Many inventors and scientists of color have made incredible contributions to our modern life, but they have not necessarily had the attention they deserved. In this fun and engaging series each volume is devoted to the life and work of one of these inventors and scientists. With a vivid writing style that uses humor as one of its primary ingredients and illustrated with an engaging combination of real photos and pictures featuring graphic art, each book describes not only how the inventions and contributions of these heroes of diverse backgrounds changed our society, but also how they faced the big challenges of their times.

In Lewis Latimer: A Brilliant Inventor, Janel Rodriguez retells the incredible life of this man born six years after his parents had run away from slavery in Virginia. Growing up in Massachusetts, he became a man of many talents whose mind was always bursting with ideas! His inventions included contributions to the design of the modern light bulb. He was also really talented at drawing, playing music, writing books and poetry, and also spoke several languages. He helped bring electricity to cities around the world! A museum in Queens, New York, honors his heritage.

George Washington Carver: More Than “The Peanut Man” traces the story of this agriculturist, scientist, and inventor who, among his many (many!) accomplishments, developed more than 300 industrial and commercial products from peanuts. Born into slavery, George developed a love of plants from the time he was a small boy: he collected plants, cared for them, and studied them. He even painted pictures of them! His love of plants helped him to grow into an artist, gardener, teacher, scientist, farmer, speaker…and a really famous inventor.

Madam C. J. Walker is featured in the book with the subtitle The Beauty Boss. Born Sarah Breedlove near Delta, Louisiana, Madam C. J. Walker was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America. Among her many accomplishments, she invented a Black hair care method known as the “Walker system” as a treatment for scalp disorders like alopecia, along with many other Black hair care products.

Our fourth title features Charles Drew: The Innovator of the Blood Bank. Drew was a Black surgeon and medical researcher who developed improved techniques for blood storage that led to saving millions of lives during World War II. He never gave up on his dreams, even in a time of war and racism, and he used his brilliant mind to teach young Black students how to become amazing doctors like himself.

Resilience, courage, ambition, and passion are elements all these heroes had in common. Through their contributions, they each changed our society…and our world. Bright Minds provides an engaging opportunity for young readers to learn about these inventors of color, and to find role models to inspire their own lives.

Bright Minds
Available now (four titles)
Lewis Latimer: A Brilliant Inventor (978-1-338-86417-5)
George Washington Carver: More Than “The Peanut Man” (978-1-338-86420-5)
Madam C.J. Walker: The Beauty Boss (978-1-338-86531-8)
Charles Drew: The Innovator of the Blood Bank (978-1-338-86534-9)

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