The Fort on Fourth Street: A Story About the Six Simple Machines

Gr 1–3—A grandfather uses simple machines to construct a special fort for his granddaughter, who narrates in rhymed couplets. While the singsong verse describes his actions, it doesn't provide explanations of the machines themselves. What makes his saw a wedge, for example? Instead, the text offers a cumulative review of previously completed steps, reminiscent of "The House That Jack Built." Unfortunately, the illustrations of the fort do not reflect that same accumulation so listeners are unable to identify the machines mentioned. For example, the inclined plane that serves as a pet-entrance ramp appears only once. Children of various ethnicities stop by the fort randomly but don't participate in the story. A four-page educational section defines the six simple machines and includes questions and activities. More teacher resources are available online. Laura Purdie Salas's Move It! Work It! (Picture Window, 2009) integrates simple diagrams and explanations with verses in a more effective introduction for young readers. Multivolume series such as "Simple Machines to the Rescue" (Capstone) offer more in-depth explorations of the topic. —Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato