(2) K-3 Encounter series. Illustrated by Harriet Popham. Karl, an Abyssinian ground hornbill, arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a damaged lower bill, which limited his ability to eat a balanced diet and participate in normal activities. Nargi's lighthearted and informative account shows how zoo staff engineered Karl a 3-D printed beak, each step in the process demonstrating how engineering and science can solve problems in animal conservation. Creative illustrations combine blueprint-like schematics with photos; a downloadable companion app is available. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(4) 1-3 Makers Make It Work series. Illustrated by Tammie Lyon. In each of these early-reader stories, the main character learns a makerspace skill--woodworking, robotics, 3D printing, and baking--to solve a problem. If the child's first effort fails, he or she persists to achieve success. The various illustrations (by different artists) are serviceable and the stories are fairly engaging, but kids will likely be more interested in the included hands-on activities. Useful for early-elementary classrooms and makerspaces. Review covers these Makers Make It Work titles: Double or Nothing, The Color Day Coach, Robot to the Rescue, and The Runaway Chicken.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(4) 4-6 Monsters Unleashed series. Illustrated by Mark Oliver. Using the magic 3D printer that brought Freddie's monster doodles to life in the first book, a student outcast prints a monstrous insect--which quickly multiplies into a swarm. Freddie, his pals, and their own pet monsters must destroy the horde before it consumes everything in sight. Monster-movie fans will look past stock characters and enjoy the fast-paced action. Black-and-white illustrations enhance the goofy-creepy antics.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Modern Engineering Marvels series. The high-tech vehicles and equipment discussed in these brief introductory texts are still being developed, though some are operational today. Each book briefly traces the technology's history, current uses, and future possibilities and risks in clearly written text. Unfortunately, the books' layouts are boxy and boring, with full-color stock photographs and sometimes unclear infographics that add little to the content. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Modern Engineering Marvels titles: 3-D Printers, Virtual-Reality Headsets, Wearable Technology, Drones, and Self-Driving Cars.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Monsters Unleashed series. Illustrated by Mark Oliver. When Freddie accidentally brings his monster doodles to life with a magic 3D printer, the creatures grow to enormous size and begin wreaking havoc. To stop them, Freddie and his best friend must team up with the bullies who inspired the beasts. Despite some shallow characterizations, the book's frantic action and creature-feature plot should entertain monster fans. Humorous black-and-white illustrations are included.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) YA Koch thoroughly explains the origins of the techniques and machines used in 3D printing--from resin prototypes to cutting-edge biological materials--and also profiles its original inventors and the entrepreneurs commercializing 3D printing today. Later chapters discuss possible future applications. Textbook-like pages benefit from occasional photographs of the machines and their products. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Tech Bytes series. These two additions to the series explore budding technologies, describing the amazing potential--and incumbent risks--of autonomous vehicles and 3-D printing. Although text-heavy, both books provide robust introductions to important topics through clear text, concrete examples, and strong organization. The series relies on intriguing contents, which the bland covers identify rather than advertise. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Tech Bytes titles: Self-Driving Car and 3-D Printing.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) YA Future of Technology series. With the directness of textbooks, the books in this series explore exciting, interrelated areas of technological innovation with in-depth, straightforward text; clear organization; and well-documented sources. Sidebars contain supplementary information and "Words in Context," a user-friendly alternative to a glossary. Introductory timelines are difficult to navigate, and minimal visual elements and unremarkable covers do little to draw in readers. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers the following Future of Technology titles: What Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence?, What Is the Future of Nanotechnology?, What Is the Future of Drones?, What Is the Future of 3D Printing?, What Is the Future of Virtual Reality?, and What Is the Future of Self-Driving Cars?

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin