Follow the Link: A Journey Through Transportation; From Hot Lava to a Spy Rocket

Jackson traces the discoveries and innovations that led to new forms of transportation. A bright red line snakes its way from spread to spread, pulling readers forward in time while charting technological developments. The spread of steelmaking around 600 B.C.E. led to a rough understanding of magnetism through naturally magnetic lodestones, which eventually were put to use as navigational compasses—1,000 or so years later; offshoots from the main timeline highlight supplemental innovations and topics, such as a jet-powered sled or the first car crash. Shepherd’s bold cartoon illustrations and Jackson’s short, digestible descriptions add up to a fascinating look at the interconnections of human knowledge. Ages 7–10. (Sept.)