Stopping Bullets with a Thread: Stephanie Kwolek and Her Incredible Invention

Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies

by Edwin Brit Wyckoff

Biography of the woman chemist who invented Kevlar, a superstrong fiber used to make, among other things, bullet-resistent vests.

Genres: Biography

32 pages, Library Binding

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stephanie Kwolek was strongly encouraged by her father when she was young. They would wander the woods and outdoors together making notes of the wildlife, plants, etc. Stephanie thought perhaps she would be a doctor and save lives when she grew up. However, she became a scientist, using the skills her father had taught her when she was young. As a scientist, one of her jobs was to develop a synthetic fiber that would be as strong as steel. It took a lot of persistence, but her determination paid off. Her discovery, now known as Kevlar, is also saving lives.
Will be of interest to readers of various levels. Also includes many graphs, charts, and photographs. At the end there are facts, a timeline, a glossary, and suggestions for additional information. Part of the "Genius Inventors and their Great Ideas" series.