VIP: Lewis Latimer: Engineering Wizard – An Inspiring Biography about the Hidden Hero African American Inventor for Kids (Ages 8-12) - Hardcover

Patrick, Denise Lewis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0062978071 ISBN 13: 9780062978073

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2021

Synopsis

Get ready to light up the world with Lewis Latimer in this exciting middle grade nonfiction biography. Perfect for fans of the Who Was and Little Leaders series, the books in the VIP series tell the true―and amazing―stories of some of history's greatest trailblazers. Meet the VERY IMPORTANT PEOPLE who changed the world!

Lewis Latimer was one of the greatest inventors of his time. He was also an engineer who transformed the lightbulb at Thomas Edison’s company. And he was a gifted artist, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Lewis Latimer’s thrilling life in this exciting biography, packed with two-color illustrations and fun facts, like who invented the Super Soaker!

Short and engaging chapters are interspersed with special lists and other information made to order to engage kids, whether they're already biography fans or "have to" write a report for school. Extras include a timeline, a bibliography, and a hall of fame of other successful African American inventors.

The VIP series features inspiring adventures and fun facts about some of history's greatest trailblazers―smart, tough, persevering innovators who will inspire today's kids. Featuring underappreciated historical figures and groups, with a focus on leaders in science and technology, the nonfiction biographies in the VIP series are fun and engaging. Just looking at the cover will make kids want to learn more about these VIPs, and once they dive in they will zoom through stories that read like adventures.

Each book in the VIP series allows your middle grader to experience all the exciting moments in some very important but lesser known lives. These biographies for kids age 9-12 include: VIP: Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer: Engineering Wizard; VIP: Mahalia Jackson: Freedom's Voice; and VIP: Lydia Darragh: Unexpected Spy.

How did the son of escaped slaves become one of the most important inventors of the Industrial Revolution?

• A Pioneer for Black Inventors: Discover the story of the brilliant, self-taught draftsman who worked with Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell and became the only African American member of the Edison Pioneers.
• STEM History Comes Alive: Go behind the scenes of world-changing inventions, from the patent for the telephone to the carbon filament that made lightbulbs practical for every home.
• Engaging Nonfiction for Kids: With short, adventure-packed chapters, two-color illustrations, and fun facts (like who invented the Super Soaker!), this book makes history exciting for all readers.
• American History Resource: An invaluable tool for school projects, this biography includes a detailed timeline, a bibliography, and a special hall of fame of other groundbreaking African American innovators.

About this title

About the Author

Denise Lewis Patrick writes chapter books for several big franchises including American Girl and Ready to Read. She also writes novels for middle grade and teen readers. She lives in New Jersey.

Reviews

Gr 3-6-Lewis Howard Latimer (1848-1928) was an African American Civil War veteran, draftsman, engineer, specialist in patent law, and inventor who worked with some of the most famous inventors of his time, including Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. His parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had risked their lives to escape from a Virginia plantation for Boston, MA. Latimer's fierce determination allowed him to break through racial barriers. In 1881, while employed at the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, Latimer patented a carbon filament for the incandescent light bulb. This chapter book biography features accessible but richly phrased text and black-and-white illustrations. The text also includes information about other African American trailblazers (such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois), the laws that enabled and perpetuated slavery, the history of African Americans' military service, and the Industrial Revolution. These additional facts are highlighted in callout boxes within each chapter. The text is honest about Latimer's struggles, but the overall tone is hopeful and inspiring. This title is simple enough for younger readers, and older readers will appreciate the wealth of information and details. The back matter includes a list of Latimer's patents, a time line, a list of other African American inventors, a bibliography, and further reading. VERDICT This chapter book biography provides compelling insight into the life of inventor Lewis Latimer and his scientific contributions. A recommended purchase for most school and public libraries.-Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AKα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0062978071
• ISBN 13: 9780062978073
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Duncan Daniel
• Number of pages: 112