Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? And Other Questions about Inventions by Deborah Kops and illustrated by Colin W. Thompson is part of the growing Is That a Fact? series. 
In the books in this series, common ideas or urban legends are put the the test. Did Henry Ford really invent the car as you might have heard? No, Henry Ford’s main contribution was in developing ways to mass produce cars (and some of that he borrowed from other sources as well.) Some questions are common, like this one, but others were new to me. I did not know about Clarence Birdseye was the person who invented a new technique for freezing food. I thought Birdseye was only a brand name.
The research and writing for this book are top notch, and the two-page spreads for each question addresses the main points, but don’t linger to the point of overkill. It’s a really nice format for this age group.
Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? is a wonderful way to delve into science, technology and history. It is also a perfect way to introduce topics of critical thinking and fact checking. Check one out today!
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Library Binding: 40 pages
Publisher: Lerner Publications (January 2011)
ISBN-10: 0761360980
ISBN-13: 978-0761360988
Stem Friday is at Chapter Book of the Day today. Click through for links to more excellent STEM books.
If you would like to participate in STEM Friday in the future, go to the new STEM Friday blog for more information.
