Full Text Review(s)
Grades 7 and up will benefit from the How It Works, 3rd Edition (0761443149) encyclopedia set covering the latest advancements in science and technology in its third updated edition. From video recorders and wastewater treatment plants to physics and plastics, this set offers bright, contemporary color photos, diagrams and charts, and introductory materials suitable for reports. Don’t miss the second edition of America In The 20th Century (0-7614-7364-5): each volume in the 13-volume set covers a 10-year range of history pinpointing major events, key historical figures, and different concepts. Both are recommended sets for both advanced elementary and middle school grades.

This newest edition of How It Works will be a welcome addition to any high school library. A student wishing to learn more about how something is manufactured or how a product functions will probably be able to find it in these volumes. For example, a reader could learn how artificial skin is made, how waves are measured, or how the viscosity of a substance is determined, to name a few of the things covered. I asked several people involved in various technical fields to examine the text for their areas, and they all said that the material is very current. However, I have one problem that was also mentioned by one of the readers, and that is the illustrations. While the text was brought up-to-date, the illustrations were not all updated. Pictures show clothing, hairstyles, and equipment that are outdated. In spite of this, and because of the timely information in the set, it will be valuable reference for the high school or technical school library collection. Recommended.