African American Inventors (Black Stars) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "Without a doubt, Benjamin Banneker was one of the most ingenious American scientists who lived during the Revolutionary War era..." (more)
Key Phrases: colored inventor, black inventors, African American, United States, New York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10ATracing the achievements of innovators from the 18th century to the present, Sullivan presents a range of creative people, and places each story within the context of the struggle for equal rights and opportunities. While some of the 25 entries are standards (Benjamin Banneker), others are less well-known (David Nelson Crosthwait, Jr., Jane Cooke Wright). Unfortunately, this title focuses primarily on men; only three women are included. On many levels, however, it succeeds. In each biographical sketch, sidebars highlight specific parts of the inventor's story, often expanding on the inventions or relating a personal anecdote. Definitions appear in the margins, enabling readers to grasp the often technical nature of these innnovations. Black-and-white photos and illustrations supplement the text. A worthy companion to Jim Haskins's Outward Dreams (Walker, 1991) and Robert C. Hayden's Nine African-American Inventors (21st Century Bks., 1992).ACarol Fazioli, Cardinal Hayes Library, Manhattan College, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. Although some of these inventors have had individual books written about them (Benjamin Banneker) and others have been included in other collective biographies (especially Madame C. J. Walker), there is enough variety and range to make this a worthwhile purchase. It is also a particularly engaging book to read; Sullivan highlights those aspects of the subjects' lives that will interest readers the most and writes about them with insight. The book is attractive, too, with lots of historical engravings and photographs. Among the people profiled in the two-or three-page spreads are Garrett Morgan, who invented the gas mask; Dr. Charles Drew, who did pioneering research in blood donation; and John Moon, who developed floppy disks. Chronology; notes; bibliography. Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (May 5, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471148040
• ISBN-13: 978-0471148043
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #479,648 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars African American Inventors (Black Stars Series), September 22, 2000

By	Vincent Shanks (Lathrop, CA USA) - See all my reviews

African American Inventors (Black Stars Series)

What a great book! I highly recommend this book if you have ever wondered where can I find information about African American Inventors. I found that the information was very insightful and informative to both myself and to my son. The content is easy to read and allows the reader to see (if you will) first hand just how difficult it was (is) for minorities to overcome ignorance in order to enhance the betterment of mankind through technology!

In a nutshell this book is excellent resource for all students of all races and creeds. African American Inventors is also a great book for young inventors who may need a little encouragement and hope in a pseudo biased world.

Finally, as a parent I give this book two thumbs up!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars African American Inventors, September 20, 2000

By A Customer

African American Inventors (Black Stars Series)

What a great book! I highly recommend this book if you have ever wondered where one may find information about African American Inventors. I found that the information contained within this book was very insightful and informative. The content is easy to read and allows the reader to see (if you will) first hand just how difficult it was (is) for minorities to overcome ignorance in order to contribute and enhance the betterment of all mankind through technology!

In a nutshell this book is excellent resource for all students of all races and creeds. African American Inventors is also a great book for young inventors who may need a little encouragement and hope in seeing their dreams become reality.

Finally, as a parent I give this book two thumbs up!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars young readers book club of Conyers review, May 22, 2009

By	M. W. George "IHOW Publishing" (Lithonia, Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

We love the book. It is an advanced book for our group, but we found it to be educational, historical, and that it completely covers the fundamentals of African American inventors historical path. This is definitly a book we all would recomend. We loved reading it.