School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--8--This broad survey of cutting-edge and near future technology combines introductions to 26 topics ranging from driverless cars and virtual reality to the Internet of Things, 3D printing, smart glasses, test-tube meat, and the feasibility of a space elevator--in one compact volume. Connolly, author of The Book of Totally Irresponsible Science, generally makes good on both a promise to explain exactly what makes each techno-wonder "tick" and on efforts to crank up reader interest by pointing out how all bear "a whiff of danger." Though said dangers are sometimes a bit comic book--ish ("But what if someone truly evil had control over an army of robots?") and Connolly does miss a few things, such as the data privacy issues of cloud computing or what types of "unattractive features" parents of designer babies might focus on, readers will come away with plenty of food for thought about technology's promise and pitfalls. In comparison, the supposedly revealing experiments seem like afterthoughts, utilizing paper, string, and common items in demonstrations that are at best only vaguely related to their entries and too often feature lines like "The candles should start to flicker," "The image should be revealed," or "With luck…" a certain result will occur. Finished versions of the frequent illustrations are not seen. VERDICT The attached mini-projects are a weak link, but upper elementary grade STEM students will benefit from this wide-angled overview of modern and future technology.--John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York |
Kirkus Review
An overview of technologiesincluding holograms, GPS, electric cars, and moreoffering applications and experiments.Before each of the 26 topical chapters culminates in an experiment, it follows a structure that gives an overview of the technology, tells how it is improving life, its related applications, and the "terrifying" potentials should the technology go bad or fall into the wrong hands. The text nicely contextualizes the technologies, both explaining the science and connecting it to the real world (especially in technology's potential for solving looming global problems). The experiments introduce readers to some of the simplest principles of the technology at play and are well varied. Some involve building, some are manual replications of the base idea of the tech, some can be done solo while others need friends (and one in particular is designed for large groups and has classroom potential), and only a few need specialized materials. The cautionary-tale segments range from science-fiction story prompts to current, real-world issues. Anecdotal sidebars and panels add humor, trivia, and texture. The illustrations include black-and-white photography and two-color cartoons that serve to illustrate the experiments and offer lighthearted amusement (such as villainous household appliances). While final art was unseen, the cartoon people, with black line art and page-white skin, have a good gender balance.Kids will have fun while building a solid foundation in how technologies work. (Nonfiction. 9-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission. |