(3) 4-6 Invention & Impact series. With resources from the Smithsonian's immense collection, this well-made, visually appealing book draws out compelling narratives from the vast, sprawling history of transportation, from sandals to self-driving cars. Each chapter addresses a different mode, coded via page colors and border art and illustrated with a range of historic images and photographed examples. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Olga Ivanov & Aleksey Ivanov. This history highlights individuals who have made notable contributions to performance magic. Each of the eight chapters concludes with instructions for one trick, such as the old "cups and balls" illusion. The readable text is enhanced by section inserts, black-and-white archival photos, and illustrations. The book's focus is scattered, but those fascinated by the subject may find this offering useful. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Julia Tyler

(2) 4-6 Invention Impact series. Newquist's creative tour of the history of medical treatments focuses on technological and medical inventions across the centuries. Each chapter ends with the latest innovations in treatment, allowing readers to appreciate not just the sophistication of today's devices but also the centuries of medical know-how behind their designs. Numerous photographs and historical illustrations provide fascinating detail and context. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2016

(2) YA This encyclopedic title encompasses a comparison of human and nonhuman blood; blood's anthropological importance; scientific and medical history, including ongoing discoveries; summary of the circulatory system; and examination of blood-feeding animals and legendary monsters. The diffuse interdisciplinary scope may not have broad appeal, but its organization and numerous illustrations and sidebars recommend the volume as a reference work. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) 4-6 The 1860s brought a rash of sightings of enormous squidlike sea monsters. Another wave happened in the 1960s. Photographs and video of live squid have enhanced our understanding in recent years, but we still know little about these mysterious creatures. The book's cover plays to the monster audience; inside, concise text, complemented by illustrations, photographs, and maps, smoothly segues between history and science. Websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(3) 4-6 This book is a collection of (unsourced) facts, lists, historical anecdotes, and projects aimed primarily at a middle-grade boy audience. Topics range from satellites to poisons to explorers. Throughout, the authors add commentary, occasionally providing "reader challenges" intended to provoke further thought. Retro-industrial spot-art graphics mainly in strong red and black illustrate the information.

Reviewer: David Elzey