Who Invented the Light Bulb?: Edison vs. Swan by Susan E. Hamen
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512483214
Pages: 32
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    What are patents? Why are they important? What if someone in another country creates almost the same invention at the same time? These and other questions about inventions in general underlie this volume in the “Alternator Books” series. Readers are encouraged to think beyond basic facts to compare and contrast information and inventors in another way.

    The cover with its bright yellow text and facial photos of Edison and Swan set atop bodies preparing for a boxing match draw the reader’s attention to open this book and find out who won.

    Just the right amount of text for middle and upper elementary readers. Lots of photographs, drawings, fact boxes in a clear layout. Source notes, glossary, timeline, index and “Further Information” make this a solid non-fiction presentation. It’s unique format of “vs.” makes it a standout in the new wave of STEM books.

    Some of the explanations are simplified (such as vacuum pumps), and may be inadequate for advanced middle school students, but this is a great read for entertainment, or as an introduction to these inventors and the process of inventing.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School Library, Old Town