NONFICTION

Unconventional Vehicles: Forty-Five of the Strangest Cars, Trains, Planes, Submersibles, Dirigibles, and Rockets EVER

Chronicle. May 2021. 104p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781452172866.
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Gr 5-8–Vehicle enthusiasts are treated to a fast and funny examination of wild inventions in our transportation history. Readers will learn about the Airbus Beluga, which carries large airplane parts; the HZ-1 Aerocycle, a personal helicopter; and the Scubadoo, an underwater battery-powered scooter; along with many other crafts designed to move people over land, through the air, and underwater. Each invention is described over a two-page spread featuring the manufacturer and dates of production. Illustrations are accompanied by cross-sections, size comparisons, and diagrams. The entries do not include a lot of information but there is enough to pique readers’ interest and it is delivered in an amusing and often sarcastic manner. Entries are presented alphabetically, so don’t be surprised to see Voyager next to a walking truck.
VERDICT This silly encyclopedia might seem light on information but it has just enough to tap into curious minds. Hand this to future engineers.

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