Black Pioneers of Science and Invention (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book does not merely decry injustice, it communicates the interest of each field of study, conveys the significance of the work of each in the field . . . An auspicious roster."--Kirkus Reviews

Product Description

A readable, perceptive account of the lives of fourteen gifted black Americans who have played important roles in this country’s scientific and industrial progress. The achievements of Benjamin Banneker, Granville T. Woods, George Washington Carver, and others have made Americans’ jobs easier, saved countless lives, and, in many cases, altered the course of history. “All of these men endured hardship . . . but managed to overcome obstacles. . . . Extensive bibliography.”--School Library Journal

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152085661
• ISBN-13: 978-0152085667
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #170,441 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #60 in	Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > State & Local
  #81 in	Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Science & Technology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Information that is not well known, but is important to ALL!, July 25, 1998

By A Customer

I was extremely pleased to find this book. Young African Americans need to know that they, too, have as rich a contribution in the development of the history of the United States as other Americans. This information is not found in history books. Without books like this, no one would know the extensive contributions that African Americans have made to the development of our nation. I had a conversation with one of my son's friend's mother, and she was completely unbelieving of the information I shared. Everyone SHOULD have access to books of this kind, because without them, how would we know? There is so much information that has been omitted from the history books on the United States, especially where African Americans are concerned. African Americans have had overwhelming involvement in the history of this country since its beginning, i.e., slavery. Who created the cotton gin? A slave tired of picking cotton. Who invented the first traffic light, the iron ! board, the signals in a car? Who recreated the blue prints for the development of what became Washington, DC? Who found over 250 uses from the peanut? Who was the first pioneer of blood plasma? Who performed the first success heart transplant? All these individuals were African Americans, and that is just naming a few. However, many Americans don't know these facts. I think this book should be in every public library, as well as all elementary and middle school libraries across the country. I am so very proud to be an African American, and when young African Americans read this, I know this book will give them the aspiration to know that they, too, can aspire to greatness! I LOVE THIS BOOK! I hope to find others like it. Thank you, Mr. Haber, for caring and making this information accessible to the general public.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars PIONEERING WORK, August 12, 2000

By	Bonita L. Davis (Decatur, Georgia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

When first published thirty years ago this was one of the few if not only books devoted to profiling the lives and achievements of Black scientists. All of those fourteen profiled individuals were either unknown or had been put in the halls of obscurity. Louis Haber changed all of that by showing young people that Blacks have contributed much in the scientific field. The stories are remarkable as you see how these men overcame racial, educational and economic obstacles to produce discoveries which have impacted upon our lives.

The information about these pioneers are just as significant today as they were thirty years ago. Black Pioneers is a classic work in its field but needs revision even though the author has died. More information concerning the scientists is available that can be included in this work. Conspiculously absent is the contributions of Black women scientists. They too need to be included in the text as well as an updated bibliography. Other than those changes this book is an excellent introductory tome for young and old people who are curious about the contributions of Blacks in science.

4.0 out of 5 stars These Pioneers Should Be More Well Known, January 3, 2009

By	Spencer Swindler (Harrisburg, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book will truly open your eyes to significant contributions of brilliant African-Americans to the modern lives we live. Each chapter focuses on one African-American genius with a brief but detailed biography. I have used these short biographies along with internet research and pictures to make slide presentations for history classes.