As technology continues to shape our lives, a growing number of children’s books are emerging to demystify complex concepts in engaging and accessible ways. This season’s selections reflect a trend toward vibrant graphics and interactive formats that captivate young readers while delivering solid educational content. From exploring the advancements of artificial intelligence to the evolution of iconic machines, these series invite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the technology in our world. With a focus on subjects like computers, transportation, and engineering marvels, these books cater to the interests of aspiring tech enthusiasts and engineers. These titles promise to enrich library collections and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Elementary

Dickmann, Nancy. Artificial Intelligence. ISBN 9781781219874.
––––. Coding and Programming. ISBN 9781781219881.
––––. How Computers Work. ISBN 9781781219898.
––––. The Internet. ISBN 9781781219904.
––––. Robotics. ISBN 9781781219911.
––––. Smartphones. ISBN 9781781219928.
ea vol: 24p. (Science Starters). Brown Bear. Jul. 2024. Tr. $35.70.
Gr 2-4–This series offers solid graphics and clear information but covers predictable material often found in children’s books on the subject. The title on robots explores different types, how they work, and their future potential. The book on computers explains hardware, software, touch screens, motherboards and more. Coding and Programming stands out slightly by introducing C++ and Python, offering coding examples like using parentheses to group code or quotations to indicate text. It also challenges kids to write their name in binary code, with a full alphabet-to-binary chart included. The visuals, with colorful backgrounds, text boxes, photos, and illustrations, are impressive. Each book includes a quiz, a glossary, an index, and further reading. VERDICT A solid choice for libraries, though not essential for those with an already well-rounded tech collection.

Duling, Kaitlyn. Aston Martin V12 Vantage. ISBN 9798893040517.
––––. Chevrolet Corvette Z06. ISBN 9798893040524.
––––. Ferrari Roma. ISBN 9798893040531.
––––. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. ISBN 9798893040548.
––––. McLaren 750S. ISBN 9798893040555.
––––. McLaren Artura. ISBN 9798893040562.
ea vol: 24p. (Cool Cars). Bellwether/Epic. Aug. 2024. Tr. $19.95.
Gr 2-4–Each book in this flashy series gives readers a glimpse into the power of an engine, a car’s sleek design, how it maneuvers sharp turns, and—most importantly—how fast it can go. Along with facts about the car’s history, price, and top speed, the writing is clear and easy to digest, making it ideal for reluctant readers or anyone wanting to quickly learn about their favorite cars. However, it’s the stunning visuals that will have these books zooming off the shelves. With bright backgrounds, cars showcased in beautiful settings, and blurred scenery to give the impression of speed, these books will captivate any car lover. VERDICT A must-purchase for any library with kids who love cars.

Henzel, Cynthia Kennedy. Cars Then and Now. ISBN 9781503889507.
––––. Computers Then and Now. ISBN 9781503889514.
––––. Television Then and Now. ISBN 9781503889538.
MacCarald, Clara. Airplanes Then and Now. ISBN 9781503889491.
––––. Trains Then and Now. ISBN 9781503889545.
ea vol: 24p. (Technology Then and Now). The Child’s World/Wonder. Jul. 2024. Tr. $32.79.
Gr 2-4–This series introduces young readers to the evolution of key inventions, including the plane, car, TV, computer, and train. Each book provides about 15 pages of well-organized text, covering the origin of the item, its inventor, significant advancements over time, and potential future developments. The writing is clear and informative, making the topics accessible for young readers. The format is traditional, with full pages of text in paragraph format, accompanied by color photographs and illustrations on the adjoining page. Each title ends with a “Wonder More” section, encouraging further reflection, along with fun facts, a glossary, an index, and additional reading suggestions. VERDICT A fine purchase for libraries needing books on these topics.

Holmes, Kirsty. Computer Languages. ISBN 9781510582057.
––––. Debugging. ISBN 9781510582095.
––––. Hacking. ISBN 9781510582132.
––––. Logic. ISBN 9781510582170.
––––. Memory and Memory Units. ISBN 9781510582217.
––––. Programs and Operating Systems. ISBN 9781510582255.
ea vol: 24p. (Computer Science 101). Lightbox. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.41.
Gr 1-3–This series introduces readers to key computer concepts such as memory, programming languages, bugs, hacking, logic, and operating systems. Each book is written as an informational story, set in a classroom featuring a robot. As the narrative unfolds, a problem with the robot arises, prompting the students to learn how computers work in order to solve it. While the graphics, which contain bright colors, illustrations, photos, and text boxes, may seem suited for younger elementary readers, the content is advanced enough for middle elementary students. Readers with an interest in computers will appreciate the complexity, although others may require additional explanation. At the end of each book, there are lists of sight words and content-specific terms, but no definitions, glossary, or index is provided. VERDICT A worthy purchase for its thorough explanations of computer topics. However, the blend of an early elementary story line and visuals with advanced concepts may limit its appeal to young computer enthusiasts.

Loughrey, Anita. Body & Health Tech. ISBN 9798892320832.
––––. Energy & Home Tech. ISBN 9798892320849.
––––. Entertainment & Info Tech. ISBN 9798892320856.
––––. Vehicle & Transport Tech. ISBN 9798892320863.
ea vol: 48p. (Marvels of Technology). Bearport/Ursa. Aug. 2024. Tr. $22.95.
Gr 3-5–Each book in this series focuses on a specific area of tech, with two-page spreads on items ranging from batteries to MRI machines and planetary rovers. Each spread explains the basics of the technology and features a notable inventor, allowing readers to learn about key pioneers. The information is delivered through text boxes, speech bubbles, and short paragraphs, and despite the concise format, there’s a surprising amount of introductory content. These books are ideal for students seeking reference on less-discussed technologies or a quick introduction to complex inventions. Plenty of colorful photos and illustrations accentuate the text and make the books visually appealing. Each book concludes with review questions, a glossary, an index, and further reading suggestions. VERDICT Not a must-purchase, but a solid addition for libraries expanding their technology sections.

Mattern, Joanne. Amazing Airports. ISBN 9781632357861.
––––. Amazing Bridges. ISBN 9781632357878.
––––. Amazing Buildings. ISBN 9781632357885.
––––. Amazing Dams. ISBN 9781632357892.
––––. Amazing Railroads. ISBN 9781632357915.
––––. Amazing Space Tech. ISBN 9781632357908.
ea vol: 24p. (Design Marvels). Black Rabbit/Top Rank. Jul. 2024. Tr. $24.95.
Gr 1-3–Young readers are introduced to six incredible structures from around the world–and beyond–in this series. Each two-page spread features a few paragraphs of information and large, stunning photographs that bring each structure to life. The books provide key facts about when the structures were built, their height, notable locations, and more, offering a clear understanding of these impressive feats. At the end of each book, readers will find fun facts, maps, comparisons, a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading. VERDICT Young engineers will be captivated by these books.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Hunter, Nick. Artificial Intelligence at Home. ISBN 9781916526679.
––––. Artificial Intelligence in Education. ISBN 9781916526631.
––––. Artificial Intelligence in Entertainment. ISBN 9781916526662.
––––. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. ISBN 9781916526648.
––––. Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace. ISBN 9781916526655.
––––. Artificial Intelligence in Transportation. ISBN 9781916526686.
ea vol: 48p. (Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?). Cheriton. Aug. 2024. Tr. $33.32.
Gr 5-8–This series offers clear, easy-to-understand information for young readers curious about AI. Each book contains eight chapters, with content broken into short, one-paragraph text boxes that can be read individually for research or consecutively for a fuller understanding. Each chapter ends with a balanced discussion of AI’s positive and negative aspects, followed by questions that prompt further reflection. Readers will learn about the history of AI, its recent developments, and a brief overview of how AI is created and the technology behind it. The visuals are vibrant, with colorful backgrounds and photos of people using AI and related devices. VERDICT A visually appealing, recommended purchase.

Newland, Sonya. Brainy Computers. ISBN 9781499445770.
––––. Intelligent Robots. ISBN 9781499445800.
––––. Machine Learning. ISBN 9781499445831.
––––. Smart Devices. ISBN 9781499445862.
ea vol: 32p. (Explore AI). Rosen/PowerKids. Jul. 2024. Tr. $27.93.
Gr 4-7–This series offers a detailed exploration of AI for older readers. Each book focuses on a different aspect of AI, from intelligent computers and robots to smart devices and their real-world applications. Readers will learn how AI is used in areas like communication, disease diagnosis, and online safety, as well as the ethical issues surrounding AI and robotics. While the books are packed with information, they remain visually engaging. The text is broken up among vibrant color graphics and illustrations on each page, keeping readers’ eyes moving. Each title includes a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading, making this a comprehensive and accessible series for young tech enthusiasts. VERDICT A fine purchase for older students interested in artificial intelligence.

This season’s technology books are terrific building blocks for strong library collections, and will serve as a solid jumping-off point for readers to explore these topics further. “Cool Cars” (Bellwether/Epic) is the standout, capturing readers’ attention with its focus on fast vehicles and eye-catching visuals. The larger collection includes good options for libraries looking to refresh their collections or add more titles on technology and engineering. Series cover important subjects like artificial intelligence, construction, and transportation, making them great resources for the classroom, or for sparking interest in STEM fields.