FICTION

Battling for Victory: The Coolest Robot Competitions

by Kathryn CLAY
9781476539744. ea vol: 32p. (The World of Robots Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Capstone. 2014. lib. ed. $25.99. pap. $7.95.
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Gr 2–4—These very quick looks at many of the tasks that robots have already or may soon take over from humans are likely to leave even emergent readers unsatisfied. Nearly every spread features an often vague "Robot Fact" ("Scientists are working on new robots that will plant and fertilize crops.") and a simply phrased description or claim accompanying a large color photo. Unusual terms are helpfully defined in the adjacent margins and in an appended glossary. Though robots like Star Trek's Data and The Jetsons's Rosie are clearly designated as imaginary, no systematic distinctions are made between currently functioning robots and those that are experimental or even theoretical. Furthermore, many of the images are blurry or not shown from informative angles—and some of those in Humanoid Robots are downright creepy looking.
Battling introduces the Robocup soccer tournament, ArtBot-Musical competition, sumo-wrestling robots, and other robo-contests. Risky profiles robots performing rescue work, exploration, and military missions. Each book is divided into five chapters, which feature easy-to-read texts, mostly clear photos, and "Robot Fact" boxes. Though the coverage is superficial, the high-interest topic and accessible presentation will lure elementary-age readers. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Blazers: The World of Robots titles: Battling for Victory and Robots in Risky Jobs.
Reviewed by John Peters , Apr 01, 2014

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