Black Inventors: 15 Inventions that Changed the World

Discover 15 inventors and inventions that changed the world in this guide for kids ages 8 to 12

Throughout history, Black inventors have achieved some of the world's greatest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math. This book highlights 15 men and women who made a big impact with their inventions―from Marie Van Brittan Brown, who created the first home security system, to Mark Dean, who invented the personal computer. Learn all about each inventor's creative process, their invention, and the way it's benefited our world.

• The "first Black man of science"―Explore how Benjamin Banneker used his knowledge of math and science to build the first wooden clock, create an almanac, and help design the city that became Washington, D.C.
• An innovator in Black hair care―Learn how Lyda Newman became an inventor at the early age of 14, when she engineered an improved hairbrush design that made it easier and more affordable to properly care for Black hair.
• A web technology extraordinaire―Find out how Lisa Gelobter developed internet technology inventions that people rely on every day, including web animation, GIFs, and online videos.

Take a journey through the stories of Black inventors and their inventions, with this guide designed just for kids.

KATHY TRUSTY is an independent historian and a Black history educator. She has been conducting presentations, creating displays, and producing Black history programs for more than 20 years. In 2020, she published a Black history alphabet book for toddlers and preschoolers.