Benjamin Banneker: Astronomer and Mathematician (African-American Biographies (Enslow)) [Library Binding]

Laura Baskes Litwin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: African-American Biographies (Enslow)

A biography of the eighteenth-century African-American who taught himself mathematics and astronomy and helped survey what would become Washington, D.C.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

A legendary counterpoint to the well-worn saying about old dogs and new tricks, Banneker (his name a corruption of his grandfather's African name, Banaka) farmed tobacco for the first 40 years of his adult life, then suddenly developed a burning interest in astronomy that led to several popular annual almanacs, a pointed letter to then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson challenging his racist views, and to becoming a cause celebr for the early abolitionist movement. Litwin details these and other accomplishments in a straightforward way, backing up her facts with endnotes and repeating main points; the book is illustrated with contemporary documents, and concludes with lists of books and Web sites. Banneker is a popular subject for biographers, but this is unusually readable and systematic. (b&w photos, not seen, chronology, notes, index) (Biography. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0766012085
• ISBN-13: 978-0766012080
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,212,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read WIth Tons Of Great Info!, February 29, 2000

By 

Emily (NJ, U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Benjamin Banneker: Astronomer and Mathematician (African-American Biographies (Enslow)) (Library Binding)

Are you interested in a great bioagraphy on a phenomenal free African American? Well, then this book is for you. It is worded simple enough to really understand and challenging enough to keep you interested. With great pictures, this non-fiction is a must read for informational purposes(reports, etc.) and for pleasure!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiring story!, May 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Benjamin Banneker: Astronomer and Mathematician (African-American Biographies (Enslow)) (Library Binding)

Banneker is such a great role model for middle-schoolers! And Ms. Litwin has done a superb job of recreating life in his time. Any young person, but especially an African-American, will be thrilled by this fine and historically accurate biography of a self-taught free black man who helped create our nation's capital and who corresponded with Thomas Jefferson about slavery.