Alexander Graham Bell

Children's Literature

Alexander Graham Bell is most famous for inventing the telephone but some say that this would have surprised Bell. He was a talented and creative man with many interests and he received scores of patents for his various inventions. Readers of this informative biography will learn that the work of Alexander Graham Bell contributed to improvements in airplanes, boats, bridges, and towers. As a young boy growing up in Scotland, Bell was artistic and compassionate. His mother lost most of her hearing when Bell was a teenager and this prompted his interest and study of how sound travels. This research would lead to his later most-famous discovery. This book is both educational and enlightening. It describes Bell's childhood and education as well as the experiences that inspired his numerous inventions. Young researchers studying famous inventors would certainly benefit by reading this biography. There is a glossary, index, and list of resources for further information. Additionally, the many black-and-white photographs provide visual relevance. The book is part of the "Inventors and Creators" series. 2003, KidHaven Press/Gale Group, Ages 8 to 12.
— Denise Daley

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-Text and artwork are interesting and informative, and will hold readers' attention. The book is illustrated with many reproductions, drawings, and photos, mostly in black and white. However, there is a plethora of recent biographies of the subject available for young readers. Tom L. Matthews's Always Inventing (National Geographic, 1999) ranks first due to its many excellent photos and more detailed text. Leonard Everett Fisher's Alexander Graham Bell (Atheneum, 1999) is a fine edition, illustrated by the author. Add Durrett's title to your collection if you need another book about this inventor.-Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.