Backward Science

March 15, 2020
A reverse history of watershed inventions, from smartphone to scratch plow. Headed by a series of perfunctory invitations to think about what life would have been like before the arrival of modern (or any) conveniences, Gifford harks back in irregular and often overlapping chunks of time to a standard-issue array of technological breakthroughs. Though he does give African American inventor Granville T. Woods a nod and occasionally challenges received narratives by, for instance, crediting both Eli Whitney and Catherine Green with the invention of the cotton gin and Frenchman Honor� Blanc (rather than Whitney) for interchangeable gun parts, nearly all the figures he names worked in the U.K., or at least Europe, until he reaches the ancient Chinese invention of the compass. Wilson follows suit, mixing stiff-looking individual portraits of pale- and eventually olive-skinned inventors with larger views of racially diverse groups or crowds in, mostly, period European settings. Her depictions of a gory pre-anesthesia surgery and toilets through the ages are amusing, but along with medieval scribes laboring over pre-illuminated manuscripts, the nonfunctional versions of a printing press, catapult, and early cannon on display show a low priority for technical accuracy. The author closes with a glittering promise that new techno-wonders are on the way; a timeline that cuts off in 2008 sends a different message. Needs more than a gimmick to rise above its superficial content. Look elsewhere. (glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 8-10)

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June 1, 2020

Gr 3-6-Gifford explores major inventions that have changed society. He begins with the invention of the first smartphone by U.S. electronic engineer Frank Canova in 1992 and ends with discoveries that shaped early farming (such as the scratch plow and irrigation systems). A one-paragraph summary explains every innovation, person, or time period. Wilson's illustrations help readers visualize each particular moment in time. Though the book contains a table of contents, a glossary, a time line, and an index, it notably lacks a list of sources cited or bibliography. There are various points throughout the text where the time line suddenly jumps forward. Although this book may be a good starting point for learning about a variety of inventions, its lack of cohesion and flow from one topic to the next may make it difficult for some readers to stay engaged. The organization of content does not always support readers' comprehension. Surprisingly, Gifford does not cover any inventions from 2008 onward. VERDICT While this book's design is attractive and its premise is intriguing, there are other informational texts about inventions and innovation that better capture young readers' interest. Best as an additional purchase.-Lauren Hathaway, Univ. of British Columbia

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