Literature Links Cool Stuff Exploded: Get Inside Modern

Technology, by Chris Woodford (Dorling Kindersley, 2008), is a large-format book jammed with facts and photographs that will engage students ages seven and up, whether they are examining pictures alone or with the informative text. Basic concepts, such as transportation, entertainment, digital technology, and power in the home are intro- duced. Many examples of practical applica- tions are given, along with explanations of how the applied technology works. History, cultural studies, geography, and many other topics are peripherally covered as well. Each page contains provocative information and will stimulate imaginations and inquiring minds. This is an outstanding book to keep in the classroom where students can peruse at will. A CD-ROM accompanies the book and provides animations of about twenty different objects “exploded” or expanded to show individual components.

Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire

State Building, by Deborah Hopkinson and James E. Ransome (Schwartz & Wade books, 2006), is a picture book for students ages six and older. This is a great example of the possibilities of integrating science with other studies, in this instance, history. The story is told from the perspective of a young boy who gets to go up to the top on the first day the building is open to the public. Many facts are included as well as a basic outline of how the structure was created. The text communicates the sense of wonder and triumph of having com- pleted what was at the time the tallest building in the world. It also addresses the hardship of the depression era, which somehow makes the achievement even more remarkable.

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Iggy Peck, Architect, by Andrea Beaty

(Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007), is a picture book about a second-grade boy who loves to build, often out of very unusual materials. Iggy builds “churches and cha- pels from peaches and apples, and temples from modeling clay.” His avid passion, all- consuming since two, is tolerable until he enters second grade, where his teacher has a somewhat traumatic past with tall buildings. On a class trip to an island picnic, the bridge over a stream collapses and Iggy Peck’s innovation is the only thing that makes it possible for the class to return to the main- land. The text is in limerick, and illustrations are playful. This lighthearted story stresses the importance of play, experimentation, and supporting children in their process of inquiry. The story is most appropriate for students ages six through nine.

Building Big, by David Macauley (Hough-

ton Mifflin, 2000), was published as a com- panion book to the PBS series (and videos are available to accompany the book). It incorporates bridges, tunnels, dams, domes, and skyscrapers. Illustrations are simple line drawings. The text is clear and direct, written in a conversational tone. This book is great for kids ages twelve and up. It looks at ancient technologies and follows them through time to current examples. The author approaches

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