The Tinkering Workshop Fresh Reviews
Madonna once said something like, “I am an algorithm girl living in an algorithm world”, and as a recently published author of The Tinkering Workshop, I can relate to this possibly misquoted sentiment. There are lots of invisible forces that affect how “the algorithm(s)” promote(s) or hide(s) new books. From what I understand, the number of genuine and honest reviews that a book receives play a huge part in who can discover it organically when they are searching for tinkering, STEAM or makerspace resources.
So if you’ve picked up a copy of The Tinkering Workshop and had the chance to look through the pages, it would really helpful if you could leave your feedback on amazon, goodreads (or any other site where you happened to purchase the book). I really value everyone who takes the time to leave a review and rating and I wanted to share some of my favorite quotes from reader book reviews here on the blog.
“Ryan Jenkins' new book The Tinkering Workshop is stunning and inspiring. The photos are bright and the ideas are clear. It is not exactly a “how to” book; it is more of a “what is possible” book. It shows clever yet accessible projects and is a delightful addition to any maker educators library.
-Skill Mill NYC (amazon review)
“his tinkering treasury is bursting with fun, accessible ideas for everyone's inner child! In addition to enjoying the detailed photography, my eyes are drawn to useful diagrams and timely tips for using common tools and materials in new ways. After pouring through the imaginative chapter, "Light & Shadow," I've been battling with the strong urge to set up a shadow theater in my basement! After perusing "Brass Paper Fasteners," I'm wondering what I might be able to do with some old stepper motors that have been languishing in a box since Radio Shack closed its doors. If you like building things, inventing new uses for googly eyes, or have difficulty parting with corks, this book is for you! If you have children, or teach other peoples' children, this book is for you.”
- Jill Dawson (amazon review)
“Anyone who works with kids, especially understands how there are days where we really need solid sources for inspiration and Ryan Jenkins new book the tinkering workshop provides that! Not only are the illustrations great, but the pedagogy is solid, the instructions are clear, the materials needed are accessible and inexpensive. The projects are adaptable to different skill levels and contexts! Since I work in informal education in libraries, I’m already thinking of a million ways to adapt and use these ideas in my programs!”
- P. J. van Halsema (amazon review)
“I am absolutely floored by the creativity of this book. There are so many fascinating science projects. I love that it doesn't just show projects it encourages the reader to create their own. This emphasis on individual innovation is accompanied by detailed explanations of how materials can be used. The science behind materials, flexibility, durability, magnetizim, etc. are all explained so the reader can choose the correct tools for their creation.”
- Bailey Young (goodreads review)
“Not just the academic STEM topics, but also the soft skills of learning by trial and error, evaluating what went wrong and making continuous improvements, persistence coming up with creative solutions and fomenting an ‘inventor’ mentality. I liked the introduction to materials, tips of setting up and organising your workshop and ideas of sourcing materials, as well as the use of materials that can be re-used themselves or recycled once the project has outlived its use […] an absolute must buy for every household and also every school makerspace lab.”
- Julie G. (net galley review)
“What a terrific book for teaching STEM to kids 8-12 through 100 projects they will love to explore. Filled with great photos and fun activities, and perfect for keeping children engaged through hot summer months or cold winter days on holiday.”
- Literary Redhead (goodreads review)
