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Thomas Alva Edison was a boy born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. He was the youngest child and he surprisingly, for me, was homeschooled, meaning that most of the education he received came from his parents. However, he stopped school when he reached twelve years old, first becoming a candy butcher. At fifteen, he was the apprentice of a telegraph operator and in 1868, he created the first vote recorder in Boston, however it was an unsuccessful attempt at it. Later on, Edison established a research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. There, he developed many important inventions still used today such as the telephone. He created the phonograph and invented probably his most important and famous creation, the light bulb! In 1886, he moved out and formed a new facility in West Orange, New Jersey, 1886. He built and invented the kinetoscope, the dictating machine, and the storage battery. In Edison's later life, he had a peaceful living with his family and friends and sadly passed away on October 18, 1931.
Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed this book! I knew that Edison was a very innovative inventor most famously creating the light bulb, but I learned much much more information on him that hadn't known before reading this book. The fact that he got out of school at the age of twelve and was able to get a job (even if it was just a candy butcher) is still astonishing to me even though I'm pretty sure back then school didn't require you to keep learning till you are 18 or so. Even more astounding, he became an apprentice at the age of fifteen which is younger than my third oldest brother (he's sixteen now). I really enjoy reading the "Who was" books because they're fun while still being nonfiction and they never disappoint! ( )

This book provides information on who Thomas Edison was. I would use this book in my class because this is a great book informing kids about who Thomas Edison is and how he was when he grew up. Suitable for grades 3 and up. ( )

Summary:

Who was Thomas Alva Edison is about a guy who invented the electric light bulb. Because of Edison's invention, it has changed the way people live forever. This book explains Edison's life in a way that children can understand. He observes a robin catching a worm, then flying off. He fed a friend a mixture of different worms and some water to see if the friend would fly. Edison also invented the phonograph, and the kinetoscope.

Personal Reaction:

This book helps young children know who invented the light bulb. I believe this book is good because it helps children know history in a fun way.

Classroom Extension:

1. Have the students imagine how their lives would be different if they did not have electricity.

2. Have the students draw a light bulb.

This book provides information on who Thomas Edison was. It lays out his entire life in a way that is easy for children to understand, and provides a few pictures and diagrams to give examples of the information being given. Suitable for grades 6 and up. ( )