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The Story Of Thomas Alva Edison
It was eight o'clock at night, on October 19, 1879 That was the evening Tom Edison turned electricity into light with the invention of the electric light bulb. Thomas Edison also invented the phonograph and an early form of motion pictures. This is the amazing story of his life---and of his inventions that changed the world.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1964
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About the author
Margaret Davidson
71 books52 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Margaret Davidson grew up in New York City. As a child, she always loved to read.
She initially published books under her nickname and maiden name of Mickie Compere and also as Mickie Davidson
She has written many biographies, true stories about people's lives. Some famous people she has written biographies about are Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Golda Meir.
Margaret Davidson grew up in New York City. As a child, she always loved to read.
She initially published books under her nickname and maiden name of Mickie Compere and also as Mickie Davidson
She has written many biographies, true stories about people's lives. Some famous people she has written biographies about are Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Golda Meir.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 1, 2024
A simplistic hagiography of Thomas Edison that is meant to inspire children instead of challenging them with his all too human defects.
As far as research goes, the author seems to belong to the school of thought that says, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: [Prologue] -- Tom's First Experiment -- No More School -- Tom Goes to Work -- An Accident! -- How Tom Became a Telegraph Operator -- A Man's Job -- The Invention Factory -- Wood and Metal Talk! -- Tom's Electric Light -- Good-by to Menlo Park -- The Secret of Room 5 -- The Big Fire -- The End -- [Epilogue]
As far as research goes, the author seems to belong to the school of thought that says, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.”
FOR REFERENCE:
Contents: [Prologue] -- Tom's First Experiment -- No More School -- Tom Goes to Work -- An Accident! -- How Tom Became a Telegraph Operator -- A Man's Job -- The Invention Factory -- Wood and Metal Talk! -- Tom's Electric Light -- Good-by to Menlo Park -- The Secret of Room 5 -- The Big Fire -- The End -- [Epilogue]
November 24, 2017
A typical exposure of Mr. Edison without the "whole truth" about capitalism, economics, government, politics and litigation. He was a hero when I read this and not so much now.
March 29, 2020
This story book is about from failing how to take it honestly as a success of life. This success of life is always done by respecting others and being a kind disciplined and honest person that is the reason I like this story book because wherever we are whether being a failure or a successor by reading we are understanding what really we have to do .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2017
A great elementary level biography of Thomas Edison and all he accomplished through his life.
January 3, 2018
Genre: Biography
Unique feature: beautiful black and white illustrations accompanied by simple, realistic, and engaging stories.
Grades: 3-6
Unique feature: beautiful black and white illustrations accompanied by simple, realistic, and engaging stories.
Grades: 3-6
February 13, 2019
Previewed for granddaughter. Pretty readable and interesting.
March 28, 2019
This was a well written biography at about a 3rd-4th grade reading level. It was interesting to learn more about Thomas Edison, his inventions, and his work ethic.
February 27, 2021
Fantastic book. Informative. Fun. Ages 10 & 13
October 17, 2022
Quick read with my 7 year old.
March 19, 2025
A quick read. I read it with my 5th grade reading group. They liked it.
March 30, 2014
A Biography of a Great Man That Shines
Having read several of Margaret Davidson's books, I admit I have a certain brand loyalty, an admiration for her writing. I heartily recommend anything by Ms. Davidson, and this little book is no exception. As with her biography on Louis Braille, the subject of this book had to overcome great obstacles. In fact, young Tom was expelled from school. This part of his life, however, is only touched upon. Nevertheless, the young boy had to "reinvent himself" - my apologies for the banal phrase and the bad pun wrapped in one - and try to find success in the world of work. Here, the young boy was still prone to accidents and still had difficulty spelling. Here, I applaud Ms. Davidson for describing an individual with a learning disability and how he was able to use his talents to compensate for it. Let's not forget, this book was written in 1964, when special education was much less advance than it is today.
Young Tom had another accident - a fortunate one, as he landed a job as a telegraph operator. This job would inspire Tom to create similar products of electronic genius, leading to his famous laboratory at Menlo Park, NJ. This, the "Secret Room No. 5, and the most important of his inventions are described in detail.
Margaret Davidson treats her subject with great respect and tells his story in the sympathetic way for which she is know. Children can learn a lot from reading the biographies of people who led noteworthy, if not extraordinary lives. This sentiment holds especially true for this wonderful little book.
Having read several of Margaret Davidson's books, I admit I have a certain brand loyalty, an admiration for her writing. I heartily recommend anything by Ms. Davidson, and this little book is no exception. As with her biography on Louis Braille, the subject of this book had to overcome great obstacles. In fact, young Tom was expelled from school. This part of his life, however, is only touched upon. Nevertheless, the young boy had to "reinvent himself" - my apologies for the banal phrase and the bad pun wrapped in one - and try to find success in the world of work. Here, the young boy was still prone to accidents and still had difficulty spelling. Here, I applaud Ms. Davidson for describing an individual with a learning disability and how he was able to use his talents to compensate for it. Let's not forget, this book was written in 1964, when special education was much less advance than it is today.
Young Tom had another accident - a fortunate one, as he landed a job as a telegraph operator. This job would inspire Tom to create similar products of electronic genius, leading to his famous laboratory at Menlo Park, NJ. This, the "Secret Room No. 5, and the most important of his inventions are described in detail.
Margaret Davidson treats her subject with great respect and tells his story in the sympathetic way for which she is know. Children can learn a lot from reading the biographies of people who led noteworthy, if not extraordinary lives. This sentiment holds especially true for this wonderful little book.
January 15, 2016
This book was amazing because it had very interesting information on his life.I liked this book because it helped me understand his inventions.His story is an inspiring biography.I loved all the description.I reccommend this book to people who like biographies.
July 7, 2008
i'm also in love with thomas edison. i've read a few books on him. this is a good youth book that gives a lot of interesting info. and is a quick read. every kid should be required to read it.
January 5, 2011
I liked this. It's very simple, but the author was excited about her subject and it showed.
March 11, 2013
Electricity
Grades 3 - 5
Grades 3 - 5
January 6, 2015
Nice, short but a bit detailed bio on the life of Edison. It stresses his inventiveness and how it made him famous. Can be read to elementary aged, and read by grades 3 and up.
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November 30, 2013AR Quiz No. 149085 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 3.4 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 3.4 - AR Pts: 1.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP
October 19, 2014
Pre-reading this book for my 3rd grade unit on inventors coming up in the spring.
February 11, 2024
In honor of Thomas Edison's birthday, I've re-read this book I had read as a boy. A short juvenile Scholastic paperback that makes you want to know more about this famous inventor.
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June 8, 2022read for school in 4th grade
June 19, 2017
An easy to read, short biography. Great for kids. My sons (ages 10 and 12) liked it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews