The History of Transportation

Children's Literature

Part of the "Major Inventions Through History" series, this title follows the history of transportation from the invention of the wheel, through the 2005 introduction of the superjumbo passenger jet. In between, the author reports on the invention and use of sails, steam engines, internal combustion engines and various types of flight. The breezy, humorous writing style lightens up a serious subject and makes it more interesting to middle-grade readers. Additionally, while students are learning a great deal about the progress made in transportation, much other history is also finely integrated. For example, the 1765 British Post Office Act which made it unlawful to carry mail slower than 6 miles per hour is shown as the reason for the increase in stagecoaches to deliver the mail. Issues pertaining to transportation are also introduced, such as the discussion question posed as to whether it is a positive or a negative that the world is "shrinking." There are excellent research tools included, such as time lines at the bottom of some pages and sidebars with interesting facts. The appendices include a time line, glossary, bibliography, web resources and an index, all at appropriate levels for budding researchers from about fourth grade up. The illustrations combine drawings of inventions, and historical photographs of the various time periods to add interest and context to the excellent information contained in this book. 2006, Twenty-First Century Books, Ages 9 to 12.
—Sheryl O'Sullivan

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Well-written books that do an excellent job of introducing these topics. Transportation covers the wheel, sail, steam engine, internal combustion engine, and airplane. Food discusses canning, pasteurization, refrigeration, supermarkets, and genetically modified foods. Everyday Life explores fireplaces and central heating, indoor plumbing, the washing machine, food and clothing production, and microwave ovens. Each title presents information about daily living from ancient times to the present, explaining the need for improvements and how a given invention changed the quality of life for the better. The text, printed on a sea-foam green background, is breezy but informative; unfamiliar terms are defined. Illustrations are a mixture of period black-and-white and color photos. An illustrated time line runs along the bottom of the pages. Each volume concludes with an epilogue and another time line. Though these are far from definitive works, students will find them interesting. Teachers will find that the books correlate well with social-studies units.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.