NONFICTION

Genius!: The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time

by Deborah KESPERT
96p. chron. diag. glossary. index. photos. reprods. Thames & Hudson. Aug. 2015. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9780500650431. LC 2014952828.
COPY ISBN
Gr 5–8—This look at innovations over the years treads familiar territory. The 21 selections are presented thematically, rather than by when they were created, and are divided into the following chapters: "Pioneers," "Communication," "Technology," "Transport," and "Into Space." Each four-page entry focuses on the product's creator (background, challenges faced) and two or three facts about the invention. There is a full-page illustration or photograph of each inventor, which places them in historical context. Readers will also find information about the uses or changes to the invention in modern times. No new ground is covered here (innovations include the Archimedes screw, telephone, light bulb, airplane, and telescope), and there isn't enough material here for reports.
VERDICT Keep Lionel Bender's Invention (DK, 2013), and skip this title.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Kahn, Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Jefferson, LA
This solid overview of technology milestones features over twenty inventors and their creations. At least two spreads about each first give basic facts--about, say, Stephanie Kwolek and Kevlar--followed by expansions and updates on the process, with numerous photos and other illustrations throughout. Giving attention to both ideas and inventors, the information is accurate and accessible. Timeline. Glos., ind.
 , Jun 01, 2015

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