2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids

by Amy Zuckerman, James Daly, John Manders (Illustrator)

Winner of the 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award for a Non-fiction book

Global events and new technology change how we live from moment to moment. So, what will our world be like in twenty years? Come take a look as futurists Amy Zuckerman and James Daly examine what a kid?s daily life might be like in the year 2030. Inspired and informed by trends and scientifi c and technological research, 2030 is not only a peek at some cool future gadgets (talking dog collars, cars that drive themselves), but also a thoughtful examination of how our lives might be impacted as we adjust to environmental change.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Science Fiction, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 19, 2009

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun book that explores "A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids" (to put this in perspective for kids reading it today, they might be interested to know that this could be what life is like for THEIR own children, twenty or so years from now!) It is based on some scientific research and advances that are going on now, and has an extensive bibliography in case you are curious to read more about things like teeny tiny robots that are injected into your body to help fight diseases, special plasticized concrete building blocks with built-in wiring and plumbing that snap together just like toy bricks so you can easily reconfigure buildings, automated cars, or clothes made of special conductive fibers that can collect and conduct static electricity to help keep your temperature regulated. Some of the things seem really cool (like a hologram) and others seem a bit scary and "too much" to me (altering healthy food so it tastes like junk food so you want to eat it). Still, all in all, it's a really interesting look at what our world might be like in a few decades and I appreciated that it didn't just rely on gadgets but also discussed such things as what the population of Africa might look like or changes in the work place (like more telecommuting) and it tries to balance consumerism with environmental awareness. And, the ending is great for those of us who still haven't chucked our paper books in favor of Kindles ;-)

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daly, J., Zuckerman, A. (2009). 2030: A day in the life of tomorrow’s kids. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books, Penguin Young Readers Group.
Explore a futuristic day in the life of a boy in 2030. Discover exciting new technologies that are being developed today and how they will be used in everyday life in the future.
While John Manders’ illustrations are captivating and lively, they seem out of balance with the weighty amount of information in the text. First glance made me categorize this as an elementary book, but a closer read of the text, including the bibliography and I believe that it is better suited to the intermediate child.
Winner of the 2012 Grand Canyon Reader Award for a Non-fiction book

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful look at what a futuristic day would be like for a child. 2030 includes some wonderful illustrations that are bright, colorful and would be very engaging to children. The information presented is gleamed from what scientists believe are the trends for the future and some really cool gadgets are highlighted. I especially loved the idea of broccoli that tastes like fries.

[Megan Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A talking dog, a housecleaning robot and a three-dimensional “data orb” are among the many cool features that kids might enjoy in the future, according to this fun look at 2030. The story follows one boy through a typical day, highlighting many interesting aspects of his world. Elaborate cartoon drawings show a lively and appealing world full of new and intriguing activities that correspond to modern equivalents. Schools are now made from plasticized blocks that snap together, for example, while recess features virtual batting practice and a mart trampoline. Some social changes are also noted, such as new career paths and the increase of marriages between different ethnicities. Interaction with the natural world is not mentioned, although many of the new technologies have eco-friendly components and the food is all meatless and delicious. I think this would be a great book for younger kids and there are lots of activities to do afterwords that have to do with this concept.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was comical to read this book 12 years after its initial publication; closer to 2030 than when it was written. I can see some ideas possibly coming to fruition and it's fun to read about some of the futuristic ideas. As a librarian, I was disappointed in the way the book seemed to make libraries and librarians obsolete replacing it with a multimedia production and research center.It ended on a nice note.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read for 4th grade level students. The book is like a cross between a picture book and a comic book but has complex scientific vocabulary that would challenge 4th grade students. Can easily be used in a paired-text assignment for either science or history. I think kids will love to see the creative images and ideas this futuristic tale presents.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children’s book about the day in the life of a child in the year 2030, though in my opinion it should have been labeled 2130 as that particular year is coming soon & it’s not likely that 2030 we’ll find the things in this book anytime soon, let alone by the year 2030.

[AS · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so cool and awesome.

[Makenna Teague]

A talking dog, a housecleaning robot and a three-dimensional “data orb” are among the many cool features that kids might enjoy in the future, according to this lighthearted look at 2030.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book on how the world will look for a kid 10 years from now.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book 2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow’s Kids gives its readers an insight into the future. This non-fiction book written by Amy Zuckerman and James Daley tells a story about what a typical day will be like for a kid in 2030 based on current research. Many inventions are introduced including a dog collar that allows the dog to “speak” and holograms that allow students to travel to another location and time period. A fiction book that it could be paired with is The Outlandish Adventures of Liberty Aimes by Kelly Easton. This is a story about a girl named Liberty who is always looking for an adventure for she is very inquisitive. Something that really interests her is her father’s laboratory and the inventions inside. She hopes that they might guide her to her to learning more about her and what she is supposed to do in life. The crazy inventions in her dads laboratory remind me of the book 2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow’s Kids because it involves some inventions that are also strange to think of especially from today. Both of these books could guide a fourth grade student’s interest in the science field and inventing. I recommend these books to students who like a futuristic theme with a twist.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

2030 by Amy Zuckerman is a GOOD book. It is about what life for kids is like in 2030 it is fun and entreating book. My favorite part of this book is when they say what buildings are made of. They are made out of Lego’s with plumbing and electrical wiring already built in. I also liked what the transportation was - double decker buses and cars that don't need steering wheels. The cars also tell you if traffic is on a certain road and where it isn't on other roads to get you to your destination, just without as much traffic. School is much different as well. You can feel like you are in Egypt with the holo-projectors that teachers have in each classroom. Did I mention that they still have skateboards? But the only work in the skateboard park because they have giant magnets on the bottom and the skateboard park has magnets as well, so you hover in the air. You're only a few feet off the ground, but you feel like you are flying. This book I would recommend to fourth, third and fifth graders who like ht future. I suggest you read it slowly so you don't miss any information. I hope you like it.

[Cortny Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

2030: A day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids is a cute little short book about a fictional future. The story is fun and creative with interesting ideas ( clothes that can absorb or reflect heat and talking dogs). The book allows students to step into a futuristic world and explore countless of possibilities.

Have the students read the book or read the book to them, and then have them create their own futuristic gadget. Using different arts and crafts, let the students bring their ideas to life and have them share their ideas with the class.

[L13_Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating look at what the world may look like in 2030! The author notes that some of the speculated gadgets and creations were inspired by trends and scientific research. A teenage boy takes us through a day in his life. From Talking dog collars to smart magnetized skateboards, this adventure into the future is amazing. There is also an environmental component woven within the story. Sit back and enjoy the ride!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors have created a fascinating look at what life might be like for kids in 2030 - from a data orb that allows them to stay in touch with people all over the world to environmental friendly materials used to build homes and schools to places of entertainment, like malls that use moving tracks that transport people from store to store.
The authors used available research to make their suppositions.
Really enjoyable.

[Kimberlydaniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Science Fiction/Concept Copyright:2009

FUN BOOK, but I am a science fiction freak anyhow. I had fun seeing the life of a boy in 2030...I loved thinking to myself about all the gadgets and new ideas "could that really happen?" I think in a small lit circle this book would be fun to read, so much to go through.

[Josh Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to have students thinking about their own future. Some very neat ideas are in here - with the subtle hint of the needed sustainability of our environment and lifestyles. A great book to talk about scientific advances. Even a hint to the future of Media Centers but a continued need to fall asleep with a good book :)

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

2030 was fun to read to see where technology might lead us in the future. The authors did a great job focusing on inventions and scenes that a child would appreciate. The book certainly painted a rose-y picture of the year 2030. Perhaps the text could have been more responsibly written by explaining how the human race was able to turn itself around to achieve this idyllic status.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't even believe this brand new book belongs in non-fiction. It talks about how in 20 years we will apparently each own a talking robot, and play virtual baseball through a crystal ball. No thank you.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

After all the dismal political, financial, judicial news of the week, this book was a shot in the arm. Thinking about the future is the best way to ignore the foibles of my fellow citizens. Good book to borrow from the library but not to buy.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally thought of this for a battle of the books option, but the picture book format doesn't work. Instead, I found a good option for higher grade read alouds and for young readers reading at a higher level. Fun to see what we think life might be like in 20 years!

[Anjali Derhgawen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was an extremely interesting book. It is about how the world has progressed with time and what things are going to be like in 2030. It was not a fantasy book because all of the ideas that they gave were possible.

[Logan Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

2030: A day in the Life of Tomorrows kids by Amy Zuckerman funny and makes an easy read for those student who are starting with chapter books, this book still provides picture that make the story. The adventures in this book will capture the read and keep them hooked till the end.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting ideas about how technology will change the way we live in just 20 short years! I found it interesting and thought provoking. Children will find it cool, no doubt!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will excite kids to perhaps become scientists and researchers. Plus it'll get them excited about the future. I really like that idea.

[Hilary]

Recommended at the BYU Symposium.

[Gina Pecoraro]

Book Links 2009 "Lasting Connections"

[Anne-Marie Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fourth graders really enjoyed this book.

[Kevin Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the ideas here, and I have used this in my classroom. A good resource for the elementary/middle school classroom

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about the future. Animal translators! Robots that clean the house for you. Holograms--I'm looking forward to the holograms because I can have an Elvis concert in my room.