crystal_reading's review against another edition
3.0
I have used portions of this book in class before, but had never read the story inside. The story is okay, but the stories about the historical people are the best part. The fiction in between wasn't really necessary for the book to work so I am not sure why it is there.
mariahroze's review against another edition
3.0
This was a great book that taught you about African American Inventors. However, throughout the book there was a realistic fiction story going on so younger kids could read this book and be interested. The problem with that though is this book is way too hard to read and comprehend when they talk about the inventors. This book wouldn't appeal to many people, because the story inside it is for a 2nd or 3rd grader but the information written about the inventors is for a 5th grader or higher.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings on this one. The positive - It provides a ton of great facts and information - which is good. But it almost seems that the publisher/editor/author doesn't know what direction or what audience they are trying to reach. The format is a large-size picture book with flaps (would be younger audience in my opinion). Text for facts about inventors is for older students. The story almost has a voice for younger readers but the reading level and amount of text would not be appropriate for that age audience. Would love to read some reviews from other teachers.
nerfherder86's review against another edition
4.0
A nice look at African-American inventors, using a fictional framework-- 13 year old twin brother and sister are having to help clean up their new house, and as they work with a handyman he tells them about various pioneering African-American scientists whose inventions impact their everyday lives. The narrative weaves together inventions such as the gamma electric cell, induction telegraph, light bulbs, microphones and bread machines and even the super soaker water gun. A nicely designed book, with colorful backgrounds on each page, realistic and also cartoon-style illustrations, and nifty foldout pages that contain the kids' reports for school on some of the various inventors, with funny captions and asides--the siblings have a friendly rivalry that's depicted well. Some of the writing seems a little preachy, because it's a tall order making one story out of all of these disparate inventors, but overall it's a great effect. I liked that the kids already knew some of the things the handyman was going to tell them, so they are already pretty well educated in African American history.
libscote's review against another edition
3.0
Ella and Herbie, twins, have moved to a new house. While their mom goes shopping for hardware supplies, the local handyman Mr. Mital keeps the children busy by having them help him with his work. Along the way, he points out a variety of inventions that were created by African-Americans. Flaps fold out from the pages with more information on each adventure. I enjoyed the combination of a fictional story with facts about inventors, and it’s sure to make you want to learn more about who invented the things around your house.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings on this one. The positive - It provides a ton of great facts and information - which is good. But it almost seems that the publisher/editor/author doesn't know what direction or what audience they are trying to reach. The format is a large-size picture book with flaps (would be younger audience in my opinion). Text for facts about inventors is for older students. The story almost has a voice for younger readers but the reading level and amount of text would not be appropriate for that age audience. Would love to read some reviews from other teachers.
wylaina's review
5.0
Fictional story with historical inventor facts mixed in. Shelved in non-fiction.
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