Madam C.J. Walker
The Woman Behind Hair Care Products for African Americans
Part of the Little Inventor series
In the early 20th century, Madame C.J. Walker identified a problem, one she herself had: African Americans had no hair care products specifically designed for their hair type. So what did she do? The uneducated daughter of sharecroppers researched, invented, tested, refined, and marketed her way to becoming a self-made millionaire! Historic photos fortify this inspiring rags-to-riches story.
Thomas Edison
The Man Behind the Light Bulb
Part of the Little Inventor series
The light bulbs we use today in our schools and homes are thanks to Thomas Edison. What were the steps Edison took that led him to the world-changing invention we know him for today?
Grace Hopper
The Woman Behind Computer Programming
Part of the Little Inventor series
Computers touch our lives everyday, in countless ways, but how do they know what to do? How do we communicate with them and they with each other? Language! Grace Hopper was a pioneer in computer programming, a woman whose scientific research led to computer-language tools and technology still in use today. Her story is filled with trial and error, and readers can follow the journey step by step.
Lonnie Johnson
NASA Scientist and Inventor of the Super Soaker
Part of the Little Inventor series
Why is Lonnie Johnson important? He invented the Super Soaker! Readers follow his journey from a NASA engineer working on missions to Jupiter and Saturn to becoming the inventor of one of the most popular toys in the United States. This story of hard work is filled with engaging text and colorful images, all reviewed by Smithsonian experts.
Lewis Latimer
The Man Behind a Better Light Bulb
Part of the Little Inventor series
Why is Lewis Latimer important? His invention of the carbon filament made light bulbs more affordable and longer lasting. Readers follow his journey from working with Alexander Graham Bell to improving Thomas Edison's light bulb. It's an enlightening story filled with engaging text and colorful images, all reviewed by Smithsonian experts.
Marie Curie
The Woman Behind Radioactivity
Part of the Little Inventor series
Scientist Marie Curie discovered radioactivity. What were the steps Curie took which lead her to this world-changing discovery?
Ralph Baer
The Man Behind Video Games
Part of the Little Inventor series
We have Ralph Baer to thank for the video games people play around the world today. What were the steps Baer took that led him to his famous invention?
Alexander Graham Bell
The Man Behind the Telephone
Part of the Little Inventor series
A world without telephones? Impossible for most young readers to imagine. Let them know they can thank inventor Alexander Graham Bell for every ringtone! Filled with facts and photos, Bell's story highlights the scientific process he followed, failures and all, from identifying a problem to getting his communication technology into the hands of users.
Jerome Lemelson
The Man Behind Industrial Robots
Part of the Little Inventor series
Why is Jerome Lemelson important? His inventions helped create industrial robots, cassette players, and more! Readers follow his journey from struggling inventor to a multimillionaire with more than 600 patents. This story of determination is filled with engaging text and colorful images, all reviewed by Smithsonian experts.
