The Way Things Work: Newly Revised Edition: The Ultimate Guide to How Things Work
4.8 | 2,625 ratings
Price: 28
Last update: 12-17-2025
Product details
- Publisher : Clarion Books
- Publication date : October 4, 2016
- Edition : Updated
- Language : English
- Print length : 408 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0544824385
- ISBN-13 : 978-0544824386
- Item Weight : 3.5 pounds
- Reading age : 10 years and up
- Dimensions : 8.44 x 1.25 x 10.88 inches
- Best Sellers Rank:#140 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Teen & Young Adult Machinery & Tools
- Teen & Young Adult Physics
- Teen & Young Adult History of Science
- Customer Reviews:4.84.8 out of 5 stars(2,618)
Top reviews from the United States
- LoloshappylifeCurious minds will love this book!I bought this book for my 14-year-old son for his birthday. He has a curious mind and always likes to know how things work. When I saw the title of this book, I thought this is perfect. He has enjoyed reading the book and learning about all the ways that various things work. The information is presented in sections, which makes it easy to read and not overwhelming. The illustrations are helpful and add to the enjoyment of the book. Not only is this a great book for a teenager, I think this is a good book for anybody. I’ve now read the book and learned so much from it. It’s nice because you can read about one or two different things and then put it away and then pick it up again easily. I like this book and I recommend it for anybody who has a curious mind.
- Jon J.As good as it ever was. Buy this book!Man, I loved this book back when I was a kid. It was fun to learn, mechanical, scientific, physics, and engineering concepts from a bunch of silly mammoths in an accessible, yet not simplistic manner. The book is updated to be suitable for the 21st century and only is missing the most recent AI leap (the mammoths are still probably trying to get their trunks wrapped around generate AI and LLMs so maybe a future update). Great to whet the appetite of any child who has an interest in things mechanical even if they are not a super-student. Plus I still enjoy flipping through it in my late 30s.
- Kristy McMurrayEngaging, Informative, and Fun—Perfect for HomeschoolMy husband picked up The Way Things Work by David Macaulay as part of our homeschool curriculum, and it’s been a total win! We’re using it with our 14- and 12-year-old daughters, and they’re both hooked. The book has fantastic illustrations and a layout that’s not just eye-catching but also easy to follow.
The text is written so clearly that even I can explain things without sounding like I’m lost in a sea of confusing jargon (which, let’s be honest, happens more often than I’d like). It covers a wide range of topics, from technology to architecture, and it’s a great way to combine history, science, and STEM into one fun, informative resource. Plus, the kids actually want to learn from it—which, as any homeschool parent knows, is a small miracle. Highly recommend! - BekilynnWorth ever pennyPurchased for 7 year iold birthday. The child couldn't put it down. Very engaging.
- Banker62For older childrenVery comprehensive but more for high school or higher. I purchased for my grandson, 9 yrs old and it isn't a book he will read alone.
- Mindy L. CrouchGreat for different learnersAs a homeschool mom, teaching to different learning styles can be hard. Especially when you are not great at a subject, yourself! I git this book to teach 4th grade engineering. On each page there is an example using mammoths and animation. On the bottom is text explaining things with pictures. My daughter understands the mammoth portion, my son, a 1st grader, understands the bottom portion. Definely a great book to teach your kids with!
- Miss SwankGreat Book for Homeschool!Amazing Book! The illustrations are excellent and the content is great. I bought this for my children but now that I see the amazing information - I want to read it first!
Great book for homeschooling. I highly recommend it - Carol BecksFun, interesting book for wide age range.Gift for my 11 year old grandson. He loved it! I believe it would be interesting for anyone age 11 and up!