Kaplan, Arie. The Awesome Inner Workings of Video Games.

Kaplan, Arie.  The Awesome Inner Workings of Video Games.  Lerner/Graphic Universe/Milbrook/21st Century/Carolroda/DarbyCreek/Stoke Books  2014  32p     ISBN 978-1-4677-1250-7      series: Shockzone Games and Gamers  elem/ms     E-BN  Nonfiction 

This profusely and colorfully illustrated book will attract anyone interested in video games.  A brief history of game devices is included, with text that explains computer terminology, such as “kernel”, “CPU”, “HDMI”, and “RAM”, to mention just a few of the terms presented.  As with any technology, there is always a chance that this book may become dated quickly, but for the current gamer, this book stays up-to-date and even looks to the future of what video gaming will evolve into.  Written in a conversational tone, this book will appeal to the computer nerd as well as the gamer who just wants to know how the action of the game happens.  There is only one caveat: where are the girls in the photos?  Girls are increasingly becoming users of game devices and deserve a presence in books about video games. 

Shockzone Games and Gamers includes six titles loaded with colorful illustrations.  For the gamers of the world, this series provides a look at the history, computer programming involved, careers, and benefits of video games.  It is a winner for all book collections. Gr 3+

Summary: This book provides a programmers’ viewpoint on how video games operate. It is perfect for the inquisitive student who wants to know the history of game development and terminology used by computer programmers. Grades 3-8.            

Video Games                                                --Lois McNicol