What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors
What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors book cover

What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors

Paperback – Illustrated, December 10, 2013

Price
$6.79
Format
Paperback
Pages
96
Publisher
Candlewick
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0763664428
Dimensions
6 x 0.3 x 9 inches
Weight
4 ounces

Description

A purposeful but appealing presentation of information about accomplished lives.—Kirkus ReviewsIt's an entertaining and often surprising exploration of lesser-known innovators, past and present.—Publishers WeeklyYoung Herbie and Ella are disappointed with the dilapidated state of their new house, and cranky with the didactic handyman, Mr. Mital, who seems intent on instructing them in African-American history. "There's more to our history than slavery, jazz, sports and civil rights marches," he insists. But he quickly gains their attention with stories of little-known inventors, which appear around them in foldout pages, with notes and peanut-gallery remarks penciled in by the kids. Some developments were life-changing, like open-heart surgery or food preservation, and some pure fun.—NewsdayFilled with great illustrations, the book features fascinating profiles of subjects ranging from a pioneer of open-heart surgery to the inventor of the Super Soaker water gun.—Sports Illustrated KidsA playful history.—USA TodayGet ready to have your mind blown with this fun book. It tells the story of twins who discover the amazing stories of African American inventors whose creations changed your world...The book has lift flaps and fast facts that makes learning so quick and easy.—Washington PostA highly readable tale full of fun facts about creators of color.—St. Louis Post-DispatchAn inspiring book that broadens the definition of "inventor" and shines a light on many talented African-Americans throughout history.—San Francisco Book ReviewThis introduction to lesser-known African American inventors just might inspire kids to create their own history-changing inventions.—Instructor Magazine

Features & Highlights

  • “Get ready to have your mind blown with this fun book.” —
  • The Washington Post
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, champions a lineup of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book. Offering profiles with fast facts and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a tribute to black inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.Back matter includes an authors’ note and sources.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(335)
★★★★
25%
(140)
★★★
15%
(84)
★★
7%
(39)
-7%
(-39)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Important read!

I love this book. I bought it for myself to put in my library, but after reading the book. I felt it was important to share. I gave this book as a gift to my mentee and bought 12 more for my nephews and nieces.
8 people found this helpful
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How Did I Miss This Book So Long?

I got this after I saw that fantastic Conversation with Tyler where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar just talked for an hour. What an amazing guy! This book is a fast but really, really important read. I cannot imagine why it was not picked up and discussed more. Just sorry the packaging is lower end, it deserves a higher order treatment. I hope sometime it is reissued but for now, for you, get it and read it. A great insight into a whole different angle on entrepreneurs and genius than is typically covered.
7 people found this helpful
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an empowering book that's great as a gift

Ten-year bookseller here.

Underscored by a theme of perseverance, this book is packed with iconic African American role models. In my opinion, an empowering book that's great as a gift, especially for boys and girls who need affirmation that there are many paths towards a life of meaningful accomplishments.
5 people found this helpful
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Great for kids to learn history.

This is a beautiful tale of two African American children learning about African American inventors who are far too often neglected. It's a childrens book, so don't expect deep material, but I highly recommend it for children.
4 people found this helpful
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Not what I expected- chapter book

This is a chapter book and from previous pictures and reviews I was expecting a picture book. It appears to be around a 3rd grade level. The information on inventors is typically a page per inventor. I included a picture of what inventors the book covers
3 people found this helpful
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This is one of the best books I've ever read

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I never learned about these pioneers during Black History Month. The ice cream scoop invention was my favorite. Great book Kareem!
2 people found this helpful
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Education Starts At Home

This is an excellent educational book for youngsters I particularly appreciated the easy to understand wording in this book I found the information on pages 44-45 about who was responsible for food preservation very interesting if you want to know who this person is you will have to buy this book and sit down and read it with your children.
2 people found this helpful
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Interesante

A mi hijo le gusto y fue fácil de entender
1 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

Awesome inspiration
1 people found this helpful
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Five Stars

gr8
1 people found this helpful