The inventions described in this transitional, evolving reader series have changed the world for the better. Aircraft and automobiles have made it possible not only to carry goods and people across countries and around the world but to ferry humans into outer space. Automobiles have evolved from the likes of the Model T to today’s safer, environmentally friendly electric models. Since their invention, printing presses and cameras have digitized and shrunk in size. Perhaps the coolest innovations are shown in Telephone and Toilet: Phones have evolved from mere methods of communication to tiny hand computers, and an interesting diagram in Toilet shows the science of how flushing keeps our bathrooms sanitary and safe. The simple, concise writing is not particularly exciting, but, in a utilitarian style, it gets the job done. Favoring photographs and patent diagrams over illustrations makes this series feel serious and authentic. VERDICT Strongly consider purchasing.