A solid overview of the mechanics behind each machine. By including such high-interest topics as roller coasters, wave pools, and drones, this latest installment will undoubtedly inspire inquisitive minds to seek out other titles in the series. Advanced scientific concepts, including centrifugal force (Cotton Candy) and aerodynamics (Drones), are simply explained so that readers gain a basic understanding of the processes, engineering, and design without being overwhelmed by details. Interesting tidbits, such as how roller coaster designer Ron Toomer never rode any of his creations due to his severe motion sickness, are sprinkled throughout the text and offer specifics that...

An engaging series that investigates the ways in which STEAM is used in a variety of high-interest fields. Engineering is the focus of Inventions and Transportation, while TV Production and App Development concentrate on technology. Inventions and App Development walk readers through the construction processes involved, while the other titles skip around among subtopics. All titles feature “STEAM Fast Facts” sidebars full of trivia and anecdotes, like how Motorola’s Marty Cooper, the primary inventor of the cell phone, placed the first cell phone call ever to an engineer at a rival company. The coverage of emergency response drones is another...

Each book in this intriguing series explores the ways insects impact the planet. Generally clear descriptions of processes like decomposition and pollination include basic science information and then move to specific examples of the insects in action. Quick jumps from one topic to the next may challenge readers, and some subjects are introduced without sufficient background, but the parade of interesting facts and broader concepts will be new to many readers. Information about recent scientific research, including up-to-date data, adds further depth. For example, in Decomposers, the cockroach “force boost” research was published in 2015. Most pages feature a photo...

What causes a haunting? “Many people believe that when people die, especially in a violent way, their spirits sometimes stay at the location of their death.” Most of the haunted locations introduced here are in the United States, with a few in other parts of the world—a closing map indicates the location of each. Brief descriptions of place, manner of ghostly activity, and cause of the figure’s death (when known) intertwine with comments on popular and expert beliefs about ghosts and hauntings. Causes of death include murder, fire, shipwrecks, and other tragedies, as well as ugly means of torture in...

These volumes support the notion that many STEM jobs also incorporate the ability to draw, visualize, reconstruct, photograph, and animate. Forward-thinking readers will see the eclectic career possibilities derived from their love of video games, digital photography, advertising, crime scene investigation, and more. The text is superimposed onto photos of techie tools and people at work. Pages are also peppered with facts bites and graphics emphasizing the STEAM aspects of the job. An introductory page of “Before and After” reading activities offers a textbook walk, content vocabulary, and comprehension or content mastery questions at a fifth grade level. VERDICT A cool challenge...