african american inventors

Stories of more than sixty African-American inventors and scientists whose accomplishments have often been overlooked by historians.

Chronicles the achievements of nine African-Americans responsible for inventions related to parts of modern life such as refrigeration, electric lighting, and transportation.

"Sarah E. Goode was one of the first African-American women to get a US patent. Working in her furniture store, she recognized a need for a multi-use bed and through hard work, ingenuity, and determination, invented her unique cupboard bed. She built more than a piece of furniture. She built a life far away from slavery, a life where her sweet dreams could come true"--Amazon.com.

A biography of Lonnie Johnson, an engineer at NASA who is best know for inventing the Super Soaker water gun.

"Lonnie Johnson was always building things. As a kid he made rockets. As a teenager he built a robot from scratch. As an adult he worked for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Galileo orbiter and probe that studied Jupiter. And then one day, while hooking up his latest invention to the bathroom sink to test it out...Whoosh! Water shot across the room. 'This would make a great water gun,' Lonnie thought. Meet the innovative engineer who unexpectedly invented one of the most popular toys of all time--the Super Soaker"--Jacket flap of the English edition.

Provides a biography of African American inventor and NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson who invented the Super Soaker. Discusses his childhood, education, and passion for inventing. Includes quotes, photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and further resources.

Describes the lives and works of African American scientists and inventors, including Lewis Latimer, Charles Drew, and Garrett Woods.

Brief biographical profiles of five African-American inventors: Patricia Bath, Philip Emeagwali, Henry Sampson, Valerie Thomas, and Peter Tolliver.

"Simple text and photographs present the life of Garrett Morgan, an African-American inventor and entrepreneur"--Provided by publisher.

Profiles the lives of twenty-five African-American inventors who made significant scientific contributions from the eighteenth century to modern times.