Tag Archives: Technology

YA – You Had Me at Hello World

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Wang, Rona. You Had Me at Hello World. Simon & Schuster BFYR, 2025. 978-1-534-48851-9. $19.99. 307 p. Grades 7-12.

Charise Tang, a Chinese American teen from a small coastal town in Oregon, is unexpectedly accepted into an elite summer coding program at MIT, which includes travel and full funding. Leaving behind a difficult home life and a community marked by racism and limited opportunities, she travels to Cambridge hoping to carve out a new future. Once she arrives, Char is struck by the privilege and confidence of the other students, but she quickly connects with Khoi Astor, a Vietnamese American participant she meets on her first day. As the program unfolds, Char and Khoi become partners in a high‑stakes hackathon that could give Char the financial security she needs. Alongside the academic pressure, Char must navigate shifting relationships, painful memories, and the emotional impact of trying to build a better life for herself and her mother.

THOUGHTS: This book does a great job mixing a high‑pressure STEM setting with a really personal story about finding confidence and connection. Char’s tough home life and the intensity of the MIT program make her journey easy to root for, and her growing friendship—and eventual romance—with Khoi adds warmth to the heavier moments. The diverse cast and focus on the challenges faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds help ground the story in real‑world issues. Overall, it’s an engaging, heartfelt read that blends tech, teamwork, and self‑discovery in a way that feels both relatable and uplifting.

Romance

MG/YA – Fascinating Food

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Fascinating Food. Essential Library, an imprint of Abdo, 2025. $30.00 ea. $240.00 set of 8. 112 p. Grades 6-12. 

Sonneborn, Liz. The Fast Food Industry. 978 -1-098-29524-0.
Burling, Alexis. Food and Culture. 978-1-098-29525-7.
—. Food Delivery. 978-1-098-29526-4.
Edwards, Sue Bradford. Food in Space. 978-1-098-29527-1.
Waldendorf, Kurt. Food Marketing. 978-1-098-29528-8.
Hogan, Christa C. Food Science. 978-1-098-29529-5.
Sonneborn, Liz. How Supermarkets Work. 978-1-098-29530-1.
Wheeler, Jill C. Modern Farming. 978-1-098-29531-8.

Food in Space is a title in the Fascinating Food series. During the early days of human spaceflight in the 1960s, scientists faced the difficult problem of figuring out how astronauts could eat safely and nutritiously without gravity. Food in Space traces how space‑food technology has evolved from the first Mercury missions through current expeditions to the International Space Station, showing how researchers improved both the nutrition and practicality of meals designed for orbit.

THOUGHTS: The book succeeds in making the science approachable, showing how space‑food technology has progressed from simple, early Mercury‑era meals to the more complex dining options available on the International Space Station today. Its inclusion of infographics, a glossary, and clear source notes helps break down technical concepts and makes the material accessible for student researchers. The alignment to Common Core and state standards also makes it a strong fit for classroom use. Overall, the book provides a thoughtful, informative introduction to an unusual corner of food science and space history.

600’s Technology and Applied Sciences

Elem. – Technology Then and Now (Series NF)

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MacCarald, Clara. Wonder Books: Technology Then and Now. The Child’s World, 2025. 24 p. $23.00 ea. $138.00 set of 8. Grades K-3.

Airplanes Then and Now. 978-1-503-88949-1.
Cars Then and Now. 978-1-503-88950-7.
Computers Then and Now. 978-1-503-88951-4.
Telephones Then and Now. 978-1-503-88952-1.
Television Then and Now. 978-1-503-88953-8.
Trains Then and Now. 978-1-503-88954-5.

Airplanes Then and Now provides an interesting history of airplanes, flight technology, and the future of flying. Excellent color photographs match the text with helpful sidebars and labels. This nonfiction book includes a table of contents, fast facts, glossary, and index. Two additional sections called “Wonder More” and “Find Out More” offer excellent opportunities for further inquiry. This series is fresh and up-to-date and includes a discussion of electric planes.

THOUGHTS: Readers will enjoy this brief, but comprehensive overview of the history of airplanes. Teachers will appreciate the additional resources provided by the “Find Out More” section and the excellent guiding questions in the “Wonder More” section at the back of the book.

629.133 Aircraft Types

Elem. – AI World (Series NF)

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Chambers, Ford. AI World. Pogo Books, 2025.  $22.54 ea. $135.24 Set of 6. 24 p. Grades 1-3. 

AI At Home. 979-8-892-13553-5.
AI At Work 979-8-892-13556-6.
AI In Cars 979-8-892-13559-7.
AI In Entertainment  979-8-892-13562-7.
AI In Medicine  979-8-892-13565-8.
AI In Space 979-8-892-13568-9.

AI At Home and AI At Work are both nonfiction books that focus on AI and different ways that it can be helpful as well as how its evolved over time. Both titles contain a table of contents, ideas for teachers and parents to use this book with readers, as well as colorful pictures throughout. There is an in-depth chart about AI as it relates to whatever the overarching topic of the book is. At the end of both books, there is a glossary, an index, as well as some extra activities.

THOUGHTS: These books are great introductions for younger students to use AI and how AI affects their lives in ways they may not think about. Great addition for every elementary collection, and possibly some middle school collections depending on what AI books they already have. 

006.3 Artificial Intelligence

Elem./MG – The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy

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Fyvie, Erica. The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy. Illustrated by Scot Ritchie. Kids Can Press, 2025. 978-1-525-30668-6. $17.99. 56 p. Grades 3-6. 

Birch Elementary is under construction to make their school more sustainable when construction workers find a time capsule buried in the ground. Students in the school’s sixth grade class find letters written by students in the 1900’s focusing on technological innovations of their time period–indoor plumbing, electric lights, and innovations in transportation. Mr. Moran’s class is inspired by the time capsule they have found and embark on a new assignment: They conduct research to determine how they could make their school more sustainable and energy efficient by the year 2100. The class divides into groups that focus on specific areas such as building design, electricity, plumbing, and transportation. Their research helps them to imagine what their school could look like with evolved energy solutions and technological advancements. 

THOUGHTS: This book is highly engaging and packs a lot of information into 56 colorfully illustrated pages. I loved how seamlessly this title incorporated technological innovations of the past with energy and technology needs of the present and future. The book takes a graphic novel format and style but also includes definitions that are set in different colored boxes within the narrative to provide definitions for the domain-specific terms. There is a glossary page, additional resources, and index at the back of the book. In The Sustainable School, Fyvie blends history, science, and technology together to make sustainability a concept that is fun and accessible, and exciting to learn about. 

304.2 Social Science

MG – Talent to Trade (Series NF)

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Talent to Trade. Abdo & Daughters, 2025. $25.95 ea. $207.95 (Set of 8). 64 p. Grades 5-8. 

Duling, Kaitlyn. Become a Technology Whiz: Coding, Software Development & More. 978-1-098-29498-4.
—. Becoming a Landscape Expert: Gardening, Urban Forestry & More. 978-1-098-29497-7.
Gates, Margo. Becoming a Cosmetologist: Hairstyling, Skin Care & More. 978-1-098-29496-0.
—. Become an Aviation Pro: Flight Training, Aircraft Care & More. 978-1-098-29500-4.
—. Become a EMS Specialist: Emergency Treatment, Wound Care & More. 978-1-098-29501-1.
Kuehl, Ashley. Becoming a Construction Technician: Carpentry, Plumbing & More. 978-1-098-29495-3.
—. Become a Vehicle Mechanic: Car Maintenance, Bike Repair & More. 978-1-098-29499-1.
Mooney, Carla. Become an Entrepreneur: Business, Leadership & More. 978-1-098-29494-6.          

This reviewer read Become a Technology Whiz: Coding, Software Development & More. The slim career book gives a brief overview of essential technology terms and lays out different jobs where these skills are applied. Illustrated with colored photographs, the layout is primarily headings followed by short paragraphs. Where this book veers from others of its kind is the “& More” of the title. In double-page spreads, the author describes various activities students interested in tech could try: designing a vision board; learning programming from Kano or Scratch; sharing one’s skills; making an e-card. With the exception of the latter, though, this section is just nicely decorated suggestions, not procedural guides. The final chapters do provide practical advice on how a younger person can prepare to break into the technology industry. For collections needing to fill in a gap in this area, Become a Technology Whiz provides the basics for readers to know their way around a computer and lists careers to which an interest in this subject may lead. However, the bonus material (& More) seems superfluous and not such a prize. This book is part of the Talent to Trade series that comes in reinforced binding, with a glossary, additional resources, and an index.

THOUGHTS: If you already have computer books for younger or struggling readers describing coding, software, and tech jobs, you may not need this one. It offers loads of suggestions of future tech jobs written, like the rest of the book, in simple, straightforward style, mostly in a single paragraph, that one can browse and read in one shot. For students needing career information, this book gives short and easy explanations.

600s Careers

Elem./MG – Snoop

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Korman, Gordon. Snoop. Scholastic Press, 2025. 978-1-546-12608-9. 208 p. $18.99. Grades 4-7.

Twelve-year-old Carter Peregrine’s ski trip takes a disastrous turn when his brother accidentally breaks both of Carter’s legs. This is all thanks to his divorced parents’ plan to get him off screens and into the great outdoors. Now stuck at home in North Carolina for two months, Carter initially treats recovery like a vacation. But boredom sets in fast, especially after his mom takes his phone away, and soon he’s hacking into public security cameras to secretly watch his classmates, especially his crush, Lacey. What starts as spying turns into secret acts of kindness as Carter uses tech to stop trouble and help people. However, things get even weirder when Carter starts spotting endangered animals like a red panda and a swift fox in town. The police don’t take him seriously, so Carter sets out to uncover the reason behind the animals’ appearance by himself, all while keeping a close eye on his friends and the rest of the community.

THOUGHTS: Gordon Korman once again delivers a middle grade novel that is fast-paced, quirky, and laugh-out-loud funny. In a world where screens rule and privacy isn’t guaranteed, Korman’s novel delves into digital responsibility and the challenge of doing what’s right, even when you’re stuck at home on the couch. This book is a solid addition to middle grade libraries.

Adventure

Elem. – Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars

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Roth, Jonathan. Almost Underwear: How a Piece of Cloth Traveled from Kitty Hawk to the Moon and Mars. Christy Ottaviano Books. 978-0-316-52554-1. 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

In the early 1900s, bolts of unbleached muslin cloth were most often purchased from department stores to be made into sturdy, practical underwear. But, when Orville and Wilbur Wright purchased a bolt of muslin in 1903, they stretched, cut, and sewed the fabric tightly around the wings of the glider they were secretly building. The muslin was perfect for gliding because it was lightweight, flexible, and very strong. On December 17, 1903, the muslin-covered wings helped the Wright Brothers’ glider achieve its historic 12-second flight. But, that was not the final aviation adventure for the humble cloth. On July 20, 1969, to honor Orville and Wilbur’s first flight, Neil Armstrong packed a swatch of original wing fabric into a fireproof bag that he carried with him during the first moon landing. And, more than fifty years later, the piece of cloth traveled to space once again. A team of engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California affixed a tiny piece of the original muslin to the underside of the Ingenuity helicopter that lifted off from the surface of Mars on April 19, 2021. Thanks to imagination, ingenuity, and perseverance, the ordinary cloth was woven into some of the greatest moments in aviation history. An Author’s Note and Glossary include additional information about the Wright Brothers, Neil Armstrong and other astronauts, and the engineers who worked on the Mars landing. 

THOUGHTS: Although this book tells a captivating story about an ordinary fabric and its extraordinary destiny, the illustrations are equally intriguing. The illustrations are digitally drawn on top of historic photographs and images of the actual fabric swatch Neil Armstrong took to the moon. Readers will be drawn into this fascinating story and will enjoy connecting the dots between major moments in U.S. history. This will be a great tie-in for STEM and space-themed units and a fun reminder that even the most ordinary things can be destined for greatness. 

629.1 Aerospace Engineering

Elem./MG – Milestones in Technology (Series NF)

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Milestones in Technology. The Child’s World, 2024. $25.00 Each. Set of 8. 32 p. Grades 3-6. 

Havemeyer, Janie. Sports Technology. 978-1-503-86987-5.
—. Space Technology. 978-1-503-86986-8.
Rea, Amy C. Video Game Technology. 978-1-50386-988-2.
—. Computer Technology. 978-1-503-86982-0.
—. Robot and Drone Technology. 978-1-503-86985-1.
Hamen, Susan E. Military Technology. 978-1-503-86983-7.
Ford, Jeanne Marie. Movie Technology. 978-1-503-86984-4.
Bow, James. Car Technology. 978-1-503-86981-3.

This reviewer evaluated the titles Sports Technology and Video Game Technology. Sports Technology features a wearable Fitbit on its cover, but this title also ‘dives’ into several less-thought-of sports technologies. Sports helmets, apparel, and cameras all receive their own section. Virtual reality and smartwatches are also both features of this title, but surprisingly, Apple Watch and other brands are completely omitted from the book. Video Game Technology is similarly organized. This title explores the roots of modern video games and follows their evolution from 1940’s Nimatron to today’s Fortnite. The title includes fast-facts about video games before exploring the history; visuals will entice students to keep reading until the end. All titles include a glossary of terms, a short selected bibliography, and an online link to more (easily updatable) sources.

THOUGHTS: At 32 pages each, these titles offer overviews of the technology used throughout history in various fields. Upper elementary students who are fascinated with electronics, engineering, and computer science will soak up the information in these well-organized and appropriately sourced books without feeling overwhelmed.

688.7 Sports Equipment
794.8 Video Games

Elem. – How Does it Work? Farm Tech (Series NF)

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Luza, Johannah. How Does it Work? Farm Tech. Jump!, Inc. 2024. $18.95 each or $75.80 for a set of 4. Grades 2-5.

Combines. 979-8-885-24685-9.
Greenhouses. 979-8-885-24688-0.
Milkers. 979-8-885-24691-0.
Planters. 979-8-885-24694-1.

Farm technology has evolved greatly over time and the series How Does it Work? Farm Tech showcases this change. In this four book series, each book showcases a specific piece of farm equipment and describes how it works today, the history of the machine, and the new technology that has been integrated to assist farmers. The reviewer received and read the book Combines. Combines focuses exactly on that: the evolution of the combine! In the past, farmers would sow their fields by hand. Thankfully, that is not the case today! Combines are extraordinary machines with new and improved technology to assist farmers with their land. This book is filled with easy to read text, clear photographs, and fun pieces of information to grasp readers and teach them something new!

THOUGHTS: This series would be fantastic for young readers who enjoy machinery and/or farming. The photographs and information provided are interesting, yet age appropriate for students in grades 2nd – 5th.

631.3 Farm Equipment