This book for the library market tries to answer kids' questions about how simple machines work. Included are side bars, fun facts, a glossary, and an activity that builds on the book's lessons. Building on the concept of a simple machine, which is defined as anything that helps people do work, children learn how ramps (an inclined plane) help us in work and play. Movers use ramps to carry furniture into their trucks; children gleefully scoot down a ramp called a slide. Ranchers use ramps to lead their horses into trailers; young skateboarders swoop up and down inclined planes at a skating park. Ramps even help cars and trucks to merge in and out of traffic. The message reinforced here is that many familiar items have inclined planes. The activity uses a shoebox, weight, spring scale, and ruler to demonstrate how a ramp works. Amazing Science series. Interest Level: K-3 Reading Level: 3.8 ATOS Book Level: 3.9 AR Interest Level: LG AR Points: .5 AR Quiz: 103784EN Lexile Measure: 860 Lexile Code.