Benjamin Banneker: Pioneering Scientist

by Ginger Wadsworth

Book Overview

Gazing up at the stars, Benjamin Banneker longed to understand how and why things worked as they did. In a time when most black Americans were slaves, Banneker lived a life of freedom and became known as America's first black American man of science. He helped survey Washington, D.C., and became the first black American to write an almanac. Through his accomplishments, he helped advance the cause of equality for African Americans.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876141041
• ISBN13: 9780876141045
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: First Avenue Editions (Tm)
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.7" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 7 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 2 to 5

Customer Reviews

great illustrations

The writing of the book was fine. I am a little older than an "on my own biographt" reader. Nonetheless I was interested in the life of a Black scientist living in the late 1700's. The book follows Benjamin Banneker from being a young boy working on his family's tobbacco farm to clockmaking, land surveying, and almanac writing. His thirst for learning makes him a great role model. The book also put his life in historical context which makes for a great learning device. What really brings the story to life are the illustrations. Craig Orback has done some beautiful paintings! I particularly enjoy the rich color and expansive feeling of the landscapes and skyscapes. The characters are expressive. A few pages are stunning in their warm light and vivid color. I felt really drawn to them. In fact, I think the book would be completely interesting and inspiring to me even if I couldn't read and it were being read to me before bedtime. I reccomend this book for the excellent art and the inspiring (and maybe little known) story of early African American accomplishment.