Amazing Built Structures Everyday Appliances The Internet Machines of Speed and Flight Robots and Artifical Intelligence Sports and Sporting Equipment

Gr 4—8—An introduction to the general topic is followed by 13 spreads, each answering a question such as, "Why Does the Gateway Arch Sway in the Wind?" (Amazing Built Structures) or "Why Doesn't a Microwave Oven Get Hot?" (Everyday Appliances). Topics are not explored in great depth, but readers are given adequate clear and concise information in an engaging format. Historical information is interspersed throughout, addressing, for example, the history of robot invention in Robots and Artificial Intelligence and that of running shoes in Sports and Sporting Equipment. Readers are sure to find The Internet particularly engaging, as it explores a variety of high-interest topics including how the Internet works, the difference between it and the World Wide Web, and how search engines and Twitter function. Sidebars highlight vocabulary, interesting facts, and relevant websites (a welcome change from their usual location at the back of the book). Lackluster photos and a pastel color scheme detract from this otherwise compelling series.