Experiments with Simple Machines

Children's Literature

Another worthy addition in the "A True Book" series is Experiments with Simple Machines. Like the other books in the series, it does a solid job moving readers through the topic of the text—in this case, what simple machines are and how they work around the house. The opening narrative tells the story of Rube Goldberg and his "gadget cartoons" which illustrated a very complex machine that did a very simple task (Tocci specifically notes a gadget entered in a Rube Goldberg contest which took forty steps to pick, clean, and peel an apple). The nine experiments that follow the introduction, complete with pictures that help younger readers understand what actions they need to set in motion through the various procedures, are all workable by young hands—with the support of a parent or teacher. Finally, the "Important Words" section at the end of the book is helpful for young readers who need support understanding how the words are used in the appropriate context. However, slightly older readers, those approaching middle school in particular, will also find the text enjoyable and accessible, a necessity when offering nonfiction picture books to the 12 to 14 year-old age group. 2003, Children's Press/Scholastic, <%ISBN%>0516226045