Adam Woog

Grades 3-6

While the covers of the books in this series have a misleading juvenile look, the content is geared toward students who are seriously interested in how some of our recent inventions have unfolded. The authors go into quite a bit of depth about the history behind the invention, problems that scientists have run into as they are developing the invention, and the effect that the particular invention has on peoples' lives. Photographs are abundant, as are "Did You Know" boxes (which show more can get a little distracting after a while). While this series is not for everyone, students with an interest in current technologies will find much to enjoy in each volume's 48 pages.
Titles reviewed:
* Scratchbot, by Adam Woog
* Pilotless Planes, by Carla Mooney
* HDTV, by Kris Hirschmann show less

This is a wonderful compendium (probably somewhat outdated as of 2008, but still useful) of out-of-the-way, delightful, usually little, museums in Washington and Oregon. Great for "blue highways" travelers.

Review by Naomi Butler (Children's Literature):
One of the football superstars is highlighted in this biography series, “Football Superstars.” Joe Montana was the face of the San Francisco 49ers during their years of glory in the 1980s. He was Joe Cool, known for his remarkable calm on the field. The contents take you through his early days, college, the Early 49ers, the Late 49ers and retirement. There are good photographs with explanations, inserts with important information, subtitles show more within the chapters--Meet Joe Cool, Early Days, Joe College, The Early 49ers Years, The Late 49ers and Kansas City Years, and Retirement. The added pieces, Statistics, Chronology and Timeline, are benefits to the reader. This well-laid-out book includes a glossary, bibliography, further reading, picture credits and index. The book has information on the back cover about Joe Montana, about the series “Football Superstars and about the author; books in the series are also listed. What a nice-looking book and series! It would also be useful for low reading level high school students. It could capture the person who does not usually read about sports! 2008, Chelsea House/Infobase Publishing. Ages 8 to 12. show less

EducatingParents.org rating: Approved
Book written in 2008 so not necessarily accurate for current year. It is fun to read and see how things were when YouTube was new.