Super Arduino

by Kenneth Hawthorn

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Super Arduino is a beginner accessible guide to coding projects in Arduino, an open source platform for creators. Released 17th Dec 2019 by Callisto on their Rockridge imprint, it's 174 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. The book also includes a short author bio, and a metric conversion chart. There is no index. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This book is appealing and kid/adult friendly; full of projects (a flag waver, disco shoes, animatronic baby shark (do do do do do do) and more) and clear step by step tutorials. Although ostensibly aimed at younger readers (and their facilitators/adults), I found it interesting and full of info. I think the projects would be great for weekend family activities as well as a superlative choice for a library activity makers' group, classroom unit on programming or appropriate in a similar group setting.

The book starts with a good explanation of Arduino boards, what they are, how they came to be, what they do, and how to acquire one which will do what you want it to do for the later projects in the book. The projects themselves are arranged in roughly ascending order of intricacy. All the project tutorials contain a materials list in a colored header bar at the beginning, an introduction with explanations (and sometimes links to materials and other info), as well as step-by-step illustrated tutorials with clearly illustrated photos, necessary screenshots, and additional information to complete each project. Accompanying each tutorial are the author's pithy, often entertaining instructions and background. His explanations are upbeat, funny, encouraging, patient, and crystal clear. It's obvious that he's a gifted and enthusiastic teacher. There are 2 introductory chapters designed to get the reader comfortable with handling and using Arduino basics. The next 9 chapters contain projects with alternative suggestions included which are designed to get readers creating their own unique items from their imagination.

This is a useful guide for kids to adults. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.