CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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Smash, Crash, Topple, Roll! The Inventive Rube Goldberg: A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines

by Catherine Thimmesh

CCBC Review:

A fun and fascinating dissection of what makes a Rube Goldberg, the man whose comics became an adjective. Lively illustrations break down the six simple machines and how they play a role in daily life. In tandem, the book explores how the genius of Rube Goldberg’s comics was the fun he poked at daily life. Goldberg’s career as a cartoonist and the impact of his 2D inventions are explored. Rube himself was not mechanically minded. He once said, “I don’t really have any interest in trying to figure things out the way I’m reputed to do.” He was mechanically creative, however, and his imaginative mindset is what is celebrated in this physics-focused informational text. Less of an instruction manual and more of a narrative overview, this lively illustrated book offers readers inspiration to try, fail, and try again. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey

CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Formats: Biography, Autobiography and Memoir Picture book
Subjects: Art and Artists Humor Imagination/Imaginary Play Inventing and Inventors Science and Scientists
Diversity subject: Jewish
On CCBC Booklist: Picture Books for Older Children and Teens: Never Too Old

Publisher: Chronicle
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 53
ISBN: 9781452144221
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 621 Thimmesh

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.

Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.