BOOKS
Save the Crash-test Dummies
Written by Jennifer Swanson
Illustrated by TeMika Grooms
Published October 1st 2019 by Peachtree Publishing Company
ISBN 1682630226 (ISBN13: 9781682630228)
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Kirkus Review
This jaunt through the history of car safety engineering reveals that we have both human and mechanical crash-test dummies to thank for making driving much safer than it was a century ago, when cars first became ubiquitous. The now-familiar crash-test dummy has its origins in Sierra Sam, an anthropomorphic test device invented in 1949 to test aircraft ejection seats for the Air Force. In 1968, a new ATD was created to meet car companies’ needs, designed to enable engineers to see how humans move during a crash. Before ATDs, engineers had to use live animals, human cadavers, and live human volunteers in safety tests. The Hybrid III used for the last 30 years is the type of crash-test dummy designed to survive a frontal impact crash. Hybrid III is full of electronics, including “accelerometers, potentiometers, and load cells,” which convey information to engineers that aids them in designing safer cars. In addition to discussing such car safety developments as bumpers, brakes, seat belts, and air bags, Swanson fills her narrative with other fascinating nuggets of automotive history and explanations of how cars work, with helpful accompanying diagrams. She concludes with a look at autonomous cars. Grooms’ illustrations add both touches of humor and visual clarity; they are complemented by archival images. Attractively designed and engagingly written—sure to appeal to readers with a taste for the scientific and technical. (Nonfiction. 8-12) |
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BEST STEM BOOKS OF 2020
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Nana's Favorite Things
Written by Dorothy H. Price
Illustrated by TeMika Grooms
Published 2017 Eifrig Publishing
ISBN-10: 1632330156
ISBN-13: 978-1632330154
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Sasha loves to shoot hoops and ride her bike. Those are her favorite things to do. But she also enjoys her Nana’s yummy treats. One day, Sasha learns her Nana has diabetes and can no longer eat the tasty snacks they have baked together over the years. With quick thinking, Sasha comes up with a clever plan to help her Nana become more active and healthy. Before long, Sasha and Nana realize they both have some new favorite things.
A great introduction to diabetes for kids. |
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