OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The ABC's of African American Inventions" by Kenneth R. McClelland.]

I think we already know that “A is for apple”, but how many of us can honestly say that we also knew that “A is for airplane”, invented by African American William Hale? In his educational book, The ABC's of African American Inventions, author Kenneth R. McClelland takes us from A to Z with an interesting list of items invented, or improved upon, by black people.

As a minority child, I always looked forward to February because it was the month during which we celebrated black history, and I had an insatiable thirst for such knowledge. As I got older, I realized that celebrating black contributions should not be relegated to just one month a year (and the shortest month, at that), so I was thrilled to find this book for children. It was almost as informative as I hoped it would be.

One of the things I liked most about this tome was that McClelland wasn't content to list just one invention per letter. He often noted at least two additional inventions, such as “Airplane Safety Appliance” and “Advertising Apparatus” for the first letter of the alphabet. In addition to the inventions, he also included one “Fun Fact” per page. For example, on the “C” page, we learn that “Inventor Jack Johnson became the first black 'Heavyweight Champion of the World' in 1908.” The information given is straightforward, and I found no grammatical or spelling errors.

Author McClelland also did not stop with just the name of each invention. Each item also includes the name of the inventor, the patent number, and the year the invention was patented. While I appreciated this information, I would have also liked for there to have been indications when the “invention” was more of an improvement upon an item than a brand new idea (as in the case of the airplane). The lack of this notice led me to do further research on a few of the listed items since I was confused. While I didn't mind, I fear younger children may not be able to do the additional research and end up confused. It is my hope, however, that youngsters will take any questions they have to their parents or teachers, leading to even more teaching moments.

Each letter also includes a picture of the highlighted invention. The illustrations are of a more complex cartoon style than most children's books feature, but I don't think youngsters will be turned off by it because they are still drawings. Additionally, each page features a background collage of the pictures and diagrams used in the patents for the listed inventions. The author notes that, “The illustrations depicted in this book may not be true and exact representations of the actual patented inventions as created by the inventor, or as submitted to the United States Patent Office. They were instead drawn in the most recognizable form with the young reader in mind.” I still think they were very well done, and I found myself poring over each picture at length. In addition to the pictures in the book, there are ten blank pages for children to create their own “invention ideas & drawings” at the end of the tome. I especially liked the inclusion of these blank pages, as they encourage children to think of things they can come up with to make a better world. The next Benjamin Banneker or Madame C.J. Walker could read The ABC's of African American Inventions and start on their path to becoming a famous inventor.

I am proud to give The ABC's of African American Inventions 4 out of 4 stars, and I recommend it to anyone who can read. Whether black or white, young or old, male or female, I feel we can all learn something from this book. It is also my hope that readers will come to appreciate the contributions black people have made to society, for without some of the items listed within these pages, this world might be very different. I hope black children, in particular, will be filled with pride and spread the information to anyone who will listen.

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The ABC's of African American Inventions
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I'm so glad there's a book like this out there and will definitely be buying it for my child. "celebrating black contributions should not be relegated to just one month a year (and the shortest month, at that)" is something I completely agree with you on. It should be celebrated all the time. I think you're right about it being helpful to add a notation when it's not an invention but rather an improvement because, I have to admit, when I read about William Hale inventing the airplane I (as a North Carolinian) had to pause and think, "Pretty sure that was the Wright Brothers". So I had to google it. His plans look amazing! Thanks for the great review.

Quite an eye-opening book which you did well in reviewing, thanks.

I'm blown away. What an enlightening and educational way to write a children's book. This is a must read.

not really bonny!

I love the idea behind this book! It's too bad that he doesn't differentiate between a new invention and a betterment of the idea. However, that's definitely something that kids or parents could look up! Thanks for the great book.

That's a good ABC book for everybody.

Thanks, MsTri! You got me at ABC.

The book sounds very interesting. Will help children know different investments while reading there normal 'A, B, C'

Great review! I love the concept of this book because it's educational and also highlights the accomplishments of African Americans. The use of the alphabet is also fun for kids. It sounds like a wonderful book in all aspects.

You make a great point about the importance of stating what was a brand new idea and what was just an improvement. I would appreciate this book greatly and hope to be able to read it soon.

Thank you for this review.

I really appreciate coming out of this book of inventions of African American Inventor. It's Time to make our children aware of some of the better ideas. I am an Inventor too. As an Inventor I'm Happy that this book will become an eye opener to our Government. It's a long story. But this is not the right venue. Thanks for the review.