Always Inventing: A Photobiography of Alexander Graham Bell

Photobiographies

by Tom L. Matthews, National Geographic Kids (Editor)

Now in paperback—National Geographic Children's Books presents the award-winning photobiography of Alexander Graham Bell. This fascinating profile, named a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, uses direct quotes to give readers a vivid insight into the life of a prolific inventor, driven to succeed.

With a foreword by Gilbert M. Grosvenor, Bell's great-grandson, Always Inventing features over 70 period photographs and drawings from Bell's notebooks.

From his first invention at age 11—a tool to clean husks from wheat kernels—to his patent of the hydrofoil 64 years later, Bell was always inventing. Bell was also one of the original founders of the National Geographic Society.

Awards

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Science, School

64 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The study of Nature is undoubtedly one of the most interesting of all pursuits. God has strewn our paths with wonders, and we certainly should not go through Life with our eyes shut.”

“Self-education is a life-long affair. There cannot be mental atrophy in any person who continues to…seek answers for his unceasing how and whys about things.”

[Lmichelleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting account of the genius and curiosity of this fascinating man! I had no idea that he helped start and lead National Geographic, or about many of his lesser known inventions. I never knew much about his family either, and loved catching a glimpse into his family life, and especially how he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. The photographs and illustrations were quite helpful in explaining inventions and bringing the family to life.

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography that took me about 30 minutes to read during music lessons. AOY5. Interesting and intriguing.

[Bethanyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-read for AO year 5. It was really interesting to learn more about Bell and his inventions.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-read for AO year 5!

[Brianna Knutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more interesting person than previously thought.

[Hollie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, intriguing, and inspiring.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With photographs which you would be surprised to see, quotations, copies of sketchbooks and documents, and lots of research, Tom Matthews has put together a terrific presentation about the broad talents of the inventor Alec Bell (1847 - 1922) and the legacy he left the world, not only through the work of he and his colleagues but through his descendants. We know of his work in pioneering sound travel. Perhaps we know of his dedication to teaching and helping the deaf (his wife Mabel Hubbard was deaf). Those achievements came later in his life. He was only 11, however, when he invented a way to separate wheat kernels from their husk. As a teen, he and his brother had created a speaking machine with the larynx of a dead sheep. With others and his father-in-law, Gardiner Greene Hubbard, the National Geographic Society came into being. Toward the turn of the century, he worked very hard to make a device which was like a metal detector for human beings, and made a predecessor of an iron lung. As the 20th century developed, he was fascinated by flight. He always kept his mind active.

[Lindsey Carnicella · Rating 4 out of 5]

AO Year 5 Science read. Wanted to read ahead some of these future AO reads. Really enjoyed this. Yes, it’s written for children, but I learned so much and my interested was piqued to read about about him. What a fascinating individual! I had no idea his passion for deaf education and that both his mother and wife were deaf! In fact his wife had been one of his students! Also had no knowledge of his other inventions. What particularly struck me was that, at least from the way he was portrayed in this book, never invented for sake of becoming famous and wealthy, but because problems arose in the lives of those he loved and were close with, and he simply sought to try to find solutions. He truly was “always inventing”. I’d love to learn more about his life and character. Highly recommend!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A biography of inventor Alexander Graham Bell illustrated with actual photographs and period paintings/artwork.

I knew that Alexander Graham Bell was passionate about helping the deaf, but I didn't know his wife was deaf. His contributions to the deaf community are inspiring. But there are many other things he did that helped others. I never knew that he had so many other inventions after the telephone, like the iron lung, improved hydrofoils, or airplane advancements. And it was eye-opening to learn that he was a founder of the National Geographic magazine, and that his descendants are still directors. This is a fascinating biography of a man who was insatiably curious and constantly looking for ways to help others.

No content issues.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading for AO Y5. I associated Bell with the invention of the telephone but had no idea of some of his other work. This book connected his life with Helen Keller, National Geographic, and early pioneers of flight. His inventions & discoveries touched more than I ever knew and it all stemmed from his desire to help others. We loved it!

[Bradie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me a lot. I wish it didn't have so many opinions.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an informative book for its compact size. Enjoyed reading it with my son who loves anything science oriented.

[Eliza Fitzgerald]

Year 5 pre reading

[Alaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great visual and educational look at the great inventor Alexander Graham Bell. This is one I am glad to keep on my shelf and have the kids look and continue to learn.

[Jean Bowen]

Read for Ambleside online YR 5 with my 13 yr and 11yr old. A well done biography. We all enjoyed the photos and sketches of Bell's many inventions and learned a lot about his life and family.

[Char Hight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal Thoughts:

Students will find this book appealing because it is photodriven making it easy to read. A beginner reader will be able to follow along with little assistance from an adult. This an older edition of Always Inventing. The theme is photography being used to depict the life and inventions of Alexander Graham Bell. The organization of the book is chronological and also includes a timeline in the back of the book. There are MANY photos in the book (black and white/sepia). My favorite part of this book was the bold printed quotes and captions of the photos.

Classroom Use:

Recommended grade: 3-5
Inventions of their own
Explore how the telephone has "evolved" Compare and Contrast
KWL charts (small groups 2-3 or individual)

[Shelly♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book on AGB. Tells the story of his life in a simple manner, and also shares many photographs and drawings that help explains his story. The way it is told makes it more appealing for children, who might otherwise find the lab less than exciting.

Recommend as a read aloud for elementary age. Older elementary can read for themselves.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This high quality picture book has lots of information to appeal to all levels of readers. It has some very good photographs of the inventions of Mr. Bell. Mr. Bell's quotes are interspersed throughout the book. This book is included in the custom box.

[Brandon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative, I liked the quotes and pictures.

[Aleisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an extraordinary man!

[Kiddo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just photos