Black Inventors (American Profiles (Facts on File)) [Hardcover]

Nathan Aaseng (Author), Nathan Aaseng (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-12. Although patenting a process to extract sugar from cane in 1846 made Norbert Rillieux very wealthy, he still could not walk New Orleans streets safely or visit whites in their homes. As was typical with other black inventors, he received little public recognition for his work. Train engineers were "reluctant to have a black man supervise the installation" of a greatly improved engine lubricating system--even when the supervisor was the inventor himself, Elijah McCoy. Madam C. J. Walker couldn't get her hair-care products displayed in stores, and Garrett Morgan resorted to impersonation to demonstrate his gas mask. With engaging flair, Aaseng tells of 10 black inventors, the problems they overcame, and the often slow, frustrating road to ingenious achievement. A bibliography, a chronology, and photographs supplement each chapter as do patent drawings where appropriate. This is a little longer and more detailed than Jim Haskins' similar Outward Dreams: Black Inventors and Their Inventions (1991), covering many of the same figures. See also Haskin's African American Entrepreneurs, reviewed below. Anne O'Malley

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Facts on File (July 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816034079
• ISBN-13: 978-0816034079
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #116,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is It Worth The Trouble?, February 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Inventors (American Profiles (Facts on File)) (Hardcover)

This book is truly inspiring for both young and older readers. It provides a close look into the lives (and struggles) of black inventors. Many of whom we know very little about. This book includes details of their feelings and struggles as the America was changing.

If the reader has struggled to "fit in" in any way, they will be drawn to the compelling stories of these obscure black inventors. Today, black contributors such as G. Morgan, Jan Metzelinger, Madame C.J.Walker and more have significantly enhanced our lives!

Today, we enjoy the ability to choose from a variety of shoes, which have been mass-produced. Numerous lives have been saved because of developments in blood extractions and fire fighting equipment. Road rage has emerged but other chaos has been removed from driving as the result of one inventor's contribution. Read and find out how. People everywhere still reap the rewards of African-American ingenuity.

Scientist who persevered during trying times have impacted the world. In this book, you will see the enormous benefits provided to humanity from several obscure faces. Here their stories are unfolded.

It inspires one to continue battling the ups and downs encountered in life. It connects the past with the present. As reflected in the readings, it is worth the trouble to pursue your dreams. Even in the midst of adversity. This book is a must to read for children and adults alike!

4.0 out of 5 stars Education for All Ages, January 16, 2012

By 

Ms. Reader - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Black Inventors (American Profiles (Facts on File)) (Hardcover)

For many of today's children, the images of African Americans portrayed via television, radio, and video does not tell a complete story. I believe this book provides a different view of the richness and successes garnered by a proud people, while combined with the challenges and adversities they endured to realize their dreams. It would be great if this book was included in today's elementary curriculum of suggested readings and also libraries so that children of all ages can learn about these unsung heroes and their contributions that have enriched all of our lives.