Alexander Graham Bell

Children's Literature

It is unlikely that any child of elementary school age has ever used a rotary phone; and hand-cranked phones can only be seen in books or museums. But the ancestry of the telephone and the biography of the remarkable man who invented it remain an important part of any child's learning. This small book provides an interesting review of Bell's early years, during which he invented the telephone, and succinctly explains the science of sound. Readers will also learn how Alexander Bell's parents influenced his early interest in sound and in helping the deaf communicate. The book is one of many biographies that demonstrate an eternal truth¾an inquiring mind and hard work are attributes necessary for success. The copious illustrations on almost all of the book's pages are a colorful adjunct to the text. It is part of the "On My Own Biography" series. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $21.27. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Beginning with Bell's childhood in Scotland, this book treats the inventor's early years spent working with his father (a speech teacher), studying speech and sound in college, developing an interest in inventions, and teaching at schools for deaf children. An afterword addresses his later career and personal life. Full-color illustrations and one sepia-toned photo, large print, and easy text will be helpful to beginning and reluctant readers. The afterword is on a higher reading level.-Marilyn Ackerman, Brooklyn Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.