How Oil Rigs Are Made

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8 Large, clear full-color photographs and diagrams are the outstanding features here. Captions repeat or summarize information that is thoroughly discussed in the text. Topics are presented from a global perspective; understanding different developments and uses of technology in other countries will increase a student's awareness of its use in this country. How Electricity Is Made is similar in content to Electricity Silver Burdett, 1983 by Alan Cooper, but it is a more attractive and up-to-date presentation. How Bridges Are Made demonstrates how the materials available and the size of the span to be bridged have determined the evolution of bridge design and construction. It is the most complete book on the subject for children, surpassing Bridges Watts, 1983 by Cass Sandak. How Oil Rigs Are Made provides brief information on the search for oil but concentrates primarily on the construction of these monoliths. As such, the information it provides will be less in demand for school reports, but the excellent photographs of the process are fascinating, making the book attractive to browsers. Offshore! Dutton, 1981 by Ross R. Olney is a more complete discussion of offshore oil drilling, including environmental concerns and the housing and recreation of the crew. Altogether, the integrity of scholarship and design put into these books will help upgrade standards for children's science books. Allen Meyer, Vernon Area Public Library District, Prairie View, Ill.