Benjamin Banneker: Astronomer and Mathematician

Children's Literature

Banneker was unique--he was a free man during the time that most African-Americans were slaves. He was even lucky enough to attend school. It was a Quaker school available to all since Quakers believed that all people should be treated equally. Although he was not able to stay in school he managed to teach himself math and astronomy. As a young man he became fascinated with a watch. After taking it apart and putting it back together he decided to build one, but since the only material he had was wood he built a large watch--a wooden clock. It is reported that it kept perfect time for 40 years! A neighbor, George Elliott, got Benjamin interested in astronomy. Years later, because of his skill in math and astronomy, he was invited to survey the land of the city of Washington, D.C. During his later years he published several almanacs with weather predictions, agricultural advise, and literary works, which were quite popular. Included at the end of the book are interesting Internet sites and additional reading selections. This is part of the "Fact Finders" series. 2006, Capstone Press, Ages 7 to 10.
—Leila Toledo