Behold — 32 world-changing inventions we take for granted. The wheel, the bicycle, the printing press, and the personal computer are just a few of the technologies covered in this book. Author Helaine Becker shows readers how earlier inventions led to later inventions, and weaves in some nifty information that explains why some things just needed to be invented. The 1815 volcanic explosion in Indonesia, for example, was so big it indirectly led to the invention of the bicycle. She also throws in some fun facts about famous inventors such as Leonardo da Vinci and…Bill Gates.

This book looked exciting and interesting to read because it had lots of color and interesting things to look at. I thought the topic was interesting and exciting because I am always thinking of new inventions that would make things more efficient. What I liked most is that the book was fun but educational. What I liked least was that it sometimes got boring, but not too much.

I learned a lot from this book. For example, I learned how and when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. I had lots of fun reading this book. I really enjoyed the pictures and comics. If I could change anything about this book I would just change some parts that got a bit boring. I also may put in some more comics because I liked them. Overall, I thought this book was great and would recommend it to all of my friends. I would give it a 9 out of 10. If I had to describe the book in just one word it would be interesting.

(Originally published in the March/April 2010 issue of YES Mag.)