Gr 9 Up–The inventions common to 21st-century life, from Cro-Magnon’s creation of retouched tools to Sergei Brin and Larry Page’s development of the Google search engine, are explored in these six volumes. Most of the inventions covered are centered around transportation, medicine, weapons, and communication. Examples include Robert Fulton’s development of the first steamboat, William Röntgen’s discovery of X-rays, Eli Whitney’s creation of interchangeable parts to swiftly make rifles, and Samuel Morse’s telegraph. Most entries offer enough detail to provide readers with a clear understanding of the idea and workings of the invention. Personal information about the inventors themselves is limited to how their lives influenced their ideas. High school students will find these to be ample introductions to technology that is taken for granted in the modern era. A scientific dictionary may be useful, as many words may be unfamiliar to those lacking a strong science background. Little new information is offered, but as these titles feature perennial report topics, they will be useful. VERDICT: Collections in need of refreshing their books on inventors will find these volumes most suitable.