Tag Archives: Mechanical

Review: I Like Machines… What Jobs Are There? by Robin Pridy and Elise Gaignet

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I Like Machines... What Jobs Are There by Robin Pridy

I Like Machines… What Jobs Are There? (That’s a Job Series)
Robin Pridy
Illustrated by Elise Gaignet
Kane Miller
Published December 1, 2023

Kane Miller Website | Bookshop | Goodreads

About I Like Machines… What Jobs Are There?

Whether they love operating them, designing them, or building and repairing them, there’s something for everyone in this accessible guide for children who are fascinated by machines! From being a train driver to a robotics engineer, readers are taken through a day-in-the-life of 25 workers and shown the different skills and qualities needed for each exciting job. The book will include a variety of machines (big, small, vehicles, devices, electrical, mechanical) and highlight some fascinating STEAM careers, getting children excited for their futures.

My Review

I’m such a fan of this series. I love that it breaks down different careers in a certain area of interest, offering inspiration to young readers for possible future jobs. This title in the series explores jobs that involve machines, such as wind turbine technician, ocean engineer, boatbuilder, mechanic, plumber, and quality assurance inspector. It was really cool to read about the different careers and educational backgrounds of each one. It seems like the educational backgrounds refer to a particular person’s life, so they may not be the most direct path to that career. For example, the patent attorney tells readers that she first got her Ph.D. in biology before getting a law degree.

Each spread or page shows a step-by-step example of an eventful day on the job. This gives readers a chance to think about the kinds of work a particular job involves and what time a typical day might start. The book also lists the best and worst parts of each job.

One of my favorite parts is at the back of the book. A two-page spread shows a chart that directs kids with certain areas of interest and personalities to certain jobs. For example, the chart has areas that ask about goals, skills, and personal qualities. There are sample answers that then direct readers to a list of possible jobs for someone with a certain goal or skillset. For example, someone who loves machines and is great with people might be interested in careers like car salesperson, quality assurance inspector, or patent attorney.

This series has so much information presented in a visually appealing way. I think it would be great for late elementary school readers who want to dream about career possibilities.

Age Recommendation

For readers eight to twelve.

The cartoony style probably makes this better suited to fourth or fifth-grade level, but the pages have so much information that I think older kids would benefit, too.

Content Summary

The pages show inclusive cartoon images of the workers.

Additional Titles in the That’s a Job Series

I Like Space… What Jobs Are There?

I Like Helping People… What Jobs Are There?

I Like the Performing Arts… What Jobs Are There? (Review to Come)

Titles I Haven’t Reviewed

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Review: Mechanical by Pauline C Harris

Book Review and Content, Christian World-View, Sci-Fi, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , ,

Mechanical (Mechanical #1)
Pauline C Harris
Fire and Ice Young Adult Books
Published April 1, 2013

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Drew has little memory of her existence before waking at a science lab. She’s a creature of perfection – an android – beautiful and strong. Her Creators have a special mission for Drew and others like her. She must join human teenagers in a local school setting, observe them and occasionally bring them to the lab.

At first Drew is mystified by the intricacies of human behavior. Gradually she begins to admire the strange beings. Soon she longs to be one of them, especially when she learns the story of Christian salvation.

As she experiences greater pressure to bring teens into the lab, even when force is required, Drew begins to question her mission and the Creators who would ask her to do such a thing. Why would they do this? Is it wrong? Can she stop them?

While observing teen culture as an outsider makes for an interesting premise, Drew seldom behaves like a classic android. Her responses are much more emotional than logical, even from the beginning of the story. The plot outcome does explain this in part, but it’s still kind of an obstacle from a reader’s perspective. I just kept expecting her to be more steadfast and methodical rather than impulsive and fearful.

The pacing of the plot, while interesting, was also uneven. In the last couple of scenes the story kicks into high gear, roaring up to a cliff-hanger, which seems designed to leave the reader desperate to crack the cover of the sequel. It’s good stuff, but I found myself wishing the plot had taken off earlier in the story. I liked the way Harris wove in some spiritual elements, though.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
No profanity.

Sexual Content
Brief kissing.

Spiritual Content
Some of the kids Drew encounters at school describe their Christian faith. Drew is fascinated and longs to know whether God cares for her, too. A fellow android cruelly points out that without a soul, she can’t qualify for salvation.

Violence
Drew and the other androids bring students to the lab, using force if necessary.

Drug Content
None.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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