History, metaphor, and mechanics, of both the words ``lock'' and ``key'' and the little machines themselves. Tchudi traces how we've kept things safe (whether money, people, or secrets) with devices from rocks rolled into cave entrances to voice-pattern, palm, and retina recognition. But however ingenious the lockmaker, lockpicks have always kept pace. In the glory days of mechanical locks and thieves, a manufacturer once offered ú200 to anyone who could pick his lock—an offer that stood for 50 years before being paid. Safes have been test-blasted by atomic bombs (some survived, some didn't). At his best with anecdotes and wordplay, Tchudi does little to explain locks' mechanics, while the few detailed drawings (reproduced from other books) don't really show what moves and what stays still. One drawing, of an electrical lock, merely shows what looks like a common padlock with a cord attached—not very informative. The author can be literal-minded to a fault: he passes along Jonathan Swift's advice—keep a cat in the cupboard to keep mice from breaking the china—with the comment that the real problem is that the cat would run away. Still, an intriguing survey. Bibliography; index. (Nonfiction. 10+)
Pub Date: Oct. 29, 1993
ISBN: 0-684-19363-9
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Scribner
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1993
Davis presents gambling as a multibillion-dollar drain on society; but only late in the book does she show how it affects individuals: compulsive gamblers lose control of their lives. Quoting a wide variety of sources, the author clearly shows how the various games work (readers will not have to visit casinos or racetracks to see for themselves) and defines some of the more colorful terms. Controversies over the legal status of gambling, the involvement of organized crime, and state-sponsored lotteries get fair treatment; Gamblers Anonymous's 12-step program is outlined (and its low success rate mentioned). A good resource. Extensive source notes; very brief bibliography. Index not seen. (Nonfiction. 12+)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-531-13021-5
Page Count: 112
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1992
In this collection of linked short stories, the ordinary becomes extraordinary: a mysterious gardener, Mr. Chop, has a gift for communicating with ducks; a self-perpetuating barbecue is the hit of the end-of-school bash; pet spiders merge with a family's computer and spin fascinating graphics. Derman quietly blends supernatural events with the commonplace, presenting characters who greet these strange occurrences with good-natured incredulity. Their responses set the tone for each story and give each its punch. Once readers get the hang of the neighborhood, they're sure to enjoy the residents of Academy Street. (Fiction/Short Stories. 10+)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1991
ISBN: 0-590-43703-8
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1991
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