About this item
Award-winning author Don Brown explores computers and technology in book two of the Big Ideas series Machines That Think! explores machines from ancient history to today that perform a multitude of tasks, from making mind-numbing calculations to working on assembly lines. Included are fascinating looks at the world's earliest calculators, the birth of computer programming, and the arrival of smartphones. Contributors discussed include Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, Ada Lovelace, and Bill Gates. From the abacus to artificial intelligence, machines through the ages have pushed the boundaries of human capability and creativity. Back matter includes a timeline, endnotes, a bibliography, an author's note, and an index.
About the Author
Don Brown is the author/illustrator of more than two dozen history books for kids.He has introduced young readers to the famous, such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Dolly Madison, and the less well known, such as Mary Kingsley, Mary Anning, and Mack Sennett. His books have explored important events such as the Battle of Lexington & Concord, the sinking of the Titanic, and the duel of Alexander Hamilton & Aaron Burr. AMERICA IS UNDER ATTACK sensitively reviewed the tragic events of September 11th. Don's books have received numerous starred reviews. He has won many awards including a Horn Book Honor and the William Allen White Award. THE GREAT AMERICAN DUSTBOWL has been nominated for the Texas Blue Bonnet Award, the third time one of Don's books has been honored. DROWNED CITY is is a graphic novel history of Hurricane Katrina and the flooding of New Orleans. It was published on the tenth anniversary of the disaster.THE UWANTED: STORIES OF THE SYRIAN REFUGEES is a graphic non-fiction about the Syrian Civil War and the refugee crisis that followed. It won the 2019 ALA YALSA Award for non-fiction and was also an ALA Sibert Award nominee.ROCKET TO THE MOON is a graphic non-fiction the explores the history of rockets that culminated in the successful moon landing in 1969. It has received multiple starred reviews.Don makes presentations to kids around the country.
