Lisa DeMauro

This biography about Thomas Edison is a very detailed telling of his accomplishments. It is a story for kids to read and learn about one of, not only America's, but the whole world's most prolific scientists. Thomas Edison's life is told thoroughly in not only words, but photographs as well. The book keeps track of Edison's most popular inventions and a few small successes, like the first movie studio. The biography also stays true to Edison's reasons as to why he believes he was able to show more accomplish so much; he never gave up. Along with his revolutionary inventions came a string of failures throughout his years. But he felt those failures are what makes people special by testing them to always try. The Time for Kids Biographies Thomas Edison does a great job highlighting this. show less

I chose this book to compare it with the other Thomas Edison book I read. I think both books had great information. This book was in my opinion, more kid-friendly and kid appealing than the other book. However, both books gave me great information and I enjoyed reading both of them. I know Thomas Edison is significant in history so I definitely wanted to get to know more information about him.

This book gave great insight to Thomas Edison's life personally and professionally. It gives background about his family life and childhood. I learned that Edison was losing his hearing at a very young age. He also stopped going to school and learned to read from his mother, who said he was smarter than his teacher. Edison was often in trouble as a child, most situations made me laugh. For example, he sat on goose eggs in hopes they would hatch (he crushed them instead) & he also had a show more friend eat worms because he figured that was what made birds fly (it did not make his friend fly). Edison worked on the railroad for a good part of his young life. He tried lab experiments, but set one of the train cars on fire. He then began selling newspapers on the train, which was great business. If he created a new invention, he did not stop till he created everything necessary to make it work. He was dedicated and did not stop working even when he was ill! He died at age 84. Three days after his death electric lights all over the United States were dimmed for one minute. "It was a way of honoring the man who lit up the world."

This book was very interesting and inspiring. I think it would be a great book for children to read who need a little extra push because this book makes you realize that you can accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. show less

I loved the Time book on Theodore Roosevelt because it gives children a lot of info on him but in a fun way. I even learned things about Theodore Roosevelt that I didn't know. I'm going to think of these books in the future when I'm teaching because for a biography it was fun. It can broaden a child's knowledge but in a discreet way because it isn't an overwhelming book to read.