The Man Who Invented the Ferris Wheel.

Sneed, Dani.  The Man Who Invented the Ferris Wheel.  Enslow      2014  48p  $23.93  ISBN 978-0-7660-4136-3 elem   series: Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas  Biography  VG-BNe        

This is a history of the Ferris wheel’s invention and construction for the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893, along with biographical details of the life of its inventor, George Ferris, written for elementary school students.  The writing is fairly easy for an average third or fourth grader to read, and there are many wonderful photos and diagrams to bring the story to life.  This book has a number of features to recommend it: short, well-organized chapters, good photographs, a timeline, a section on becoming an inventor, a glossary, lists of resources for more information, and an index.

 On the other hand, there are a few flaws that should be corrected in future editions.  For one thing, this paragraph may lead to confusion: “By 1890 Chicago buzzed with excitement as it planned the World’s Fair.  Three years before at the Paris World’s Fair, all were astonished by the Eiffel Tower.”  By all accounts, the tower was not finished construction until 1889, so three years before 1890 (i.e., 1887), nobody would have seen it or been astonished by it.  On page 40, in the entry for 1893, the first letter of “June” is not capitalized.  And on page 42, a “to” is missing in line 4 from the top.  The websites all check out and are very informative.

The series Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas includes books on Les Paul, Philo T. Farnsworth, and Stephanie Kwolek (the inventor of bullet-proof fabric).  There are seven titles so far.

Summary: This is a history of the Ferris wheel’s invention and construction for the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893, along with biographical details of the life of its inventor, George Ferris, written for elementary school students.    

George Ferris, Inventors                                    --Carol Kennedy

The Woman Who Invented the Thread That Stops Bullets.

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit.  The Woman Who Invented the Thread That Stops Bullets.   Enslow  2014  48p  $23.93  ISBN 978-7660-4141-7  elem       series: Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas  Biography  VG

Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist working for DuPont Industries, invented Kevlar when she was working to develop a lightweight polymer that would be strong enough to replace the steel fibers found in tires.  In her early childhood her father taught her the value of patience and true listening, both of which paid off throughout her life and work.    With photographs on almost every page and simple sentences, the author has created a very interesting biography about a relatively unknown inventor.  It is obvious that many of the photographs are simply fillers, although they still relate to the text, such as the full-page photograph of the woods on page 11. Considering the elementary-age readership, this makes some sense, but it still seems a tad much.  The text is well written and informative.  One interesting component of the book is the “You be the inventor!” section, which walks youngsters through the invention process from idea to patent. The book concludes with a timeline, glossary, and index.

What keeps this from being a book of note, for this reader, is that several of the photographs/images in the book are pixelated or blurry. Just as in editing text, publishers should take the time to ensure that images of all types are of an excellent quality.  There is so much software out there to ensure this, that to have subpar illustrations just shows a lack of concern for quality.      

All of the inventors in this series will be of interest to youngsters, and these books to a good job of presenting their biographies in a very easily read format.  There may be image quality issues, but they should not detract from the quality of the text.     

Summary: Stephanie Kwolek, a chemist working for DuPont Industries, invented Kevlar when working to develop a lightweight polymer that would be strong enough to replace the steel fibers found in tires. In her early childhood her father taught her the value of patience and true listening, both of which paid off throughout her life and work.

Invention, Biography                                  --Lynn Fisher

The Man Who Invented the Laser.

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit.  The Man Who Invented the Laser.  Enslow     2014  48p  $15.95  ISBN 978-0-7660-4138-7 elem/ms  series: Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas  Biography  VG-BNS  

This concise book delivers a wealth of information. The crisply written text provides information about Theodore H. Maimen’s persistence and determination, and both his failures and his accomplishments, resulting in his ultimate invention of the laser.  This well-organized, brief book chronicles Theodore’s life and his determination to invent and prove the diversity of uses for the laser.

In addition to the informative text, the visual appeal will entice and engage young readers. Primary sources in the form of photographs, both black-and-white and color, compliment and clarify the text.  Photographic captions provide further details.

This book also encourages innovation among young people, providing information about creating and patenting inventions.  With its table of contents, timeline, patent acquisition information, glossary, lists of resources to learn more, and comprehensive index, this book is a great resource for aspiring inventors and young researchers.

This is one book in the Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas series.  There are currently six titles in the series, which includes the inventors of the electric guitar, the Ferris wheel, television, Kevlar (bullet-proof thread), and the game of basketball.

Summary: Details the life of Theodore H. Maiman, inventor of the laser, including his childhood inventions, his determination, his associates and his success.

Theodore H. Maiman, Laser                             --Virginia McGarvey

The Man Who Invented the Game of Basketball.

Wyckoff, Edwin Brit.  The Man Who Invented the Game of Basketball.  Enslow  2014    48p   $15.95  ISBN 978-7660-4142-4  elem      series: Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas  Biography  VG-BN

This book covers the life of James Naismith and his invention of the game of basketball.  Sports books are always popular with reluctant readers and this title is no exception.  Approximately half the book is devoted to Naismith’s childhood in Canada and the early influences that led him to become a Presbyterian minister.  His aptitude for athletics and desire to work with young people led him to obtain a job with the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, rather than a career with a church.  It is there that he invented the game of basketball to provide a winter exercise opportunity. The evolution of the game is very briefly covered, but the focus of the book is biographical.  The “You Be the Inventor!” section seems to be an odd addition to a sports book, but this title is part of a series on inventors, not purely sports figures.  A timeline, glossary, index and list of resources for further reading are included.  The series covers notable people in a wide variety of fields. Recommended for beginning and reluctant readers. Grades 3-5.

Summary: The life of James Naismith and his invention of the game of basketball. Grades 3-5.   

Basketball, Sports biography                    -–Stephanie Pennucci