Toasters (Household History) (Library Binding)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-With full-color photographs and reproductions, useful diagrams and drawings, and lively texts, these titles heighten interest in and understanding about familiar items. Alphin provides a solid introduction to two household appliances, tracing their history, important technological developments, and roles in popular culture. Irons catches readers' interest with a magnified photograph of the parasites that can grow on wet laundry. Many little-known and interesting facts are shared along with plenty of visuals that illustrate changes in these devices through the years. Toasters also grabs attention by discussing and illustrating mold and yeast as they affect bread. Beginning with bartering, Young traces the history of money up to the present-day use of checks, credit cards, and electronic technology. He also discusses how the currency used in the U.S. is minted and measures intended to prevent counterfeiting. All of the books have helpful glossaries and indexes, as well as one or more engaging activities. These abundantly illustrated titles, excellent for doing research and reports, will fill a need in units on inventions and other social-science topics.
Stephani Hutchinson, Pioneer Elementary School, Sunnyside, WA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Who would have thought that the toaster would ever achieve status as a cultural icon? Yet, in four short and snappy chapters, Alphin (Vacuum Cleaners, 1997, etc.) and the Household History series (see Young, below) continue to prove that even the most mundane appliance is worthy of serious study. Readers curious about the mechanics of toasters will learn the details of how plain bread is transformed into warm and nourishing breakfast food through the magic of trip plates, timer strips, and browning controls. Alphin's description of the development of the modern toaster, accompanied by plentiful photographs and illustrations of early models, is both comprehensive and fascinating. The icing on the cake, or rather the jam on the toast, is a selection of simple recipes for comfort food favorites. (glossary, index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 8-11) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 48 pages
• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (February 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575052431
• ISBN-13: 978-1575052434
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #924,719 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating history of an ordinary object!, October 20, 2007

By	J. Arena (Williamsburg, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Bread has always been so important a commodity, that in ancient times, people actually used it as money! But, the biggest problem with bread was mold that could quickly make it unsafe to eat. The best way to preserve bread was to dry or toast it, which also enhanced the flavor by caramelizing the sugars and starches.

Toasters traces the history of that process from ancient Egypt to computer-age toasting. The book is wonderfully illustrated and presents history in a novel and lively fashion. As an added bonus, there is some surprising information about toast-inspired art, cartoons and recipes with a glossary for review.

What a fascinating little book for young readers! Adults will enjoy reading it as well.