James Watt : Master of the Steam Engine

Children's Literature

This fact-filled biography tells the incredible story of James Watt, the man who invented the steam engine and was most content in his workshop full of tools. From his difficult childhood to his moment of victory when he invented the world-changing steam engine, this book guides readers through every step of Watt's life. As part of the "Giants of Science" series, the book serves as an excellent resource for anyone interested in James Watt and his many contributions, which were key to the Industrial Revolution. The book is clearly organized in format, from the highly detailed table of contents to the timeline and glossary at the end, and should fill any young researcher's needs. Colorful, historic illustrations and diagrams further enrich this valuable reference. Among the other biographies in this series are Alexander Graham Bell, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Galileo Galilei, Johann Gutenberg, Guglielmo Marconi, Margaret Mead, Sir Isaac Newton, Louis Pasteur, and The Wright Brothers. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $19.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer:Catherine Campbell Wright

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-These high-quality biographies provide in-depth looks at the background and education of the scientists, followed by the trial and error that they went through before achieving success. Their victories and achievements are also detailed in concise descriptions of the evolution of their inventions and the impact they have made on today's world. Full-color and black-and-white photos, illustrations, and reproductions appear throughout. The wide margins contain picture captions, quotations, and sidebars. Solid additions for science assignments and reports.-John A. Clexton, Grosse Pointe Public Library, MI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.