Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
on Goodreads (1,349)
What’s inside...
This book highlights the remarkable contributions of women and girls who have invented ingenious innovations from various unconventional locations such as kitchens, living rooms, garages, labs, basements, and even converted chicken coops. It features notable inventors like Ruth Wakefield, Mary Anderson, and Stephanie Kwolek, among others, and explores how they turned their ideas into realities. Their creations, ranging from the windshield wiper to the chocolate chip cookie, have not only made our lives simpler but have become enduring symbols of ingenuity. The book is illustrated with vibrant collages by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet and also includes stories of young inventors Becky Schroeder and Alexia Abernathy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What invention inspired you the most and why?
How do you think these inventions changed the way people live?
Can you think of a problem you would like to solve? What would you invent to solve it?
How do the stories of these women inventors inspire you to pursue your ideas?
What qualities do you think are important for an inventor to have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the stories to their own experiences or aspirations, making the conversation personal and relevant. Highlight the perseverance and creativity of the inventors to inspire similar values in your child. Discuss the impact of each invention on society to enhance your child’s understanding of how ideas can be transformative. Lastly, praise any inventive ideas your child shares, reinforcing their confidence to explore and innovate.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The book showcases various women inventors and their unique innovations, emphasizing how creativity led to problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creativity to overcome challenges they face, whether in their school projects or daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of obstacles
Explanation: It highlights the stories of women who, despite societal challenges and failures, continued to pursue their inventive ideas.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persistence and not giving up easily when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and knowledge
Explanation: The inventors' success stories often begin with curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, emphasizing the role of education in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious, ask questions, and value their education as a tool for future success.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-belief
Explanation: The book portrays how believing in oneself can lead to extraordinary achievements, showcasing strong female role models.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children, especially girls, to be confident in their abilities and aspire to reach their potential.