Robotics (National Geographic Kids: Everything)

Gr 4-6--These titles are designed for casual browsers and more serious readers alike. The four chapters, introduction, and afterword offer a planned route through these ambitious overviews, while the mini-bites of information keep them friendly. Chapter 3 in Robotics, "Robo-Helpers," shows real-world robots in homes, in factories, underwater, and in outer space. A "Robotic Comparisons" spread of robot and human features ends the chapter. Chapter 2 in Sports, "Dribble, Drive, Hustle," introduces four popular sports--basketball, baseball, hockey, and football--and closes with a photo gallery of less mainstream sports. Each volume features insights from a professional in an "Explorer's Corner"--Sports offers the expertise of sports reporter Shalise Manza Young and Robotics provides knowledge from National Geographic Explorer Shah Selbe. These colorful selections are crammed with quality photos, including the dynamic full-spread images on chapter-title and closing pages. An "Interactive Glossary" in each book adds a bit of fun to learning vocabulary words with a quick related multiple-choice question after each definition. VERDICT These resources present accessible fun; both will find eager audiences.--Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI