What Color Is My World?

[Melissa]

This was a fun and informative read. I think it would be a great read for elementary students. I would use it to introduce a genius hour in my classroom. I think the book's easy flow and conversational style would break down barriers in students' minds.
I loved the character of Mr. Mital, and I enjoyed the mysterious aspect present in the book's ending. What I enjoyed most about the inventors' biographies was the inclusion of information on the inventors' families. I think it made the inventors appear more personable, and therefore more relatable, especially from a child's perspective.
My favorite inventors were Lewis Latimer, who wrote the "bible" on incandescent lighting, and Dr. Mark Dean; who to paraphrase one of our students when he found out the subject of the biographical project he had just been assigned said, "Awesome! And he's still alive!"

[Lucelia]

Personal responses: This book is about little known accomplishments that were made by African American inventors that have contributed greatly to our world by impacting it positively. For example, it talks about people like Fred Jones that invented the refrigerator truck that helps Grocery chains delivery food to their food stores; that in return help billions of people around the world find food in their local neighborhood stores. Inventors like Joseph Lee that invented the machine that is used to make bread and bread crumbs. Making people wonder that without his invention we would not be able to have a sandwich. 

Classroom applications: This book can be read to elementary or high school students to celebrate black history month. It can also be used to introduce other cultures to the achievements and contributions that the African American communities have made that impact our lives. And if you teach at a school where it is predominantly African American it can help inspire your students to see that people from their culture have helped our world. 

[Melissa]

Lucelia wrote: "Personal responses: This book is about little known accomplishments that were made by African American inventors that have contributed greatly to our world by impacting it positively. For example, ..."

Lucelia,

I liked your post. I agree with your point that the book could be used to inspire students. I would love to have some articles or books about the various inventions mentioned in the book to extend the activity.