Inventing the Future

This paperback addition to our Photobiography series, Inventing the Future,documents the life of Thomas Edison. This prolific American is recognized as one of history’s greatest inventors. His 1,093 patented inventions include the light bulb, the phonograph, and the microphone.

Young readers learn why Edison believed that “genius is one per cent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” An inspiring lesson in the rewards of dogged perseverance, Inventing the Future also illustrates how Edison’s greatest legacy is the research laboratory, where constant experimentation remains the necessary prelude to discovery.

Marfé Ferguson Delano’s portrait of this quirky original includes clippings from Edison’s notebooks and images of the inventor at work—and occasionally at rest.

Awards include:

• Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People—NCSS/CBC
• Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children—NSTA/CBC
• American Library Association Notable Book
• James Madison Book Award—Honor Book