I won a copy of this book at Natalie Aguirre’s Literary Rambles a few months ago. The link above will take you to an excellent interview there with author Elaine Kachala. Take a look after reading my review below.
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution provides an eye opening discussion at how the world has changed and will continue to change when technology is attached to our bodies.
Not only are the innovations presented, but there are also cautions as to how we use them. Five chapters dig deep into a world of wearables:
- OUR WEARABLE WORLD
- WEARABLES ARE CHANGING HOW WE LIVE
- WE’RE AUGMENTING OUR HUMANNESS
- ARE WE CROSSING THE LINE?
- HOW DO WE DESIGN RESPONSIBLE TECHNOLOGY?
I enjoyed reading how this technology is changing the lives of kids. From devices letting children walk and climb to Brain-Computer Interfaces that are helping young Brody play computer games with his thoughts.
The many photographs and drawings balance well with the text. Also included are great discussion questions scattered throughout in a side panel feature: MOVE SLOW + THINK HUMAN. These push young readers to evaluate and critically think about what’s ahead for their generation. A final page challenges those who might want to create their own wearable idea.
SUPERPOWER? The Wearable Tech Revolution is a well rounded, fascinating presentation about wearable technology. Perfect for home and school libraries.
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It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.
It’s easy to join the lineup. All you have to do is email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com
Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.
*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.
Always in the Middle... 
I think you know that Elliott really liked this book. I see on FB that the book is starting to make some traction too! I bet it will do well.
This book belongs in school libraries. There is so much knew technology down the road that it is exciting and sobering. I accompanied my husband for his check-up on his pacemaker. It blew me away when the group used a computer to drop his heart rate to 30 for about 10 min and bring it up and set it at 75. All I could think of was the “bionic man.” Think my grandson would like this book.
I had not heard of this. Sounds like one both my kids would enjoy along with myself.
HUGE thanks to Greg for posting this review! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I hope the book helps readers make connections between the STEM/STEAM topics they’re learning about in school and the effects of science and tech on the world. I also hope the real-life inventor’s stories inspire them to wonder how they could design technology to make the world a better place. Thanks also to everyone who’s contributing to this conversation! If you’re interested, there’s a free Discussion Guide and Superpower? Activity sheet available from my website (elainekachala.com) or from Orca Book Publishers (http://www.orcabook.com/assets/PDFs/TeacherResource/Superpower-DiscussionGuide.pdf).