Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
How everyday systems impact the way we live and think.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
HIDDEN SYSTEMS is divided into illustrated sections about the Internet, Electricity, and Water. "Lines of Light" explores everything from the undersea telegraph cables that became the world's first global communications systems to today's internet fiber-optic cables, how computers and networks became linked together, and how we went from room sized computers in the 1960s to today's warehouse sized data centers. In the "Power Grid" section, readers learn about experiments and inventions (1745's Leyden Jar to Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla), how building the grid brought electricity to almost all U.S. communities by 1960, and everything (fossil fuels to solar) that can power the grid. "Waterworks" is the longest section and begins literally at the beginning, explaining how the the Earth got water. It moves on to take a serious look at why the growth or decline of cities and civilizations throughout history was determined by the availability or lack of water and how the scarcity, abundance, or misuse of water resources continues to effect our world. A short "Conclusions" section looks at what the future might hold for these hidden systems.
Is It Any Good?
This "all you ever wanted to know" graphic novel about the internet, water, and electricity systems also challenges readers to think about their social and environmental impact and the inequalities inherent to these systems. The amount of information in Hidden Systems is massive and may be overwhelming to readers without a serious interest in science or technology. But the bright, inviting, and often humorous illustrations also make learning about power grids, internet exchanges, and water resources accessible to even reluctant readers. Teens (and adults) could surprise themselves with how much they'll learn from this book, so give it a chance -- it's a rewarding and thoughtful read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance curiosity and teamwork played in creating these Hidden Systems. Who were the people behind the big names in STEM history? What did they do?
What needs to be done so that everyone in the world can have access to all the electricity, water, and communication systems they need?
How would your life change if you didn't have the internet?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : STEM , History
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Random House Graphic
- Publication date : March 14, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 263
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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