Lewis Latimer: A Biography
VIP (Very Important People) Series
What’s inside...
Get ready to light up the world with Lewis Latimer in this middle grade biography perfect for fans of the Who Was series! Lewis was one of the greatest inventors of his time. He was also an engineer who transformed the lightbulb at Thomas Edison’s company. And he was a gifted artist, too! Experience all the exciting moments in Lewis’s big life in this new series that tells the true—and amazing stories—of history’s greatest trailblazers. Packed with illustrations and fun facts, like who invented the Super Soaker!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lewis Latimer
Discussion points
What challenges did Lewis Latimer face, and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think Lewis Latimer's inventions are important?
How did Lewis Latimer's contributions impact our daily lives today?
What qualities do you admire most about Lewis Latimer and why?
How can we apply Lewis Latimer's perseverance and creativity in our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by summarizing the main events in the book before diving into the questions to refresh your child’s memory and set the stage for deeper discussion.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Lewis Latimer’s life and achievements, recognizing there are no right or wrong answers in these discussions.
Relate Lewis Latimer's experiences and inventions to current technology, helping your child draw connections between past innovations and modern conveniences.
Praise your child’s responses, ensuring a positive, affirming conversation that promotes confidence in their analytical abilities.
Share your own perspectives and reflections on the themes of the book to model thoughtful engagement and encourage a two-way conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Lewis Latimer's journey from the son of escaped slaves to a pioneering inventor showcases how determination can overcome significant obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persistence in their studies or personal projects, understanding that challenges can be stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of education and lifelong learning
Explanation: Throughout his life, Latimer continually sought out new knowledge, which played a crucial role in his contributions to the development of the electric light bulb.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace learning opportunities both in and outside of school, fostering a mindset of growth and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: Latimer's improvements to the filament used in light bulbs highlight how creativity leads to technological advancement.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively in problem-solving scenarios and understand that innovative ideas can lead to significant improvements.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Latimer worked alongside other inventors like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, emphasizing that collaboration is key to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working with others, sharing ideas, and respecting different perspectives to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Social justice and advocacy
Explanation: Latimer's life also reflects his efforts toward social justice, as he advocated for the African American community and used his skills to promote change.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be aware of social issues and understand how their actions can contribute to making the world a fairer place.