Farming Technology

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Four British titles of interest to readers keen on technology and with a basic knowledge of how machines work. Each book includes a brief history of its subject, and then goes into specialized machinery and its application. There is a brief discussion of the environmental impact of each and predictions for the future. Diagrams are accurate and well labelled, the pictures are colorful, and glossary definitions are clear. ``Further reading'' includes only Watts and Bookwright titles. Farming Technology describes the tools used for growing and harvesting crops, including fertilizers and pesticides; raising livestock; and processing waste. There is also a brief discussion of alternative farming methods. Shipping Technology tells how various ships are powered, designed, and built. There is much information on warships and submarines as well as explanations of sonar and navigation methods. Train Technology not only describes various regular and high-speed trains, but also tells how tracks are laid and how train signals work. Undersea Technology gives wide-ranging coverage of the devices used to explore underwater, from scuba gear to submarines, and then touches upon activities such as mining, fishing, oil exploration, and oil spill response. --Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library