April 1, 2020
Gr 1-3-Of the four inventors featured in this series, Benjamin Franklin is the only household name. The other three invented familiar or commonly used things (the Super Soaker from Lonnie Johnson being a highlight for children), but their names are less well known. All the books provide some context for the invention, describe how it came into being, share a brief biography of the individual, and explain the impact of his creation. The straightforward writing uses short, concise sentences and is organized in a primarily chronological format. Large photographs are included on all spreads with brief, informative captions. Back matter includes a glossary, further reading, and critical thinking questions. VERDICT These will be a strong addition to biography collections for the youngest readers.
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.