Tammy Enz

This series, Build it yourself, seems like a great idea. I'm always looking for books that will inspire kids to DO SOMETHING other than just "hang out". Of course there was the required warning to have an adult help with "saws and sharp knives" but I was excited when I saw the "gather your gear" section that instructed readers to gather tools ranging from pencils and tape measures to drills, metal snips, sandpaper, and pliers.

Then I read the book. Oh, the disappointment. Duct tape is really show more the only tool used. Nothing, heaven forbid, "dangerous" is actually employed.

The projects are "soda box brick fort" which uses soda boxes and duct tape. Kids are instructed to wear rubber gloves for the Tie-dye tepee. You do get to pound in a couple nails for the edible garden fort, but readers are tipped to put an old rug inside the fort to keep their clothes clean. Umbrella tent? Ooo, scissors. Leafy hut? Well, it's not mentioned but I suppose you could cut the branches rather than just mysteriously find "6 straight, clean branches" but make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands from the wire. Colorful snow castle? Make sure adults help you lift the heavier buckets of snow. Glowing igloo? Don't forget that battery-powered candle. Fire is dangerous!

Of course I don't want kids to be hurt. But what's wrong with a little dirt or a few scratches? These books are recommended for ages 9-12; a nine year old should be able to get his or her clothes dirty, use a hammer, pound in nails, use a saw, pliers, drill...basically all those tools they gathered at the beginning and NEVER USED. There's really only two structures in this book anyways, the tee-pee and the block building. All can be built with some tape and string and are the kind of fort a six year old would think was cool.

When I was a tween, we built precarious forts in trees, that were basically planks across branches. We built forts out of old logs that creaked alarmingly when you walked on them. We cut down thorn vines to make play spaces. Without supervision. Hey, guess what? I'm still alive and so are all my siblings.

Verdict: As a sample of today's over-protective culture that bleeds the life out of children's play, this is a perfect book. I won't be buying it though; I'll be looking for a book that shows kids how to actually make something with real tools.

ISBN: 9781429654364; Published January 2011 by Capstone; Borrowed from the library show less

This book for grade-school makers may have a hammer as an avatar, but no actual heavy tool use is involved. On the other hand, simple projects for building stuff are clearly explained and engaging. The font is big enough for easy reading, and each project includes a "Why it works" section. While the Capstone 4D app is no longer available (at least on the Google Play store), the book works without it.
Project includes building with cardstock triangles, creating a magnet-powered 'dancing show more bumblebee', a cardboard box marble run, a hydraulic-powered opening 'treasure chest' (requires 2 plastic syringes), a toilet-paper tube mini golf course, a magnetic race track, a tin-can drum set, a rubber-band powered paper ball launcher, a Rube Goldberg (aka Mousetrap!) domino tripper (remember domino trails, from the 2010s?) and other suggestions for Rube Goldberg machines. show less

This is SUCH a creative book! Connecting the fantasy world of Batman's technology with what currently exists in our world today is an amazing way to help students find interest in informational text. I love that the book talks about specific car-related technology found in Batman's world appears in our own world today. For car lovers and Batman enthusiasts alike, this book would definitely be a hit with elementary students!

I would use this book to help reluctant students find interest in show more informational texts! show less

This simple practical book gives instructions for making 7 projects from household materials: a bottle version of the tin-can telephone, a striped candle from crayons, a compass in a jar (with magnet and needle!) a telescoping periscope, a burglar alarm, snowshoes and a homemade flashlight. I like how it starts off with a list/picture of the tools you'll be using, and that the projects require few specialty supplies. While the reading level is pretty low (grades 3-4) it would be a perfectly show more good book for an older kid or adult to use-- the instructions are clear, the pictures helpful. show less