Roller Coasters: From Concept to Consumer (Calling All Innovators: A Career for You)

Product Description Learn how designers and engineers work together to plan and build some of the world's most incredible thrill rides. Calling All Innovators series introduces students to careers in science and technology. The complex text allows readers (Grades 5-8) to determine the main idea and explain how it is supported by key details. With their giant drops and twisting loops, roller coasters have been thrilling people for decades. These exciting rides give passengers a taste of danger, but thanks to the careful work of roller coaster designers, they are as safe as can be. From School Library Journal Gr 4-7-Despite the fact that the format and font make this set appears to be geared toward younger readers, the high-interest content will appeal to middle grade students. Filled with anecdotes, each volume begins with a historical look at its subject. Chapters follow with information about the current state of the field, warnings of possible pitfalls, and the jobs available within certain areas (for example, Video Games explains that game-lovers can become voice actors, testers, and/or designers). Interviews with individuals in highlighted vocations will enlighten readers about the professions and what commitment is needed to succeed. Included are time lines of business history, sidebars of additional information, and both historical and contemporary photos. A concluding career stats page is illuminating, though misleading as single figures are given, rather than a range. α(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. About the Author Cunningham studied journalism and history at the University of Illinois at Urbana.