The Inventor's Secret: What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford

by Suzanne Slade, Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Illustrations)

* 2017 NSTA Best STEM Book List K-12* * NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12 *
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford started off as insatiably curious tinkerers. That curiosity led them to become inventors--with very different results. As Edison invented hit after commercial hit, gaining fame and fortune, Henry struggled to make a single invention (an affordable car) work. Witnessing Thomas's glorious career from afar, a frustrated Henry wondered about the secret to his success.

This little-known story is a fresh, kid-friendly way to show how Thomas Edison and Henry Ford grew up to be the most famous inventors in the world--and best friends, too.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Science, Childrens, Stem

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2015

About the author

Sibert honoree author of more than 150 books for chlldren.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it interesting to learn that Edison and Ford were friends - I wasn't aware that they were! This book does a nice job of giving a simple back story to each man and providing the inspiration we sometimes needs to "keep at it." Loved the illustrations!

Ages: 5 - 10

Cleanliness: Note: mentions that both men got in trouble a lot as boys because of their experiments.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

Visit my website!

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. The author reveals how Edison and Ford both spent a lot of time "trying out" various models of their inventions. This is an important lesson for our students to learn--change/improvement/innovation takes time. AND another lesson implied in the book is that inventors sometimes need encouragement from each other. In the book, Ford, looking for advice from Edison, finally gets a chance to talk to him about his motor car and Edison exclaims, "Keep at it!" That's his advice--and so Ford does. This could be read aloud in 2nd-4th grades as a way to launch a science or integrated ELA/Science unit of study focused on inventions or on the daily practices of scientists/inventors. Prompts for writing in response might be, "What is one of the main ideas in this book?" and "Why is this main idea important to people today?"

BTW - It's a long picture book. Worthy of reading aloud more than once and then placing in the classroom library for independent or shared reading.

Suzanne Slade is a "go to" author for nonfiction to include in your classroom library and to read aloud to students.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of 2015. Very much enjoyed this; the tone, the style, the illustrations. Great message and more fun facts at the back.

[Lauren Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of KEEP AT IT, and I love the way the stories of these two life changing inventors paralleled and connected.

[Sue Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the world was a very different place. But these two men came to be good friends and to understand one all important secret. Because of this secret, the world has been forever changed.

Edison was the older of the two. As a boy he experimented with chemistry and electricity. Explosions rocked his workshop in the basement of his home.

Ford was born sixteen years later. He was curious about how things worked and took about wind-up toys and tinkered with farm machinery. One of his engines exploded and set the school fence on fire.

Edison wanted to use electricity to make people’s lives easier. Ford dreamed of the day that he would build a car that hard working families could afford. As Ford heard about Edison’s successes, he wondered what secret the older man knew that allowed him to succeed at so much. Ford tried and tried but people laughed as his rattling gas buggy. The same people thought Edison’s inventions were great. What was his secret?

Eventually Ford traveled to New York City and got himself invited to a dinner where important businessmen were meeting. Everyone wanted to talk to Edison. Finally Ford made it to the seat next to the inventor. Before too long, the pair were discussing Ford’s car. Edison asked question after question. Finally he shouted, “Keep at it!”

Ford was shocked to realize that he had known Edison’s secret all along.

Slade has done an excellent job bringing these two legendary figures to life for young readers. Her writing is complimented by Reinhardt’s paintings. Her paintings are not photographic in their level of realism but they are detailed to the point that after reading this book you will be able to tell a Model A from a Model T.

Share this book with the science lover or young inventor in your life. Use it as a jumping off point for discussions on the scientific method and the can-do attitude essential to all inventors.

Originally reviewed at The Bookshelf (https://suebe2.wordpress.com/2016/03/...).

[Vernon Area Public Library KIDS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inquisitive young creators will love The Inventor's Secret -- a unique, illustrated account about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Through much tinkering and exploring, both Edison and Ford got into a lot of trouble in childhood: young Thomas enjoyed mixing up explosive potions in his basement and tied wires to his cat's tail before rubbing its fur to make sparks; and young Henry (16 years Edison's junior) liked to destroy his sister's windup toys to examine their inner mechanisms.

Author Suzanne Slade does a wonderful job at exploring Edison and Ford's creative processes and friendship. Includes many interesting end notes about their individual designs and an inventors' timeline for students needing factual information for school reports. Recommended for grades 1-4.

Reviewed by: Alyson D., Youth Services, Vernon Area Public Library

[Cathy Mealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-told tale of two inventors who changed our world through their perseverance and creative curiosity. Engaging narrative weaves the lives of Ford and Edison together until the two men ultimately form a friendship. Extensive backmatter reveals how carefully and thoroughly author Slade researched her topic. Equally fascinating was the note from illustrator Reinhardt about poring over primary sources to inform her process and make the artwork authentic. Indeed the illustrations are captivating and cleverly designed, an impressive homage to the creations of these two mechanical geniuses. Source notes, a bibliography, timeline and details about additional inventions make this rich, satisfying story perfect for home, school and library shelves everywhere!

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this recent shift in biography: dual biography that puts contemporaries together, showing their friendships and parallel lives. This book is an excellent example. In their youth, both had parallel lives as each experimented and had many mishaps. Both continued to adjust and try new things until they achieved their goal. Edison, though older than Ford by 16 years, served as an inspiration and mentor of sorts to the younger man. They became close friends later in life. This informational book is fun and light (pun intended!). Backmatter includes notes from the author and illustrator, brief info on their inventions, source notes, and a timeline for both men. A fine, very useful title in a science curriculum (inventors/inventions).

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford shares some life-changing advice. An inspiring true story engagingly told, handsomely designed, and light-heartedly illustrated in mixed media by Jennifer Black Reinhardt.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved learning how the paths of two well-known inventors crossed, and that Thomas' advice to Henry was to "keep at it!". I will definitely read this aloud during our inventions unit. The book is enhanced by the author and illustrator's notes, resources to learn more, and a timeline.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Inventor's Secret: What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford is a children's picture book written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt. It centers on the lives of Thomas Edison and Henry F0rd and their relationship with each other.

Thomas Alva Edison was an American inventor and businessman who have been described as America's greatest inventor. Henry Ford was an American industrialist and business magnate, founder of the Ford Motor Company, and chief developer of the assembly line technique of mass production.

Slade's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narrative shifts between the developing careers of both men until, while discussing engines with Edison at a dinner in 1896, Ford gives him some needed advice. Backmatter includes a timeline, source notes, and bibliography. Reinhardt's mixed-media artwork includes several lighthearted moments between parallel scenes featuring Edison and Ford as children highlight the explosive results of early failed experiments.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Ford ponders the secret behind Edison as he watches his friend and mentor invented the phonograph and incandescent bulb and other invention take off, while his own attempts to create steam and gas engines sputter. Until one day, Edison gave Ford the advice to never give up and from it wasn't until he created the Model T car did he find success after failing from A to S.

All in all, The Inventor's Secret: What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford is a well-told tale that teaches young readers to never give up – even if it takes twenty tries.

[Alison Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Henry Ford struggling to invent the Model T and tracking down Thomas Edison to figure out the secret to his success...and its based on real events!

My young son (4) has been interested in Thomas Edison so we've been reading a number of children's biographies on him. Still, I had no idea that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were friends. I was shocked to learn that Thomas Edison encouraged Henry Ford to "Keep at it." I didn't realize how important it was to Henry Ford to make a car that was affordable for everyone. Clearly, I still have a lot to learn!

I adore children's books that demonstrate the combined power of curiosity and perseverance. So many times it seems like "geniuses" are born and things just fall in their laps. I think it's important for children to understand the amount of work that is required before success.

The illustrations were delightful - I think they were my favorite part. Some of the expressions on Henry Ford's face were priceless.

The author did a nice job of telling a story that will be meaningful for a variety of ages. At first I was annoyed by referring to them as "Henry" and. "Thomas" but I think it does make them more human somehow. There's also a nice section at the back that includes sources, some extra information on the inventions, and a timeline - perfect for a child who would like to learn more detailed information.

If you like this book I would recommend Brian Floca's Locomotive and Ashley Spire's The Most Marvelous Thing.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What's his secret?" That's the question dogging Henry Ford as he watches Thomas Edison's phonograph and incandescent bulb take off, while his own attempts to create steam and gas engines sputter. The author shifts between the developing careers of both men until, while discussing engines with Edison at a dinner in 1896, Ford gets his answer: "Keep at it!" Edison shouts encouragingly and pounds his fist on the table.

The illustrations are mixed-media artwork that include several lighthearted moments (parallel scenes featuring Edison and Ford as children highlight the explosive results of early failed experiments). Extensive endnotes discuss the author and illustrators processes and several of the inventions mentioned, along with a time line and source notes. I found this extra material to be almost more interesting than the book itself.

The fact that Edison and Ford were friends it well know. This book is a rewarding look at the importance of persistence, as well as the friendship that developed between these prominent inventors.

[James Potts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story just looked interesting from the cover art. It shows Thomas Edison and Hennery Ford talking to each other. It shows them both thinking about what they both have created. The lay out of this book is very interesting to a reader. The story tells the story of Edison and Ford. It jumps from page to page about the invertors. Page one explains how the world was not how we have grown to know it today, but how it was a darker place and slower than it is now a day. The second page tells the story of Edison and the next Ford. I really liked this book. It was very informative for students. It would be a great book to do a report on. I really enjoyed looking at the illustrations and not just the information. It also can inspirer students to become the next Edison or Ford. It also has a message of not giving up no matter on how many times your invention or dream fails you.

[Laura West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally had some background knowledge and some information to pull upon regarding Thomas Edison and Henry Ford so I enjoyed recapping some information and adding new parts to my knowledge. When opening the book, before the book actually began, the design of cogs and lightbulbs painted in brown watercolor really caught my eye. The brown watercolor technique added age to the book and continued to do so throughout even going to the extent of using quill like writing to detail some information. My favorite part of the book was Suzanne Slades of thought bubbles and framing which I felt highlighted the most important information and imagery.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at what makes inventors tick. Each was experimenting and tinkering from a young age. The joy is that they both had the time to do these things, time to wander, observe and think about things. The secret that Edison shared with Ford was simple - "KEEP AT IT!" and you will find the solution.
I find it amazing that Ford and Edison were friends, even with a sixteen year age separation. Edison wa known for his gruffness. The fact that they stayed friends for such a long time is quite amazing, even to the point that they lived side by side with a "friendship gate" between the properties.

[Esther Westfall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that goes over some of the achievements of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. My kids loved it because it starts out by telling you what the two inventors were like as children and follows them as they grow up and become famous inventors. The moral of the story, and the not quite a secret that Thomas Edison tells Henry Ford is as relevant today as it was then. If you want to be successful, you just keep at it until you finally get it right. I would recommend this to everyone!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the beginning comes right out and spells out the differences of then and now, to get children in the right frame of mind for what is to come. This book correlates with Maker activities, engineering, tinkering, inventing, and take apart activities, perfect for a literature based lesson in a library. The author's note about the spark of a moment when you get an idea for a new book is inspiring for young writers. I also loved the invention section, sources section, and timeline, even my youngest students love these aspects of non-fiction.

[Christie Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas was curious about electricity--invisible energy that flowed and stopped, sizzled and popped.
Henry was curious about engines--machines that chugged and purred, hiccupped and whirred.
These boys' curiosity got them in a heap of trouble, but later led to some of the greatest inventions of all time!

Henry Ford said this after meeting Thomas Edison:
"That bang on the table was worth worlds to me! No man up to then had given me any encouragement . . . and out of a clear sky the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me a complete approval" KEEP AT IT!

[Rachel Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful nonfiction picture book describing the friendship of Henry Ford & Thomas Edison. The illustrations are quaint; although the cursive text in the illustrations is period-style, it may put off some readers who don't read cursive and thus can't read what it says. Lovely author's note at the end. Great for a read aloud during the time students are studying the late 1800s-early 1900s. On the fence about ordering; will check it out with my SS teachers first.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This upper level picture book biography pits the inventing lives and later friendship of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford against each other. There is a lot of inspiration and information in this book and it is well researched. I especially liked that the author's note did not contain the majority of the information. I did at times find it hard to go back and forth every other page between the two men.

[Kara Pirko · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that this book tells the story of two brilliant inventors: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. This book models the thinking that the two inventors harvested. I like that by reading this great book for young children, they can learn a full history lesson of the greatest inventions we use to this day. I think I would read this book to my class during a lesson on inventions/ during history class. I would get this book for my own classroom library.

[Valeria Ayala-Nazario · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rich in content and imaging. The book contains many details from start to finish. This nook is great to teach children about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford separately, and together. This has great, informative images. There are notes on images that look like Henry wrote them, giving the reader a closer feeling to the characters. This book has great language and word choice, for it it very informative.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really cool! It's mostly about Henry Ford, but it talks about the ways in which he was inspired by Edison and the encouragement he got from Edison.

Loved the illustration of the Otto Cycle!

Really good endnotes with details about the inventions, a history of Ford cars, an author's note, an illustrator's note about some of the hard parts in doing illustrations for a book like this, source notes, and a proper timeline with correct spacing!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

As young children, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were extremely curious. At times this caused them to get into trouble. As both grew older, they dreamed that they could make their own inventions. Thomas worked on a phonograph and Henry worked on making a car. Everyone loved what Thomas made, but what about Henry? What was Thomas's secret? This is such a great story Historical fiction story and helps teach young readers to keep going until they achieve success.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for reminding kids to just keep going and keep trying. I was disappointed that there was so much talk about Ford's cars being too expensive and no mention of his invention of the assembly line, a key ingredient in making his car so successful compared to others being made at the time. Still a fun book with lots to learn about these two iconic figures.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electric pens, phonographs, engines, cars, and other inventions are mentioned in this fabulous narrative of two inventors that worked tirelessly to change the world. Their secret??? Lots of determination! Read this book with children 7 years old and up, this will be a favorite when we talk about inventions, hard work, and persistence.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two famous inventors named Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Henry Ford was always wondering what Thomas Edison's secret to inventing was. This book was interesting and exciting. I am inspired to create my own inventions and know that I must keep on going no matter what.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes being creative.
Lola (6yrs)

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two curios boys, Thomas and Henry, were always in trouble. They needed to know how things worked. As they grew they created inventions that changed the world. When Henry got stuck, he sought out Thomas for help. Henry got some simple but powerful advice from Thomas. Through multiple trials and errors, Henry invented an automobile that could be purchased by most people.

[Ellina Anisimova · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an illustrative children’s book telling the story of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s lives growing up curious. The book features many examples of trial and error, showing how both men struggled with the inventions they created. This would be a great addition to your library, showing the lives of two influential inventors in a colorful and narrative way!