Computers: Processing the Data

Children's Literature

Personal computers and the Internet are so commonplace today, that no one even thinks about them anymore. The word computer, however, did not originally mean the machine, but the people who used it. This book, from the "Innovators" series, is a collection of brief biographies of eight computer pioneers. Surprisingly, the first inventor is not from this century. Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine was designed between 1834 and 1836. It could not only process data, but store it as well. Other people profiled are Ted Hoff, inventor of the microprocessor; Steve Wozniak, creator of the first personal computer and founder of Apple; and Tim Berners-Lee, designer of the Internet. Unlike other books of this type, the biographies are enjoyable to read. Facts are often repeated so each chapter can be read independently. The index is very thorough, as is the glossary. The bibliography includes many Web sites so students can look up the original sources. While the book will appeal to many students, it will appeal especially to those students who will not read anything that is not on a monitor 2005, The Oliver Press, Ages 12 to 15.
—Heather Mason

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-This interesting and clearly written title focuses on the history and development of computers. Most of the photographs are old, but nonetheless engaging. However, while this straightforward history is important and useful for reports, it is the newer innovations that will be most fascinating to young people. Only about 20 pages are devoted to post-Internet technology, and they are among the least interesting. This well-organized look at the past fails to discuss how peer-to-peer networks and devices like iPods are changing the way people think about processing data.-Scott La Counte, Anaheim Public Library, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.