Roller Coasters

Amazing Structures: Roller Coasters OH MY! Not to forget Tunnels, Bridges and Skyscrapers, Dams and Stadiums! A new non–fiction book series brought to you by JUMP library, developed for young and struggling readers (2nd–5th), includes all the features of quality informational texts: labels, diagrams, maps, infographics,Table of Contents, Index, Glossary. There are also special features, Ideas for parents and teachers, including Before, During, And After reading strategies, Did you know (fun facts throughout the books), as well as Activities and Tools for children to extend their thinking. The LEARN more ideas for kids gives students a nudge to do more research. Each book includes 24 pages of stunning, vibrant photos of the most ‘amazing’ structures. The carefully leveled text gives early fluent readers support and practice reading informational text. Next Generation Standards include Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science. -Karen Nesbit

Imparting just a few tantalizing morsels of information about various kinds of large-scale infrastructure, these primary-level introductions combine particularly vivid photos with comments that are simply phrased but not entirely generalized. In Bridges, for instance, Pettiford identifies and points out distinctive features of common kinds: beam, arch, and suspension. Also worth noting are photographic depictions of woman engineers and designers at work in Bridges, Dams, Skyscrapers, and Roller Coasters. Less laudable are the single hands-on projects that close each volume, which are perfunctory instructions for such nonstarters as a dam made from rocks and sticks in a flat pan full of sand. VERDICT Possible additions to STEM collections.

The Amazing Structures series is a quality primer on the basics of reading nonfiction texts, with big, bold
headings and labels, captioned maps and diagrams, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and sidebars filled with
added facts. This edition deals with the basic physics that power the world’s tallest, fastest, and most fun
amusement park rides. Topics such as potential and kinetic energy and gravity are explained in simple
terms. Questions at the start of each chapter engage readers’ prior knowledge and experiences, while
colorful photographs of kids around the world enjoying coasters provide context clues. Instructions for
building a model coaster are included in the end matter. This title not only covers foundational science
concepts but also offers practice with the timely and vital skill of reading nonfiction.