Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3^-6. Tomecek assembles general information on major inventions under five broad time periods: the ancient world before 3,000 B.C.E.; the metal age from 3,500 B.C.E. through A.D. 1; the age of discovery from A.D. 1 through 1799; the age of electricity and communication from 1799 to 1887; and the age of the atom from 1887 to the present. The hand ax, the wheel, the clock, writing, clothing, mathematics, and the computer are among innovations introduced, with each topic covered in a two-page spread that describes "how it works" and its impact on human civilization. Tomecek's informal, yet straightforward, style is appealing, and detailed, attractive color illustrations add both information and visual appeal. A short bibliography, a selection of annotated Web site recommendations, and a few inventors' contests are appended. A good choice for basic questions about various technologies. Ed Sullivan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-9-This handsome survey examines 45 discoveries that have had a technical, political, artistic, or spiritual impact on humankind. Drawing on archaeological evidence and historical record, the author places each invention in the context of its time and notes developments it has spawned. Precise diagrams demystify scientific concepts. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Categorized by historical era, a series of double-page spreads identify major inventions, ranging from the ancient world's spears and pottery to today's nuclear reactors and computers. Enhanced by glossy color illustrations, each spread briefly yet sufficiently describes how the featured invention works, the impact it has had on society, and how it has evolved over subsequent years. Bib., ind. From HORN BOOK Fall 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
