If necessity is the mother of invention, then surely entertainment is invention’s father. You’ve got life-changing innovations like refrigeration, vaccines, computers, and tractors, all which have revolutionized life as we know it, living alongside rad racing cars and the fun escapism of video games, which exist purely to ensure that we have some fun and excitement in our lives. The tech and machines nonfiction this season celebrate innovation in big ways. Young readers interested in the science of how things work will ­gravitate toward the simple machines and big, bold building books, while kids who love things that go will adore the race car and farm machine series. Gamers and future engineers will find inspiration here, too. Whatever gap you’re looking to fill in your collection, this cycle of series focuses on human potential!.

Elementary

Bender, Douglas. Inclined Planes Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644519.
––––. Levers Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644496.
––––. Pulleys Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644502.
––––. Screws Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644526.
––––. Wedges Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644533.
––––. Wheels and Axles Are Machines. ISBN 9781039644540.
ea vol: 24p. (Simple Machines). appendix. bibliog. Crabtree/Roots. Jan. 2022. Tr $25.27.
PreS-Gr 1 –This accessible series explains to evolving readers what simple machines are and how they work. Patrons learn that simple machines can be both pragmatic and fun, the way both a wheelchair ramp and a slide are considered an inclined plane. Simple machines like screws can be small (like a jar lid) or big (like a propeller). Some of our body parts can even function as simple machines! Teeth are wedges and arms can be levers. With never more than 15 words on a page and carefully selected sight words, this series is ideal for those just familiarizing themselves with reading. A suggested set of questions to be asked before, during, and after reading help caregivers and teachers make the most out of the reading experience. VERDICT Useful additions for book bins and classroom collections.

Carr, Aaron. Tractors. ISBN 9781791141004.
Kissock, Heather. Crop Sprayers. ISBN 9781791140885.
––––. Cultivators. ISBN 9781791140915.
––––. Harvesters. ISBN 9781791140946.
––––. Hay Balers. ISBN 9781791140977.
––––. Planters. ISBN 9781791141035.
ea vol: 24p. (Farm Machines). AV2/AV2 Nonfiction. Jun. 2021. Tr $28.55.
PreS-Gr 1 –This informative picture book series relies on big, bold, colorful photos to draw in readers. There are so many massive machines on farms, like crop sprayers, which can be pulled by tractors but are also sometimes on airplanes and drones. Cultivators plow the soil so planters can create beautiful, even rows. Harvesters do all the hard work of gathering crops quickly and efficiently. Balers scoop and bundle up the hay so it can be easily stored. Each book is enhanced with AV2 content, which includes audio read alouds, videos of the machines at work, suggested extension activities, vocabulary word studies, quizzes, slideshows, and bibliographical citations. The back matter also includes a list of sight words used in the text. Direct, accessible writing and lots of images to enjoy make it a winning series for most early nonfiction collections. VERDICT Good adds for most libraries.

Donnelly, Rebecca. Inventing Refrigerators. ISBN 9781637390481.
Foran, Racquel. Inventing Computers. ISBN 9781637390450.
Lew, Kristi. Inventing GPS. ISBN 9781637390474.
Lilley, Matt. Inventing Vaccines. ISBN 9781637390504.
McKinney, Donna B. Inventing Drones. ISBN 9781637390467.
Morey, Allan. Inventing Airplanes. ISBN 9781637390436.
––––. Inventing Cars. ISBN 9781637390443.
Ungvarsky, Janine. Inventing Televisions. ISBN 9781637390498.
ea vol: 32p. (Amazing Inventions). North Star Editions/Focus Readers. Jan. 2022. Tr $28.50.
Gr 2-4 –Readers interested in learning more about modern conveniences in the world around them will be intrigued by this informative series. Each book follows a similar format with advances following a brief history of development of the inventions. Some of the most fascinating books are about things that are so ingrained in our lives, we barely think about them. Readers may not realize that the first refrigerators were ice boxes—pretty primitive compared to the Internet-connected fridges available today! Inventing GPS is also an amazing read, especially since its target audience has never lived in a world without this technology at their fingertips. Future potentials are discussed at the end of each book, predicting the arrival of self-driving cars and climate-conscious electric airplanes. The books are generally positive, so they’re not particularly balanced, but are nonetheless useful for young r­esearchers. VERDICT Fine additional purchases.

Franchino, Vicky. Bridge. ISBN 9781338800111.
––––. Skyscraper. ISBN 9781338800067.
Herrick, Becky. Car. ISBN 9781338800173.
––––. House. ISBN 9781338799552.
Lacey, Saskia. Rocket. ISBN 9781338800203.
Stanborough, Rebecca. Sailboat. ISBN 9781338800142.
ea vol: 32p. (How It’s Built). Scholastic/Children’s Pr. Mar. 2022. Tr $26.
PreS-Gr 1 –Readers who’ve enjoyed Andrea Beaty’s “Questioneers” series (Abrams) will enjoy this cute, informational picture book series. An adorable cartoon “Junior ­Engineers Club” travels around, meeting engineers and architects as they bring buildings, structures, and vehicles from concept to completion. The characters learn all about how things like new bridges are made, watching crews construct them over water and then demolishing the old bridge once the new one is complete. Learning about the big engineering feats is impressive, but it’s somehow even cooler to learn about the construction of everyday things, like houses and cars. Each book ends with images of tools needed for construction, followed by descriptions of famous representations of the different structures. While this series is very sweet, it’s best categorized as informational fiction and will find a happy home in most picture book ­collections. VERDICT A nice addition, but not necessarily for nonfiction collections.

Gish, Ashley. Dragsters. ISBN 9781640262867.
––––. Formula One Cars. ISBN 9781640262874.
––––. Karts. ISBN 9781640262881.
––––. Off-Road Cars. ISBN 9781640262898.
––––. Rally Cars. ISBN 9781640262904.
––––. Sports Cars. ISBN 9781640262911.
––––. Stock Cars. ISBN 9781640262928.
––––. Touring Cars. ISBN 9781640262935.
ea vol: 24p. (Amazing Racing Cars). The Creative Company/Creative Education. Jan. 2022. Tr $31.35.
K-Gr 2 –Young learners who love hearing about superfast vehicles will adore this informative series. The books do an excellent job sharing the science of racing cars, like: dragsters produce flames in their wake thanks to the combusting nitromethane and methanol fuel, Formula One cars are designed with aerodynamic bodies to improve tire traction and reduce drag, and extra suspension in off-road and rally cars helps drivers keep control over bumpy terrain. Some of the vehicles are even made with lightweight carbon fiber bodies! Each book ends with a profile of a racing all-star, like Antron Brown, the first African American to win the National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel World Championship, and Mia Chapman, a seven-time kart racing champion. Unique glossary terms are ­defined on the pages of first mention. Filled with colorful photos and tons of facts, they are accessible and exciting. VERDICT ­Attractive first purchases.

Thompson, Sam. Data and Memory. ISBN 9781538274378.
––––. Debugging Code. ISBN 9781538274415.
––––. Logic. ISBN 9781538274453.
––––. Online Safety. ISBN 9781538274491.
––––. Simple Algorithms. ISBN 9781538274538.
––––. Using Digital Technology. ISBN 9781538274576.
ea vol: 24p. (First Coding). Rosen/Gareth Stevens. Jan. 2022. Tr $22.60.
K-Gr 2 –These accessible first introductions to coding and computers are perfect for the youngest techies. Each book breaks down its concept as simply as possible, making them ideal for introducing young readers to the new information. Data and Memory explains both how and where data can be stored, plus how it can be accessed. As a fun bonus, it includes a time line at the end showing the development of data storage methods. Debugging Code describes the different kinds of bugs that might accidentally work their way into code and how programmers identify and fix them. Logic includes understandable explanations of things like if, then, else coding logic. Each book ends with two brief profiles of famous programmers, like Grace Hopper, Alan Turing, Corinne Yu, and Phiwa Nkambule. Photos and illustrations match the text and make it easy for readers and listeners to grasp the ideas. VERDICT Useful additions for most collections.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Bolte, Mari. The Legend of Zelda. ISBN 9781684507900.
––––. Monopoly. ISBN 9781684507931.
––––. Roblox. ISBN 9781684507924.
––––. The Sims. ISBN 9781684507917.
ea vol: 48p. (A Great Game!). Norwood House. Jan. 2022. Tr $30.60.
Gr 5-7 –Following a similar flow, each book in this series discusses the history of the games, followed by gameplay and the updates and mods that have helped them achieve ­devoted fandoms. The Legend of Zelda was first introduced in 1986, it’s adventure and puzzle components quickly earning the ­adoration of Nintendo players for decades. New ­releases have only made its popularity grow, inspiring cosplay and larping the world over. Monopoly shares the duplicitous beginnings of the classic game—the concept was stolen from Lizzie G. Magie by Charles Darrow and Parker Bros! For MMOs like Roblox, the COVID pandemic actually brought even more players online not just to play but to watch virtual concerts together and check out custom content mods. While the ­writing is utilitarian, the subjects are high interest, so it’s a fine addition where these games are popular (which is everywhere). VERDICT Worth purchasing.

Grack, Rachel. Airplanes from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519593.
––––. Movies from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519616.
––––. Photography from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519630.
Smibert, Angie. Computers from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519609.
––––. Phones from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519623.
––––. Video Games from Then to Now. ISBN 9781681519647.
ea vol: 32p. (Sequence Developments in Technology). Amicus/Sequence. Jan. 2022. Tr $34.25.
Gr 3-6 –Progressing along their own personalized time lines, the inventions in these books will take readers on a journey of discovery. The evolution of each invention is broken down into manageable chunks, making logical connections between eras. The airplanes we know today evolved from water-based clippers, which evolved from gliders. Toys like the zoetrope eventually turned into moving, silent films viewed through kinetographs, which turned into “talkies” and, over decades, into the amazing movies we see today. Computers had a humble beginning with Blaise Pascal’s automatic adding machine. Now, computers fit into the palms of our hands! Video games have gone from the simple computer-based Tennis for Two to the immersive VR experiences we enjoy today. With accessible writing that’s as easy to understand as it is engaging, lots of photos and illustrations, and an easy flow, these are excellent for researchers and curious readers alike. VERDICT First purchases all around.

Green, Sara. The Internet. ISBN 9781644876152.
––––. The Telephone. ISBN 9781644876169.
––––. The Television. ISBN 9781644876176.
––––. Vaccines. ISBN 9781644876183.
ea vol: 32p. (Inventions That Changed the World). Bellwether/Blastoff! Discovery. Jan. 2022. Tr $25.27.
Gr 4-6 –The titles in this series all have something amazing in common—their subjects changed world! Each book shares the history and evolution of its own groundbreaking invention. The Internet began as a super secret way for the U.S. government to share information and evolved over time from small networks to the wi-fi networks and broadband access we enjoy today. Vaccines is a timely title, informing readers about the massive public health strides made by scientists like Edward ­Jenner; Louis Pasteur; and the team of Katlin Karikó and Drew Weissman, who worked to develop the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Diagrams throughout accessibly explain how things like LCD televisions and cell phones actually work. Well-written and honest, the books include the downsides of advancement when possible, like smartphone addiction and the seedy elements on the Internet. This balanced approach makes them ideal for most libraries. ­ VERDICT Recommended first purchases.

Gregory, Josh. Building a Gaming PC. ISBN 9781534199651.
––––. The History of PC Gaming. ISBN 9781534199675.
––––. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Beginner’s Guide. ISBN 9781534199729.
––––. Maintaining and Upgrading a Gaming PC. ISBN 9781534199668.
––––. Mario Kart: Beginner’s Guide. ISBN 9781534199699.
––––. PC Gaming: Beginner’s Guide. ISBN 9781534199682.
––––. Super Mario Party: Beginner’s Guide. ISBN 9781534199705.
––––. Super Smash Bros.: Beginner’s Guide. ISBN 9781534199712.
ea vol: 32p. (Unofficial Guides). Cherry Lake. Jan. 2022. Tr $29.93.
Gr 5-8 –These overviews are ready to walk readers through the basics of PC gaming and the gameplay of some of Nintendo’s most popular games. Far from thorough, they function less as how-to guides and are more useful as tools for learning about gaming before taking the big plunge. The descriptions of upgrading computer hardware and software in Building a Gaming PC and Maintaining and Upgrading a Gaming PC are reasonably informative, they would have been better supported with diagrams of the basics. While the Nintendo games chosen are wildly successful, they’re also simple enough that gameplay guides like these don’t seem necessary. As such, they are less helpful for readers than the PC gaming titles in the series. Though the writing is not particularly engaging or exciting, the books themselves function suitably as informative introductory guides for beginning gamers. VERDICT Additional purchases at best.

Rossiter, Brienna. World’s Fastest Aircraft. ISBN 9781637381687.
––––. World’s Fastest Animals. ISBN 9781637381694.
––––. World’s Fastest Trains. ISBN 9781637381748.
––––. World’s Fastest Watercraft. ISBN 9781637381755.
Walker, Hubert. World’s Fastest Cars. ISBN 9781637381700.
––––. World’s Fastest Motorcycles. ISBN 9781637381717.
––––. World’s Fastest Roller Coasters. ISBN 9781637381724.
––––. World’s Fastest Spacecraft. ISBN 9781637381731.
ea vol: 32p. (World’s Fastest). North Star Editions/Apex. Jan. 2022. Tr $28.50.
Gr 3-7 –This hi-lo series is calling out to readers with the need for speed, sneaking in a healthy amount of science along the way. Sure, the Falcon HTV-2 reached Mach 20, but did readers realize that this and many other superfast aircraft are painted black to help keep them cool? They move faster than the speed of sound—so fast they create sonic booms! Readers probably know that cheetahs are the fastest land animals, but did they realize that peregrine falcons can reach top speeds of 200 mph in a dive? The sneaky science pops up in each book, like how fast cars often have all or part of their bodies made with carbon fiber, which is ­lightweight and stronger than steel. Maglev trains can go ultrafast because their tracks have less friction than trains with wheels. Engaging and exciting, this series will go far. ­VERDICT A first purchase.

While some series were more successful than others, a few really stood out from the pack. Bellweather’s “Inventions that Changed the World” and ­Amicus’s “­Developments in ­Technology” served as good primers on the history of human innovation and examples of what people are capable of achieving. North Star’s “World’s Fastest” and Creative Edition’s “Amazing Racing Cars” subtly snuck ­science into popular topics the way moms hide vegetables in tasty muffins. Rosen/Gareth Stevens’s “First Coding” will give educators a great jumping off point for their introductory lessons, while Norwood House’s expansion on “A Great Game!” is great for novice and ­advanced gamers alike. The AV2 “Farm ­Machines” ­series and Scholastic’s “How It’s Built” are great picture book collection ­additions. Readers from all walks of life will find something exciting to spark their ­imaginations here.