Hidden Systems

Hidden Systems: A Graphic Novel

Your teen uses electricity, water, and the internet daily—but how often does he stop to wonder how those systems actually function? Hidden Systems flips the switch on everyday infrastructure and invites your teen to explore the history, design, and future of the hidden networks powering our world. Think water mains, fiber optics, and the electric grid—all told through vivid diagrams, sharp humor, and accessible graphic-novel storytelling.

This isn't your average science book—it's a National Book Award Longlist title and earned honors from the NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book list, and even the New York Public Library's Teen Books list. Why? Because it dares to ask: How did we get here—and who got left out along the way?

Your teen will examine how key systems were invented, how they've evolved, and how they reflect both the brilliance and bias of the people who built them. It's a surprisingly thought-provoking tour through engineering, equity, and environmental responsibility—without ever sounding like a textbook.

Whether your student is tech-obsessed, eco-conscious, or just curious about how water gets to the faucet, Hidden Systems delivers a clear, compelling look at the forces shaping our future.

Note: Includes evolutionary content. Parents may wish to review ahead.