Roller Coasters

November 1, 2015

Gr 1-3-Imparting just a few tantalizing morsels of information about various kinds of large-scale infrastructure, these primary-level introductions combine particularly vivid photos with comments that are simply phrased but not entirely generalized. In Bridges, for instance, Pettiford identifies and points out distinctive features of common kinds: beam, arch, and suspension. Also worth noting are photographic depictions of woman engineers and designers at work in Bridges, Dams, Skyscrapers, and Roller Coasters. Less laudable are the single hands-on projects that close each volume, which are perfunctory instructions for such nonstarters as a dam made from rocks and sticks in a flat pan full of sand. VERDICT Possible additions to STEM collections.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2015
Grades 2-5 The Amazing Structures series is a quality primer on the basics of reading nonfiction texts, with big, bold headings and labels, captioned maps and diagrams, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and sidebars filled with added facts. This title deals with the basic physics that power the world's tallest, fastest, and most fun amusement park rides. Topics such as potential and kinetic energy and gravity are explained in simple terms. Questions at the start of each chapter engage readers' prior knowledge and experiences, while colorful photographs of kids around the world enjoying coasters provide context clues. Instructions for building a model coaster are included in the end matter. This title not only covers foundational science concepts but also offers practice with the timely and vital skill of reading nonfiction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)