Bailey, Diane  How the Light Bulb Changed History
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Bjornlund, Lydia  How the Refrigerator Changed History
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Hand, Carol  How the Internet Changed History
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Perdew, Laura  How the Toilet Changed History
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Yomtov, Nel  How the Printing Press Changed History
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Essential Library of Inventions series. These books focus on pivotal inventions as historical events, examining why each was created and what preceded it; how each has changed life today; and how the invention may evolve. Supplemented with excellent photos, archival images, and diagrams, the well-written narratives also clearly explain the technology behind each invention. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Machines and Technology; Electricity; Inventions and inventors; Light

Higgins, Nadia  The World's Oddest Inventions
Gr. 4–6     32 pp.     Capstone

Edge Books: Library of Weird series. From the "Nose Stylus" (so you can use your smartphone in the bathtub) to the "Brush and Shine" (for the grooming of bald-headed men) to "Anti-Theft Lunch Bags" (which make sandwiches appear to be moldy and unpalatable), this book is filled with truly odd and intriguing inventions. With plenty of illustrative photographs and graphics, amusement is guaranteed. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Machines and Technology; Inventions and inventors

Kespert, Deborah  Genius!: The Most Astonishing Inventions of All Time
Gr. 4–6      96 pp.      Thames

This solid overview of technological milestones features over twenty inventors and their creations. At least two spreads about each give basic facts — about, say, Stephanie Kwolek and Kevlar — followed by expansions and updates to the technology, with numerous photos and other illustrations throughout. Giving attention to both ideas and inventors, the information is accurate and accessible. Timeline. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Machines and Technology; Inventions and inventors

Kraft, Betsy Harvey  The Fantastic Ferris Wheel: The Story of Inventor George Ferris
Gr. K–3     40 pp.     Holt/Ottaviano

Illustrated by Steven Salerno. This absorbing picture-book biography of the engineer and inventor focuses on the design, construction, and success of his twenty-six-story observation wheel at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, later known as the Ferris wheel. Young readers will be drawn into Salerno's energetic, bright mixed-media illustrations, which strike the perfect balance between wonder, technical detail, and historical accuracy. "More About George Ferris" is appended. Bib.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Engineering; Inventions and inventors; Ferris, George; Chicago (IL)

McCarthy, Meghan  Earmuffs for Everyone!: How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs
Gr. K–3     48 pp.     Simon/Wiseman

Ear-protectors had existed since the early 1870s, but Chester Greenwood improved the earmuff; he received a patent in 1877 at age nineteen. Thus, his is not the story of an inventor but one of how inventors often improve upon previous patents. McCarthy's signature bug-eyed characters perfectly represent her subject's lighthearted, wide-eyed curiosity. Notes on historical thinking and patents are appended. Bib.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Inventions and inventors; Clothing; Greenwood, Chester; Human body—Ears; Maine

From the May 2016 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.