The Real McCoy: The Life of an African-American Inventor

Elijah McCoy really existed, and his inventions as described in this book are real. The book, to my knowledge, adequately and succinctly sums up his life.

Unfortunately, it spends a page or so talking about him as a spurious inspiration for the phrase "the real McCoy". Given that lubricators with his name on them weren't sold until the end of his life, and given that the expression has been attested to before the man was even *born*, that's incredibly unlikely, and a small amount of research would have shown the author that fact. It's even on the back cover that he's the origin of the phrase, and it's not true.

It seems like a small thing, but as I already knew this "fact" was wrong it meant I was in doubt about the veracity of the whole show more rest of the book and had to start confirming the details, fact by fact. I wouldn't expect a small child to do that. Factual books should be researched so they do not contain inaccuracies. show less

This book tells the story of Elijah Mccoy, an inventor who several people may not know. The author did a great job at depicting the times that Mccoy lived in and of course honoring him as an inventor. There are so many ways to tie this book to curriculum. This book is perfect for third through fifth grade students who are learning about inventors and African American history.

Elijah McCoy's story is inspirational. His life began in Canada as the son of escaped slaves. Elijah didn't allow his humble beginnings to discourage him from pursuing excellence throughout his life.

His parents recognized his interest and talent for working with machines and sent him to an engineering school in Scotland. After the American Civil War, Elijah moved to Michigan and found a job as a fireman and oilman for a Michagan Railroad company. Elijah never complained about his inability to find work as an engineer. Instead he worked to make his job with the railroad more efficient. He invented an oil cup that would allow the trains to stay lubricated while still in motion. The railroad that Elijah worked for installed the oil cup on show more all of its trains. Other railroads tried imitation oil cups, but the engineers could tell the difference and would ask for "the real McCoy" which has become a common expression meaning "the real thing".

This biography of Elijah McCoy's life is an encouragement to children. Elijah himself would encourage students to "stay in school" and "work hard". This book could be used by teachers of all ages to inspire their students to strive towards high standards and to be efficient. Elijah was not only a successful inventor but also a role model in his community. show less

Where did the expression "the real McCoy" come from? African American inventor Elijah McCoy's successful design of an automatic oil cup may have inspired the popular phrase. This book introduces children to the life of the brilliant pioneer whose contributions to technology, science, and home are very much in evidence today.

Where did the expression "the real McCoy" come from? African-American inventor Elijah McCoy's successful design of an automatic oil cup may have inspired the popular phrase. This book introduces children to the life of the brilliant pioneer whose contributions to technology, science, and home are very much in evidence today. Beautiful paintings.

Where did the expression "the real McCoy" come from? African-American inventor Elijah McCoy's successful design of an automatic oil cup may have inspired the popular phrase. This book introduces children to the life of the brilliant pioneer whose contributions to technology, science, and home are very much in evidence today. Beautiful paintings.

This is a great non-fiction story about the real McCoy. He patents many inventions, for a very low price, just to survive. This story exemplifies integrity and hard work. It would be great for upper and lower grades.