Latimer, whose parents escaped from slavery in 1842, was born in Massachusetts six years later. Though he loved learning, when his father abandoned the family, 10-year-old Lewis quit school to help support them. Later, he enlisted in the Union navy. After the war ended, while working as an office boy for a patent lawyer, he taught himself drafting and learned about patent law. With an active mind, Latimer challenged himself to create inventions and apply for patents, and he succeeded. Besides inventing many devices, he worked with both Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Alva Edison on the development of the light bulb, delivered lectures to electrical engineers, and mentored young people. In size, format, and target audience, the first volume in the VIP Biography series is similar to books in the popular Who Was series, though this title and upcoming books on Mae Jemison and Mahalia Jackson don't overlap with subjects in that series. The clearly written, accessible text is illustrated with attractive, black-and-white drawings on most pages. An appealing choice for young readers.

In seven chapters geared toward third and fourth graders, Patrick discusses engineer and inventor Latimer's life and work. Born in 1848 to fugitive slaves in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Latimer's remarkable career included work for Alexander Graham Bell and (indirectly) Thomas Edison. Inviting illustrations in blue and gray tones help break up the readable text. Frequent sidebars elaborate on topics in the main text (patents, the Industrial Revolution) and introduce Lewis's contemporaries (Booker T. Washington; "Other Nineteenth-Century Inventors"). The book ends with a list of Lewis's patents, a timeline, brief bios of four modern-day African American inventors, and an extensive bibliography.

Lewis Latimer, born free to formerly enslaved parents, served as a soldier in the Civil War and taught himself the skills to become a draftsman, polyglot, inventor, author, and poet.Though he left school at the age of 10 to help his father support their family, Latimer became an important figure in Alexander Graham Bell's attempt to secure a patent for the telephone and the invention of the filament in incandescent light bulbs that made them safer to use. Later, he worked in Thomas Edison's company, and after retiring, he turned to civil rights work. Though brief, this biography is both engaging and well researched. Patrick draws on Latimer's private papers as well as secondary sources, crafting a narrative that entwines his professional accomplishments with personal milestones. She punctuates it with historical notes, introductions to other inventors both African American and White, and general information that helps to contextualize the subject matter, such as an explanation of patents and another of the Industrial Revolution. Duncan's black-and-white illustrations make it approachable for young readers transitioning to nonfiction chapter books, and they make it clear that Latimer achieved what he did in spaces dominated by White men. The backmatter includes a list of Latimer's patents, a timeline, brief introductions to four contemporary African American inventors, and a bibliography. Series companion Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer, by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Jennifer Bricking, publishes simultaneously; together they launch the VIP biography series.An engaging overview of Lewis Latimer's life and work.   (Biography. 8-12)

wis Howard Latimer-scientist, inventor, poet, artist, and the son of escaped slaves.- Born free in Massachusetts as the last of four children, Lewis worked odd jobs to help support the family, eventually becoming a draftsman; assisted Alexander Graham Bell with the patent drawings for the telephone; worked at the Edison Company; and fought for Black lives and equality. Patrick-s prose is clear and engaging (-He thought that freedom for black people would mean equal treatment, too-); supplementary asides provide overviews of contextual historical events and figures, including -African American Soldiers in the Civil War- and -Better, Faster, Safer: Other Nineteenth-Century Inventors,- while ample black-and-white comic-style art by Duncan presents an accessible entry point for young readers. This joint series starter (with Dr. Mae Jemison: Brave Rocketeer) offers a comprehensive introduction to a Black pioneer whose work is often overlooked. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)

Gr 3-6 Lewis Howard Latimer (18481928) was an African American Civil War veteran, draftsman, engineer, specialist in patent law, and inventor who worked with some of the most famous inventors of his time, including Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. His parents, George and Rebecca Latimer, had risked their lives to escape from a Virginia plantation for Boston, MA. Latimer's fierce determination allowed him to break through racial barriers. In 1881, while employed at the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, Latimer patented a carbon filament for the incandescent light bulb. This chapter book biography features accessible but richly phrased text and black-and-white illustrations. The text also includes information about other African American trailblazers (such as Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois), the laws that enabled and perpetuated slavery, the history of African Americans' military service, and the Industrial Revolution. These additional facts are highlighted in callout boxes within each chapter. The text is honest about Latimer's struggles, but the overall tone is hopeful and inspiring. This title is simple enough for younger readers, and older readers will appreciate the wealth of information and details. The back matter includes a list of Latimer's patents, a time line, a list of other African American inventors, a bibliography, and further reading. VERDICT This chapter book biography provides compelling insight into the life of inventor Lewis Latimer and his scientific contributions. A recommended purchase for most school and public libraries. Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK