Wedges Make a Point

*Selected as a “recommended title” by the Kansas National Education Association’s Reading Circle Commission

Learn how simple machines make work easier in these colorful nonfiction picture books all about science and engineering!

How do you keep a truck from rolling? A door from closing? And how do you cut through banana bread?

All of these questions have the same answer—a wedge! Wedges are one of the simple machines that help make work easier by using mechanical advantage. In Wedges Make a Point: Simple Machines for Kids, readers ages 5 to 8 learn how a wedge’s shape makes it perfect at stopping something heavy from moving, and separating material to split something—like banana bread—apart.

Scientific concepts including forces and mechanical advantage come clear with engaging illustrations and lots of real-life examples that kids can spot in their home, schools, and neighborhoods.

An introductory poem offers language arts connections while a hands-on activity at the end reinforces concepts in the book. A glossary and photographs offer even more supplemental learning opportunities.

Wedges Make a Point is part of a six-book set of Picture Book Science books designed to introduce young engineers to physical science concepts. Other titles are Screws Keep Things Secure, Inclined Planes Ramp It Up, Pulleys Pull Their Weight, Wheels Make the World Go Round, and Levers Lessen the Load.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core state standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Andi Diehn has written many books for children, and a few for adults as well. She works as an editor and marketer for Nomad Press and lives with her family in rural New Hampshire.

Micah Rauch is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator from the beautiful state of Montana. He received a BFA in graphic design from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, and has illustrated several books for Nomad Press, including Kitchen Chemistry, Fairground Physics, and Crazy Contraptions.