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Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World

Seven Small Inventions that Changed the World

Technology and engineering surround us. From HUGE things, like spaceships and skyscrapers, to much smaller things like the toaster in our kitchen and the shoes on our feet.

But all of these things only exist because of seven small inventions: the nail, the wheel, the spring, the magnet, the lens, the pump, and ... string. And each of these inventions has a fascinating story to tell.

Travel through centuries of history, through ancient Egypt, along the Silk Road, across the high seas, and even into space, and discover how each of these seven small inventions came to be, how they work, and how they changed the world forever. Find out how it's thanks to the potter's wheel that the International Space Station exists, and how the same nails that built pirate ships hold together the tallest buildings in the world.

  • Supersized spreads feature marvelously detailed illustrations that beg to be pored over again and again!
  • A captivating adventure that brings the world of history and the magic of books to life in young minds. 
  • Great family read-aloud book!

In this children's illustrated adaptation of her adult book, Nuts and Bolts, award-winning engineer turned bestselling author Roma Agrawal makes STEM accessible, intriguing and aspirational, and encourages children to be endlessly curious about the 'things' that make up our world.

 

Specifications:

By Roma Agrawal & Illustrated by Jisu Choi
ISBN: 9781510230767

Published: Aug. 29, 2024

Pages: 64, Hardcover

Dimensions: 9.84 x 0.55 x 12.52 inches

Weight: 1.5 lbs. 

 

 

 

About the Author:

"[Roma Agrawal is] an engineer and broadcaster who believes that all the human-made things around us have stories to tell.

I spent fourteen years in the heart of the construction industry, most notably working on the design of The Shard, Western Europe's tallest tower. While I loved the challenge of steel and concrete, I realized that sharing the secrets of the humans behind the innovations, their origin stories and impact on society was even more fun.

Now, I am a full-time author, broadcaster, and speaker. I've written two adult non-fiction books, and three for children. BUILT and NUTS & BOLTS won or were shortlisted for major international awards, and my children's books, most recently HOW TO BUILD A CHOCOLATE BRIDGE, includes hands on experiments which help bridge the gap between complex engineering and our everyday lives.

As a woman of color in a male-dominated field, I’ve learned that perspective is a powerful tool. Who else would write about engineering as a colonial tool for control, or the intricate workings of a breast-pump? I bring myself to all my work: from presenting shows for the BBC, Channel 4, and Discovery, to serving as a judge for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2026.

When I’m not drafting my next book (I’m currently deep in research for a 2028 release!), you can usually me crafting or moving."

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