Booklist Review

If you think futuristic technology is cool, then you will certainly enjoy these books in World Book's Cool Tech series (8 titles). Each book begins with a scenario introducing its title technology. It then proceeds through several chapters on other loosely connected technologies. Reusable Rockets touches upon spaceplanes, satellite internet, and colonizing the solar system. The larger topics have their own chapters, which are further divided into longer chunks of text and a series of fact nuggets--usually about one paragraph long--introduced by questions or headers. These fun facts deal with an interesting variety of topics, nearly all of which are illustrated with well-chosen photos. Factoids range from identifying engineering problems and solutions, all related to the technology; discussing historical examples and predecessors of the technology; and remarking on parallels from books, TV, and movies. Together, these nuggets suggest both the excitement surrounding the technology and the pros and cons of using it. A glossary and index, but no explicit conclusion, round out each volume. Available only as an 8-book set.