________________ CM . . . . Volume XVIII Number 8 . . . . October 21, 2011

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Hi Tech World: Code Breakers. (Crabtree Contact).

Ben Hubbard.
St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2010.
32 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB.).
ISBN 978-0-7787-7550-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-7528-7 (RLB.).

Subject Headings:
Cryptology-History-Juvenile literature.
Ciphers-History-Juvenile literature.
Computer hackers-Juvenile literature.
Data encryption (Computer science)-Juvenile literature.

Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11.

Review by Vikki Houston.

***½ /4

   
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Hi Tech World: Cool Stuff. (Crabtree Contact).

Ben Hubbard.
St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2010.
32 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB.).
ISBN 978-0-7787-7551-5 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-7529-4 (RLB.).

Subject Heading:
Inventions-Juvenile literature.

Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11.

Review by Vikki Houston.

***½ /4

   
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Hi Tech World: High Level Security. (Crabtree Contact).

Ben Hubbard.
St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2010.
32 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB.).
ISBN 978-0-7787-7552-2 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-7530-0 (RLB.).

Subject Headings:
Electronic surveillance-Juvenile literature.
Security systems-Juvenile literature.

Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11.

Review by Vikki Houston.

***½ /4

 

excerpt:

The Lost Code

We know codes have been around for as long as human history. So what if there were codes that had been lost over time? Some people believe a forgotten code was used by people across the world thousands of years ago. Some suggest ancient civilizations used this code to build temples, palaces, and tombs in specific locations on different continents. Some people think the code was part of an early Global Positioning System (GPS). They believe the location of Stonehenge somehow links directly to the Great Pyramid in Egypt. They also believe modern GPS is helping to prove the code is real. (From Hi Tech World: Code Breakers.)

When I first saw these books, I thought, �Wow, what a great series for boys!� From the graphically appealing covers that appear almost three dimensional to the enticing titles, these books beg to be read. These books provide a basic introduction that left me wanting more information. But maybe that is the point. This trio of books is a great introduction to hi tech topics that may encourage readers to learn more. The three books in this series are comprised of 32 pages and include a table of contents, index, a glossary called �Need To Know� words, a page of �Did you know facts� and on line resources to find out more. Each book starts with an introduction and includes 12 topics each on an easy to read two-page spread. The titles for each topic are framed in red, green or blue (depending on the book). The information is concise and laid out in visually appealing text boxes accompanied principally by photographs and a few computer generated pictures.

      Starting in ancient times and continuing right up to present day and beyond, Code Breakers introduces readers to different codes. Several pages deal with different codes, such as Enigma and Navajo Indian codes, that were used during World War II. The book then describes CAPTCHA codes in use today. CAPTCHA codes are the website codes of random wavy letters that ensure people, not computers, are entering the information. Code Breakers ends with a glimpse of the future with Quantum computers. The on line resources listed give readers a chance to try code breaking.

      Cool Stuff introduces readers to actual products in a range of topics from household to science fiction. The household topics include a camera that shows a dog�s eye view, robot pets, moving alarm clocks phones built into watches and an entire wireless computer and music system built into a sofa. The pages on skateboards, cool wheels and getting up and down introduce interesting ways to get around. The book ends with an interesting view of a shark submarine. The on line section lists sites to find out about the newest gizmos and gadgets.

      High level Security is all about the present day. This book offers a glimpse into security measures for the home and abroad. Home security, panic rooms and credit card security measures show how we are protected in our everyday lives. Biometrics, airport security and imaging show how we are protected abroad. For those needing the highest security, bodyguards, spy planes and surveillance are discussed. The book ends with information on Fort Knox and the Beast, the vehicle that protects the President of the United States. The websites listed in the online section include the U.S. Secret service and a kids� homeland security site.

      A great nonfiction series for boys.

Highly Recommended.

Dr. Vikki Houston is an elementary teacher with the Durham District School Board in Oshawa, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
Published by
The Manitoba Library Association
ISSN 1201-9364 		Hosted by the University of Manitoba.
 

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