Booksology This list includes two books and two picture books that showcase several pioneers in the field. One book is about scientists who have had a major impact on our understanding of marine life, and the other is about scientists who created the first versions of things we see every day.
Black Women in Science, by Dr. Kimberly Brown Pelham.
Through 15 stories, young readers will learn about Black women who are trailblazers in STEM fields. Each short biography features a woman who has excelled in her work and inspires young readers to learn from these role models. This book is also a great starting point for finding women your child would like to know more about.
What Color Is My World? The Lost History of African American Inventors, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Raymond Obstfeld, illustrated by Ben Booth and A.G. Ford
This entertaining and informative book uses the story of twins who have just moved into a new home to tell readers about an often overlooked profession: African American inventors. As the twins explore their new home, they learn about inventors such as Dr. Percy Julian, who synthesized medicine from plants, and Fred Jones, who invented a refrigeration device that allowed fresh produce to be transported by truck.
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The vast wonders of the world: biologist Ernest Everett Written by Melina Mangal, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
This beautifully illustrated picture book biography teaches readers about pioneering biologist Dr. Ernest Everett Just. His research with egg cells and marine invertebrates has expanded our understanding of marine organisms and how life emerges from egg cells.
Save the Day: Garrett Morgan’s Life-Changing Traffic Light Invention Written by Karin Parsons, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
Traffic lights are so ingrained in today’s driving that it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. However, after seeing a collision between a car and a horse-drawn carriage, Garrett Morgan had the idea to create a traffic light to prevent future accidents and improve traffic safety. This picture book introduces children to Morgan’s life, from his childhood to his career as a successful businessman and inventor.
Looking for more great books to share with your kids? Check out other picture books by Black authors and about inventors.
