Lewis Latimer: A Brilliant Inventor (Bright Minds): A Brilliant Inventor

by Janel Rodriguez, Subi Bosa (Illustrator)

Overview

Meet the inventors and scientists of color who changed the world!

Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, in 1848, Lewis Latimer was an inventor, a leader, a teacher, and a creator. He knew how to draw, knew the law, wrote books and poetry, and spoke several languages. Among his many accomplishments, he contributed to the design of the light bulb, and brought the electric light to cities around the world. It is time to remember how Le3wis Latimer's inventions and his contributions changed our society… and our world!

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Many inventors and scientists of color have made incredible contributions to our modern life. Each volume in this much-needed new series will be devoted to the life and work of one of these inventors and scientists. With a vivid writing style that will use humor as one of its primary ingredients, and illustrated with a combination of real photos and pictures featuring graphic art, each title in this series will describe how these heroes of diverse backgrounds faced the challenges of their times, and how their inventions and contributions changed our society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338864175
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/04/2023
Series:	Bright Minds
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 9.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

After studying Architecture, Subi Bosa, realised his passion was in illustration and became a freelancer, working with self publishing authors worldwide while studying graphic design at the Academy of Digital Arts in Cape Town. Subi is currently based in Cape Town, South Africa, producing picture books, comics and graphic novels.
Janel Rodriguez is a “Nuyorican” — that is, a Puerto Rican born and raised in New York City. Janel has previously written books and articles about Latina and Black American SHEroes and enjoys writing children’s fiction, too. When she isn’t tapping away on her laptop, she can be found making art — especially drawing or painting portraits of people.

Editorial Reviews

04/01/2023

Gr 3–4—In these four biographies, readers learn about important 19th- and 20th-century inventors. Charles Drew successfully devised ways to separate and store blood, George Washington Carver created hundreds of products but only applied for three patents, Lewis Latimer was the only Black man to work with "Edison's Pioneers," and Madame C.J. Walker created beauty products for Black women. Statistical data is included, but the emphasis is on the subjects' respective careers and achievements. All four inventors are presented in a positive light with cartoon drawings emphasizing the upbeat narratives. Though their struggles with racism are mentioned, they are not explored in any detail; Latimer was treated badly by other employees in London and Charles Drew was not initially allowed to treat patients at Columbia. Still, the prose and illustrations (including photographs) make for entertaining, informative, and especially inspiring reads. VERDICT Though there are many other biographies on these inventors, especially Carver and Walker, these tend to be more interesting reads and selectors should certainly consider.

School Library Journal