Alexander Graham Bell for Kids

Winner of the 2019 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Book

Alexander Graham Bell invented not only the telephone, but also early versions of the phonograph, the metal detector, airplanes, and hydrofoil boats. This Scottish immigrant was also a pioneering speech teacher and a champion of educating those with hearing impairments, work he felt was his most important contribution to society. Bell worked with famous Americans such as Helen Keller and aviators Glenn Curtiss and Samuel P. Langley, and his inventions competed directly with those of Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers.

This unique biography includes a time line, a list of online resources, and 21 engaging hands-on activities to better appreciate Bell's remarkable accomplishments. Kids will:

          Construct a Pie Tin Telegraph and a Pizza Box Phonograph
          "See" and "feel" sound by building simple devices
          Communicate using American Sign Language
          Send secret messages using Morse code
          Investigate the properties of ailerons on a paper airplane
          Build and fly a tetrahedral kite
          And more!

“Children who enjoy exploring different symbolic communication codes, historical sciences, and inventions will find much to dig into in this detailed volume. Thorough and well-rounded.” —Kirkus Reviews

Mary Kay Carson is a nonfiction children's book author. She's written more than 20 books for kids about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and other science and social studies topics. She was presented with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2011 Children's Literature Award for her book The Wright Brothers for Kids.