8 Fascinating Books on African American Inventors

What Color Is My World?: The Lost History of African-American Inventors, by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld, Ben Boos, and A. G. Ford
Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has brought us a wonderful lineup of some of the unsung heroes of African American inventions. You may not even have known about some of these inventors, and the story is written perfectly for children, focusing as it does on a pair of twins, and their use of those inventions throughout their home. It’s a great way to get the conversation started about inventions, African American inventors, and why their work is so important.

Who Was George Washington Carver?, by Jim Gigliotti
Fix your little one a peanut butter sandwich (allergens permitting) when it’s time to introduce them to George Washington Carver! This biography tells the story of Carver’s life, including his role as the first African American student at Iowa State Agricultural College, and later, its first African American professor. It also makes sure to mention his life’s work with peanuts, and how he worked to change the face of agriculture.

All Aboard!: Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine, by Monica Kulling and Bill Slavin
Being the son of a slave didn’t stop Elijah McCoy from studying mechanical engineering, nor did the prejudices he faced in his work with the Michigan Central Railroad stop him from completely changing the travel industry with his work on the steam engine. Exceptionally bright, and a man who never quit, McCoy’s story is one your child will love, especially with the sweet illustrations that beautifully depict an interesting time in American history.

Dear Benjamin Banneker, by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Benjamin Banneker’s contributions to the world are huge and include his invention of the first striking clock, and his work in agriculture, including being one of the first to employ crop rotation and water irrigation techniques. He was also the first African American to publish an almanac, but his story is even more courageous than you’d think as an inventor. This book also introduces your children to Banneker’s letter writing to Thomas Jefferson, who was then Secretary of State, to condemn the future president for his ownership of slaves.

African American Women Scientists and Inventors, by Otha Richard Sullivan
Boys and girls alike will gobble up this book on the African American women scientists and inventors. There are 26 women featured in this book, which spans from some of the earliest inventions to modern times.

Black Pioneers of Science and Invention, by Louis Haber
This book caters to older kids, around 10-12, but is a great read for the entire family. With fourteen African American innovators profiled, it’s a great roundup of some of the biggest contributions to society and the world from a number of incredible pioneers and inventors.

Who Was the Hair-Care Millionaire? Madam C.J. Walker, by Mary Kay Carson
This book, featuring the life of Madam C.J. Walker, the self-made millionaire inventor of hair care products, is a true rags-to-riches story. Walker was tenacious, generous, and intelligent—everything you want your own little girl to be. If you need a heavy dose of motivation for your little one, or are hoping to inspire them with an incredible story, this fascinating biography is a great start.

George Crum and the Saratoga Chip, by Gaylia Taylor
Featuring one of your child’s (ok, and everyone’s) favorite things, this book is the story of how the potato chip came to be, and the biracial chef, George Crum, responsible for the delicious invention. Using historical records, the book covers the story of a restaurant patron complaining that Crum’s French fries were too thick, and how the snack we all love was first invented. While the story of Crum’s childhood is based more on speculation, it’s still a fun choice for your little one to get them excited about learning. (And snacks!)
What inventors have inspired your little ones?