From Here to There: Inventions That Changed the Way the World Moves
What’s inside...
Celebrating the invention of vehicles, this collective biography tells the inspiring stories of the visionaries who changed the way we move across air, water, and land. Perfect for fans of Mistakes that Worked and Girls Think of Everything.
In a time when people believed flying was impossible, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier proved that the sky wasn’t the limit. When most thought horseback was the only way to race, Bertha and Karl Benz fired up their engines. From the invention of the bicycle and the passenger steam locomotive, to the first liquid-fuel propelled rocket and industrial robot, inventors across the world have redefined travel. Filled with informative sidebars and colorful illustrations, this collective biography tells the story of the experiments, failures, and successes of visionaries who changed the way the world moves.
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What invention from the book did you find the most interesting, and why?
How do you think these inventions changed the way people live?
Can you think of any problems that these inventions solved?
Imagine you are an inventor. What kind of transportation would you create to help people move around?
Which invention do you think had the biggest impact on the world, and in what ways?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of creativity and perseverance as demonstrated by inventors in the book.
Encourage your child to think about how different life would be without the inventions discussed.
Relate the inventions to your child’s everyday life, asking how they use or encounter similar technologies.
Discuss the process of invention, from identifying a problem to thinking of a unique solution, emphasizing the trial and error aspect.
Inspire curiosity by discussing what future inventions they imagine could exist to further improve how we move around in the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in problem-solving
Explanation: The book highlights inventors who faced numerous challenges but remained persistent in their efforts to create revolutionary modes of transportation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties when tackling school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Impact of innovation on society
Explanation: Through various stories of transportation inventions, children see how these innovations significantly improved daily life and connected the world.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and think critically about how modern conveniences came to be and the role of innovation in societal development.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Many inventors collaborated with others to bring their ideas to fruition, which is emphasized in the narrative.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the value of working with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in group activities at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book portrays inventors as curious individuals who continually sought knowledge and understanding, which drove their success.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace curiosity in their everyday learning and be open to exploring new ideas.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: In discussing the evolution of transportation, the book touches on the environmental impact of these advancements and the subsequent innovation towards more sustainable options.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the environmental impact of their choices and actions, promoting eco-friendly practices from a young age.