* 53 1/2 things that changed the world  by David West

This is an amazingly fantastic read!  It describes all of the amazing inventions that have changed our lives.  It starts with before history began about learning to be bipedal, tools, fire, the wheel, and other significant things from early years.  Then it talks about the invention of the toilet, the blast furnace, roads, the clock and a so many other great inventions.  It gives history, background, significance and a whole bunch of laughs.  Then it also discusses the inventions that have had no significance to our culture but have still extremely successful.   This would be an excellent read for any age, but older elementary students would really appreciate this book.  It would be a great way to introduce new topics for research projects. The quirky illustrations help enhance the read because they are commercial but accurate and will engage the students to learn about these significant inventions.