the remainder found in numerous sidebars and captions for diagrams and photos. Several of the books have a “You Decide” section that provides the pros and cons of controversial issues (e.g., “will robotic research and technology do more good for humans than bad?”) and encourages readers to make up their own minds. The science in DNA is at a higher level than the other titles and covers content often taught in high school biology. The type size is tiny, and because the text is broken up into such small chunks, students might need to consult other sources for more information. Libraries may wish to check and see what stand-alone titles they already own on similar topics before investing in the complete series. For example, Samone Bos’s Super Structures (DK, 2008) and Robots by the editors of Yes Mag (Kids Can, 2008) cover the same ground as some of the volumes in this set.

GREGORY, Josh. From Bats to…Radar. diag. ISBN 978-1-61080-496-7; ISBN 978-1-61080-670-1; ISBN 978-1-61080-583-4. LC 2012001942.
–––– . From Birds to…Aircraft. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-497-4; ISBN 978-1-61080-671-8; ISBN 978-1-61080-584-1. LC 2012001735.
–––– . From Thistle Burrs to…Velcro. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-494-3; ISBN 978-1-61080-668-8; ISBN 978-1-61080-581-0. LC 2012001763.
–––– . From Woodpeckers to…Helmets. ISBN 978-1-61080-495-0; ISBN 978-1-61080-669-5; ISBN 978-1-61080-582-7. LC 2012001764.
MARA, Wil. From Cats’ Eyes to…Reflectors. ISBN 978-1-61080-500-1; ISBN 978-1-61080-674-9; ISBN 978-1-61080-587-2. LC 2012008672.
–––– . From Kingfishers to…Bullet Trains. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-498-1; ISBN 978-1-61080-672-5; ISBN 978-1-61080-585-8. LC 2012005747.
–––– . From Locusts to…Automobile Anti-Collision Systems. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-501-8; ISBN 978-1-61080-675-6; ISBN 978-1-61080-588-9. LC 2012011856.
–––– . From Sharks to…Swimsuits. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-499-8; ISBN 978-1-61080-673-2; ISBN 978-1-61080-586-5. LC 2012007365.
ea vol: 32p. (Innovations from Nature Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Cherry Lake. 2012. PLB $28.50; pap. $9.95; ebook $28.50.
Gr 4-8–Each of these titles shows how a particular technological innovation was based on a natural source and concludes with a chapter about important people in the field. Some of the information repeats from book to book. The texts are constructed with short chapters, accompanied by sidebars with related content. Stock color photos and reproductions generally support the main paragraphs; however there is no close-up photo of shark skin in Sharks. Sometimes the link between the technology and its natural source is stronger than others, especially in the titles about bullet trains, anti-collision systems, and Velcro. The helmet technology discussed in Woodpeckers is still under development. These should be particularly useful for students researching inventions. Although a stand-alone title such as Dora Lee’s Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature (Kids Can, 2011) may cover a greater number of inventions, this series has more detail.

HAMILTON, John. Aircraft Carriers. ISBN 978-1-61783-519-3; ISBN 978-1-61478-940-6. LC 2012005056.
–––– . Amphibious Assault Ships. diag. ISBN 978-1-61783-520-9; ISBN 978-1-61478-941-3. LC 2012005058.
–––– . Cruisers. ISBN 978-1-61783-521-6; ISBN 978-1-61478-939-0. LC 2012005061.
–––– . Destroyers. ISBN 978-1-61783-522-3; ISBN 978-1-61478-943-7. LC 2012005063.
–––– . Frigates. ISBN 978-1-61783-523-0; ISBN 978-1-61478-944-4. LC 2012005067.
–––– . Submarines. diags. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-524-7; ISBN 978-1-61478-945-1. LC 2012005071.
ea vol: 32p. (Military Ships Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. ABDO. 2012. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07.
Gr 4-7–Each of these titles describes the purpose, components, and history of one type of ship, with a focus on its use in the U.S. Navy. A good deal of space is devoted to the different classes of each ship, but much of this information is delivered in lists of specifications with little narrative text. The glossaries have lengthy and helpful descriptions of new words, but since the words included there are not indicated in any way in the text it’s unlikely that readers will know to look for them. This set covers a high-interest topic, and the short paragraphs, sidebars, and large color photos will attract reluctant readers. However, the busy layout, with words placed over photographs, impedes readability. There is some overlap in content with Creative Education’s “Built for Battle” series, but the language and sentence structures of these titles are more complex and aimed at an older audience.

JACKSON, Tom, ed. Air and Space. ISBN 978-1-936333-40-0. LC 2011046995.
–––– . Buildings and Structures. ISBN 978-1-936333-41-7. LC 2011046991.
–––– . Land and Water Transportation. ISBN 978-1-936333-42-4. LC 2011046989.
–––– . Medicine and Health. ISBN 978-1-936333-38-7. LC 2012004786.
–––– . Military and Security. ISBN 978-1-936333-37-0. LC 2012004788.
–––– . Power and Energy. ISBN 978-1-936333-39-4. LC 2012004787.
ea vol: 64p. (Facts at Your Fingertips: Invention and Technology Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Brown Bear Bks. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 6 Up–From ancient times to the present day, these titles lead readers through the history of one type of technology. In every volume, five or six chapters cover broad themes, with diagrams and sidebars highlighting more specific topics such as inventors, inventions, scientific principles, and definitions (which are repeated in the glossary). The writing can be technical at times, and since there is so much to summarize in a short space, the texts sometimes read like who’s-who lists. Researchers will find these books useful, but because of the broad scope, they won’t discover many details about individual innovations and inventions. Unfortunately, the set is marred by typographical errors. Smart Apple’s “New Technology” series covers some of the same topics at a similar level.

For the primary grades, Heinemann’s “How Does My Home Work?” is well organized and conducive to curriculum use. Since truck and tool books are often popular with this age group, libraries may also want to consider Gareth Stevens’s “Monster Machines,” The Child’s World’s “Simple Machines,” and Lerner’s “First Step Nonfiction: Tools at Work.” The very basic text and less-than-helpful illustrations make Crabtree’s “Machines at Work” a set to skip. Cherry Lake’s “Innovations from Nature” is acceptable for intermediate grades, and Heinemann’s “The Technology of Farming,” though not without flaws, is useful for researchers. Brown Bear’s “Facts at Your Fingertips: Invention and Technology” series is marred by errors and is less useful for in-depth research because each invention is covered so briefly. Some of the titles from the PowerKids’s “Discovery Education: Technology” would be an option for libraries needing replacement or supplementary material on those topics. If there is high demand for books on military vehicles, selectors could consider ABDO’s “Military Ships” or Bellwether’s “Epic Books: Military Vehicles,” but, they may wish to look for other titles that cover many of these machines in one volume. While Arcturus’s “Mean Machines” will certainly attract an audience with the high-interest content, the errors and paltry indexes limit its use for research.