ALA Booklist (Fri Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Each book in the Superstructures series features eight or nine significant structures worldwide. The two-page and four-page sections devoted to individual structures juxtapose colorful photos and excellent diagrams with paragraphs of text, captions, and fact boxes that discuss the structure's construction and significance. Other edifices are more briefly explored in the books' history-based introductory sections and in the closing pages on projects currently in the planning or construction phases. While occasionally an explanation is confusing, the vivid illustrations often help clarify points made in the text. Glossaries and lists of websites are appended. First published in Britain, each book spotlights some U.S. landmarks, though the number varies according to topic. Amazing Stadiums includes Michigan Stadium, the Louisiana Superdome, and Reliant Stadium, as well as examples in Australia, England, Mexico, France, Germany, and China. These colorful, informative books offer intriguing glimpses of notable engineering feats.

School Library Journal (Mon Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2010)

GRAHAM, Ian . Fabulous Bridges . ISBN 978-1-60753-132-6 . LC 2009030864. GRAHAM, Ian . Tremendous Tunnels . ISBN 978-1-60753-134-0 . LC 2009030865. ea vol: 32p. (Superstructures). diags. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Amicus . 2010. PLB $28.50. Gr 4-6 Youngsters who enjoy construction and superstructures will be delighted with these titles. Each one features nine of the most representative examples of each type of structure. Most are relatively new, but not all, e.g., the New York City subway. Attractively designed, each page features half- to full-page color photos, with some of the text occasionally superimposed on the images. Three paragraphs of three to five sentences each do a remarkable job of describing the edifice and the type of construction. Additional information such as length, capacity, location, year of completion, method of construction, and the name of the designer is listed in a fact-file box. "Amazing Facts" appear in a separate box. Additional drawings complement the texts. The bold font varies from black on color to white on black. Captions in goldenrod-colored boxes are sometimes repetitive of the text. Unfamiliar words are in a bold font and are defined in a glossary. The introductory and concluding chapters are an asset. Unfortunately, there are no maps to show the locations of the structures or pronunciation guides. The description of the jumbo drill in Tunnels is difficult to visualize, but that is not enough to keep these titles off the shelves. Eldon Younce, Anthony Public Library, KS

Horn Book

These books present very basic information on nutrition in simple, choppy sentences. While the diagrams and many of the photos are stock and appear in every book, they are colorful and enticing. The text includes a great deal of boilerplate that is repeated in every volume. Each book's final page enumerates the consequences of avoiding the nutrient of the title. Glos., ind.