Thomas Alva Edison (First Biography)

Grade 2-4-- In this brief but substantive biography, children learn about the life of the inventor. In sturdy, somewhat grave prose, Adler incorporates telling anecdotes that illustrate Edison's quirky character, most of which illustrate the fact that parenting a child genius was not easy. Edison's telegrapher career during his young adult years provided opportunity for his inventing, and for more mischief-making. A text laced with quotations avoids fictionalizing. Black-and-white pencil drawings, detailed and accurate, appear on each page. Adler's biography surpasses in scope and authenticity Quackenbush's What Has Wild Tom Done Now? (Prentice Hall, 1981), which is whimsical and illustrated with cartoons. A solid biography that serves young readers well. --Jacqueline Elsner, Athens Regional Library, GA
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