Benjamin Banneker: Pioneering Scientist

On My Own Biography

by Ginger Wadsworth, Graig Orback (Illustrator)

In a time when most African Americans were slaves, Banneker lived a life of freedom and became known as America's first African American man of science. Through his accomplishments, he helped advance the cause of equality for African Americans.

Genres: Biography, History

48 pages, Library Binding

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie gave this one a 5. She seems to really enjoy biographies, and especially likes them in short book form. I would prefer something a little richer in detail and vocabulary for her age, but as a an informative book for younger or less confident readers, this is excellent. As Lizzie read it to me, I enjoyed learning about America's first black man of science. People in history who seek after learning and educate themselves against the odds are quite inspiring.

Re-read this together with the triplets. They are a bit younger than Lizzie was when we read it, and I could more fully appreciate what a great book it is for the intended age. We all loved it, and it sparked further discussion at several points. We were tugged down rabbit trails of curiosity for further knowledge about topics touched on in the biography, from astronomy to printing presses and slavery to almanacs. Our biggest takeaway was that we can be lifelong learners and keep asking “why” as we seek to quench our never ending thirst for knowledge.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography is very well done. First, the book told the story of the whole span of Benjamin Banneker’s life. Second, it talked about slavery, Benjamin’s letter confronting Thomas Jefferson and touched on the risks of being a freed Black man at that time in history. Benjamin was active in his own story, which is unfortunately missing in too many children’s biographies about historic Black figures. The painted illustrations are beautiful. I would have liked to know more about the math, astronomy and other science that Benjamin Banneker studied, which seems like a good quality in a children’s biography.

[Ro · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫳🫳🫳🫳🫳😀🙂🙂

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great revolutionary war era biography for kids.

[Tammie]

1700
African American
loved to learn
built wood clock
surveyor(washington D.C.0
wrote an almanac

divesity
heritage
gr 2-4

Agood book showing diversity early in our nation's history. I would use the book for teaching the power of observation. I can use for showing ingenuity and engineering.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely cover, amazing subject. This guy was certainly a genius.