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Superpower?: The Wearable-tech Revolution

Elaine Kachala
Illustrated by Belle Wuthrich
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Superpower?: The Wearable-tech Revolution

Elaine Kachala
Illustrated by Belle Wuthrich
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CANADIAN9-12 YEARS112 PAGESENGLISH
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 9 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: [technology, design, possibilities, book, read, questions, lives, risk, pictures, illustrations, implications, thinking, content, stem].

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Reviews

Fascinating, Inspiring, and Thought-provoking

"Have you ever wondered about smart tattoos or bandages, exoskeletons, brain-computer interfaces, and lab-grown organs? If you have, you can read about them and many other cool technologies in this fascinating book. Along with eye-catching photos and illustrations, and inspiring stories, Elaine Kachala engages readers and presents scientific and technical terms clearly. Kachala gives a well-rounded view of technology — the positives and potential pitfalls — and challenges readers to consider the question, ""Just Because We Can, Should We?"" This book is an excellent resource for libraries, schools, and home collections to inspire future scientists to think critically while developing new technologies. Highly recommended."

— C. H. (5/5)

A Thoughtful STEM/STEAM Book

"Elaine Kachala has drawn on her extensive research background to present an informative and highly readable book on this rapidly emerging topic. She includes the perspectives of foundational wearable tech researchers, as well as our young, future developers. The examples range from awe-inspiring to amusing to downright alarming; all served up with a healthy note of ethical caution. This book is targeted to young readers but I feel we can all enjoy and learn something from it. (This book was received as an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. )"

— Susan (5/5)

Illuminating!

"Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is an engaging and accessible non-fiction book for middle grade readers. It’s the latest in the Orca Think line, a collection of books that “encourages young readers to question, connect, and take action for a better future. ” Elaine Kachala has obviously done a mountain of research here, and she presents her findings clearly in “byte-sized” segments that explore topics and examples from those with which young readers will likely have first-hand experience (see Pokemon Go) to others that will fire their imagination (gravity jet suits!!) My favourite aspect, however, is how the book encourages in young readers the superpower of critical thinking (“What if technology helps some people but not others? What if living in a virtual world affects our humanity? Can innovation go too far?”) and how it ends with, not a conclusion, but a Call to Action, for readers to “Think Human,” to recognize their part in the responsible-design conversation, and to Speak Up. Augmented with appealing photos (serious kudos to the design team here) and colourful illustrations by Belle Wuthrich, this illuminative and thought-provoking book makes a great addition to any home or school library."

— Lisa D. (5/5)

Superpower?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution

"This book brings to life the exciting possibilities and the potential downsides, including ethical implications, safety and risks, of wearable technology. The author explains the complexity of wearable-technology in an engaging way that is supported by research findings and the experience of innovators and entrepreneurs. There is also a strong and diverse youth voice and presence throughout the book. This is a great STEM / STEAM book which inspires young readers to learn what it would be like to be a scientist, designer or innovator and to think deeply about inventions and potential implications beyond a finished product. I liked the ""Move Slow and Think Human"" sidebars throughout the book - these orange boxes profiled important critical questions for individual pondering or lively group discussions. The great pictures and illustrations added to the page-turning enjoyment. This book was received as an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review."

— Lori (5/5)

Insightful, inspirational, and educational! This book asks all of us to think carefully about the exciting world of wearable tech!

"Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is a thorough and thoughtful study of the exciting convergence of technology and humanity! What makes this book so exceptional is that its language, striking illustrations and formatting target a younger reading audience yet the content will enlighten any adult reader as well! The “Move Slow + Think Human” segments prompt a deeper consideration of the ethical implications created by the incredibly fast-paced evolution of wearable technology. In addition to profiling brilliant innovators of all ages Kachala’s book specifically shines a light on young inventors and designers modeling and inspiring the next generation to explore and examine the infinite possibilities of this “brave new world”. Each chapter is well-researched, thoroughly supported and documented by the work of exciting change-makers in the realms of engineering, research and design. The STEM focus of the book is complemented by the very real connections tech advancement has to social justice, representation, equity and diversity. This book comes with a phenomenal Teacher’s Guide which includes rich and educational Activities and Discussion Questions. As a parent and an educator I strongly recommend this book to students of all ages for its fresh yet grounded perspective that we should all be entering the world of new tech with optimism and careful reflection. (This book was received as an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review. )"

— Heather (5/5)

Fantastic Read. Highly engaging and informative for all ages!

"Superpower? is an excellent and very informative middle-grade book about inventors working on the latest wearable technologies. It’s written in a fun and engaging way that will help kids discover how wearables can help people survive and thrive and the challenges and ethics surrounding this next tech frontier. The book helps kids to consider wearables' pros and cons and encourages them to be smarter technology users and creators. I love the author's sidebars called CAUTION! Move Slow & Think Human because they help readers pause and think about the pros and cons of technology. This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review."

— Louise (5/5)

Fun, engaging read--maybe even a little scary

"Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution presents sophisticated, exciting technology while asking serious ethical questions about this evolving science. Elaine Kachala engages the reader with highly relatable accounts of current-day wearables and future devices already under development. For example, Kachala encourages readers to consider today’s amazing Brain-Computer Interfaces. BCIs enable people born with complex disabilities to control devices—wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, even gaming keyboards—using just their thoughts. BCIs, Kachala points out, have the potential to replace interfaces in all our daily lives, like keyboards, mice, and remotes. But she challenges the reader to consider the ethics of companies potentially selling data derived from decoding our thoughts. The risk is real, Kachala explains. Some companies are currently ‘researching how BCIs can read brain activity and potentially even read your mind. ’ BCIs are already being used ‘as a tool to understand consumers’ emotional states when viewing different products. ’ Throughout the book, Kachala ignites interest and excitement as she describes current and evolving uses of wearables that are already helping people improve their lives. At every step, she also challenges readers to think critically about the potential dark side of the technology. The book is not alarmist, however. Kachala takes care to bring well-vetted research to every page. She highlights information, perspectives, and photos drawn from interviews with the scientists who pioneered and continue to develop wearable technology. She also introduces scientists working on guidelines for its safe development and ethical use. The book’s final chapter focuses on that very question, asking: How do we design responsible technology? It ends by challenging readers to brainstorm their own ideas for wearable tech, with steps that ensure they consider not just amazing designs and benefits, but also potential harms and how to avoid them. This book will be of high interest to kids whose daily lives already rely on wearables for communication, activity tracking, reminders, and more. It will be an eye-opener for both kids and parents who may not be aware of the direction we’re all headed in as wearables evolve. I highly recommend the book as an engaging read and as an important discussion starter at home and in the classroom. This book was received as an Advanced Review Copy in exchange for an honest review."

— Cdoeringer (5/5)

Engaging Read, Invites Critical Thinking

"This book was received as an Advance Review Copy, in exchange for an honest review. I loved the visual design of Super Power? The Wearable-Tech Revolution. The bright colours, photos and illustrations really work together to-make learning about new technology a fun and upbeat experience. The author provides a thorough coverage of wearable tech that is available now, under development and possible in the future. The content is well supported by research, including input from many experts and pioneers in the field. Real-world designers, engineers and users speak to their inventions and experiences, bringing the subject to life and emphasizing that wearable tech is here now! Throughout the book, the author challenges readers to think critically about the implications and potential downsides of emerging developments in wearable tech. The final chapter goes a huge step further, providing tools and frameworks for managing risk through a responsible and inclusive design process. It addresses the importance of user empathy as well as the support of protective laws and policies. It gets readers who are aspiring future tech designers thinking ahead to the broader picture of responsible tech design. It also stimulates potential consumers of wearable tech to consider what they should be demanding from its designers and marketers. I found Super Power? The Wearable-Tech Revolution an engaging and informative read. As an engineer and marketer of new technologies, chapter five really resonated with me. It delivers a compelling call to action, while providing young readers with concrete help to get going in the right direction."

— Margaret781 (5/5)

Fascinating subject with important implications

"Superpower? The Wearable Tech Revolution is a fascinating book that encourages its readers to explore and imagine the incredible possibilities that might be (or are already being!) brought about by wearable technologies. As the reader is wowed by the possibilities, the author, Elaine Kachala, asks us to slow down, think critically, and remember our humanity. While at first glance Superpower? might seem like “just a science book,” the book goes way beyond the science of this technology to explore the critical need for moral, principled, ethical, and diverse humans to guide its design and usage. As a social studies teacher, I look forward to using this book to delve into inquiry questions like, ”Just because we can, should we?” and “Is the power unleashed by technology worth it?” As a teacher of reading and writing, I hope to use this as a mentor text for nonfiction writing and read alouds. Superpower? is detailed and introduces the reader to technical language, but it is accessible and doesn’t lose sight of its middle grades audience. I look forward to sharing Superpower? not just with my students, but with any colleague interested in STEAM, social sciences, or issues of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion."

— MsAndrea345 (5/5)

Q&A

  • Appropriate for: Ages 9-12 Years
  • Published date: Oct 18, 2022
  • Language: English
  • No. of Pages: 112
  • Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
  • ISBN: 9781459828278
  • Dimensions: 7.0" W x 0.5" L x 9.0" H
“A readable guide for valuable information...Kachala presents the information skillfully for her target audience. Fun illustrations and photographs are scattered throughout the book to support the text.”

Elaine Kachala is a health-policy researcher, writer and adviser. She has over 20 years of writing experience with health agencies. Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is her first book. Elaine has a special interest in wearable technologies. She’s curious and hopeful but can’t help being a little worried about how wearables will impact our health, well-being and equity. With degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in environmental studies from York University, she brings a unique perspective to the topic. Elaine lives with her family in Toronto.

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