Becoming Bionic and Other Ways Science Is Making Us Super - by Heather Camlot (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Who hasn't wished for a superpower? Maybe it's to be able to regenerate like Wolverine, or fly like Shazam? How about the ability to turn invisible like Violet Parr, or have superstrength like the Hulk? What about being able to control minds like the Scarlet Witch, or even be immortal like Klaus Hargreeves? Well, grab your cape and tights, because scientists are working to replicate many of the superpowers we see in comics and movies and on television. Some are already a reality! Using popular superheroes and their powers as a starting point for imagining what could be, BECOMING BIONIC explores how science is constantly searching for and discovering new ways to augment the human body and the human experience. BECOMING BIONIC covers six aspects of superhero performance: Super Parts, Super Flight, Super Sight, Super Strength, Super Brains, and Super Survival. In each section, an illustrated timeline takes readers back in time for a fascinating look at inventions of the past. For example, in the Super Parts section, we begin with the Cairo Toe, a jointed prosethetic big toe that dates all the way back to 950-710 BCE, and end at 2012 when scientists built a "bionic man" out of 27 engineered parts. In the second spread of each section, readers zip ahead to read about some of today's amazing science that is already in use. In the Super Sight section, for example, we learn about a technology that uses radio signals to "see" through walls and can be used to uncover earthquake victims. A final spread blasts readers forward to find out what the future might have in store, such as the crustacean-inspired exoskeletons that give wearers extra strength with the help of artificial muscles that are described in the Super Strength section. Finally the book concludes with some bigger picture thoughts and questions that prompt readers to think critically about the innovations they've just read about - should science abide by a moral code and who determines what that is?"--

Book Synopsis

Take a tour of the science of superpowers and see how science fiction is becoming science fact

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Fly like Shazam? Turn invisible like Violet Parr? Or maybe have the super strength of the Hulk? Believe it or not, many of the extraordinary abilities we see in comics and movies are already a reality--or could become one soon!

This middle-grade nonfiction book uses superheroes to explore how science is transforming our bodies and our experiences. Engaging text, detailed timelines, and intricate diagrams break down how superhero traits have been reflected in technological innovations throughout history, and how they could appear in the future. Jetpacks and rocket belts can help us fly like Superman. Prosthetic limbs and lab-grown human tissue mirror the regenerative powers of Wolverine and Ms. Marvel. But readers are also invited to think critically about these incredible, and sometimes controversial, advancements--after all, with great power comes great responsibility!

A fresh and timely take on innovation, Becoming Bionic and Other Ways Science Is Making Us Super blends pop culture, history, and STEM for a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking look at the science of superpowers.

Review Quotes

"A peek at how advances in medicine and technology are turning imaginary superpowers, from flight to telepathy, into realities ... Fascinating."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"The cool factor is high in this eye-opening portrayal of all the ways science is helping humans 'become bionic.'"

-- "Publishers Weekly"

"This book shows kids how some of the most common superhero abilities may already be reality, may become reality, or why they will likely not be achievable ... Vibrant, detailed illustrations make it easy for kids to envision these historical discoveries as well as future possibilities."

-- "Youth Services Book Review"

"Uses pop culture to give an accessible and engaging overview of the science of superpowers through history and into the present."

-- "Canadian Review of Materials"