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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Louis Braille?
Louis Braille certainly wasn't your average teenager. Blind from the age of four, he was only fifteen when in 1824 he invented a reading system that converted printed words into columns of raised dots. Through touch, Braille opened the world of books to the sightless, and almost two hundred years later, no one has ever improved upon his simple, brilliant idea.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 19, 2024
Who Was ...? biography series for middle grade brings the inspiring figure of Louis Braille who invented the reading code for the blind that is still used today. His system of raised dots is called braille.
Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 in Coupvray, France. It was a small village north of Paris. Louis loved working with his father in the workshop. One day, while his father stepped away for a moment, Louis accidently pierced his eye with a sharp tool while trying to make a hole in a piece of leather. The infection spread to the second eye. By the age of four, he was completely blind.
His parents were determined for Louis to learn how to be useful. His father made an alphabet with nails attached to a board for Louis to learn all the letters.
At ten, Louis arrived at the school in Paris, which was the only school for blind children in France. He quickly made the use of the books at the library, which were written with raised letters. The problem was that they were large letters. So it was a tedious process to read a book.
When a new director was hired, he introduced a new reading system called “night writing.” The dots punched into heavy paper represented sounds that could form words, which formed sentences. The system of using sounds was hard to learn, but Louis persisted and found a new method which was easier and became implemented in classes.
In 1828, at nineteen, he graduated from the Institute. He was asked to stay as a student teacher. He gladly accepted and quickly became a beloved teacher.
Louis died at forty-three from tuberculosis. Two years after his death, his raised dot code became the official system in France for teaching the blind.
This biography is beautifully written, shedding light on a kind-hearted man who didn’t receive a credit for his invention during his lifetime. But that probably wasn’t his concern. What he cared about deeply were his students and how to improve their lives. He was a true hero for humanity.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Look for Solutions rather than Accept the Limits
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 in Coupvray, France. It was a small village north of Paris. Louis loved working with his father in the workshop. One day, while his father stepped away for a moment, Louis accidently pierced his eye with a sharp tool while trying to make a hole in a piece of leather. The infection spread to the second eye. By the age of four, he was completely blind.
His parents were determined for Louis to learn how to be useful. His father made an alphabet with nails attached to a board for Louis to learn all the letters.
At ten, Louis arrived at the school in Paris, which was the only school for blind children in France. He quickly made the use of the books at the library, which were written with raised letters. The problem was that they were large letters. So it was a tedious process to read a book.
When a new director was hired, he introduced a new reading system called “night writing.” The dots punched into heavy paper represented sounds that could form words, which formed sentences. The system of using sounds was hard to learn, but Louis persisted and found a new method which was easier and became implemented in classes.
In 1828, at nineteen, he graduated from the Institute. He was asked to stay as a student teacher. He gladly accepted and quickly became a beloved teacher.
Louis died at forty-three from tuberculosis. Two years after his death, his raised dot code became the official system in France for teaching the blind.
This biography is beautifully written, shedding light on a kind-hearted man who didn’t receive a credit for his invention during his lifetime. But that probably wasn’t his concern. What he cared about deeply were his students and how to improve their lives. He was a true hero for humanity.
This illustrated biography series for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences and enriched with insightful inserts.
TRENDING INSPIRATION: Look for Solutions rather than Accept the Limits
https://biopurposeland.blogspot.com/
April 14, 2018
This book has few pages and is intended for children, but it's very informative and interesting. Louis Braille's life was very significant and he created a system of writing and reading that has helped and helps even today millions of blind people. With each passing day, my reading in English gets faster and I learn more, even if I'm studying it on my own. I really want to finish reading my children's books and move on to my middle-grade books in English.
January 11, 2017
Who Was Louis Braille? by Margaret Frith, Scott Anderson (Illustrations) is a detailed book about Louis' life and how he created the braille system. It tells how he became blind, his life in general, his school, the issues he had, his success, those against him and more. Very readable and enjoyable book. Made me feel like I knew Louis and his friends. Great pictures along the way. Over 100 pages of just info too. Great job! I got this book from the library.
July 20, 2021
I do a lot of speech writing and I am always looking for examples that make certain points in whatever topic I am covering. I discovered these children's Who Was series of books. This was the first one and I'll absolutely be able to use the story of Louis Braille and his determination in a speech. These books are simple and make it that I can digest a person's life super fast. So, I'll be reading lots more of them! And for kids they would be great!!
December 22, 2015
I had no idea about the life of Louis Braille. After reading this short biography I admire him so. Raised in a loving and supportive family, he flourished into a talented, generous, and dedicated person. He came up with his reading system for the blind when he was just a teenager. After reading this book I'm willing to read a full biography of this amazing man.
May 2, 2018
104 pages. Great biography. I learned a lot. I had never known there were other forms of writing for the blind. I had no idea he was from France. This is a well-written biography that is full of facts, stories and other additional information that is quite helpful. Kids will enjoy learning about this courageous historical figure. Highly recommended for Grades 4-6.
April 22, 2015
Who was the person who invent braille, who once was a sighted boy and play the piano and violin and a blind person? Read the book to find out
March 11, 2020
Great biography about Louis Braille. He accomplished a lot in his short life and was recognized more for his work after he passed away. I enjoyed reading about his life! He never gave up and was successful!
April 18, 2018
Great short bio.
February 13, 2016
In this biography Margaret Frith explains the wonderful life of Louis Braille. This biography is about the man named Louis Braille who had done many incredible things in his life. But the one thing that he did that most people know him for is the code he had made of the alphabet for blind people like himself were able to memorize and write using the code. This wonderful man was born on January 4, 1809, Coupvray, France. And from his blinding incident, that had occurred to him when he was younger, he basically given the blind people a greater chance of education. Louis Braille had died January 6, 1852, Paris, France which is where is journey to success began.
February 13, 2021
I cannot get enough of this history series for young readers. As an adult they give me a short concise biography of people that I know in a shallow way thus plugging some holes in my interest in the lives of important individuals that have changed and influenced the world.
I remember reading about Louis Braille and the written notation he developed. I also recalled that he was young when he developed it and that it is still one the standards in communication with the blind. But I learned a great deal about this incredible individual and his accomplishement.
I remember reading about Louis Braille and the written notation he developed. I also recalled that he was young when he developed it and that it is still one the standards in communication with the blind. But I learned a great deal about this incredible individual and his accomplishement.
September 21, 2024
This book was really interesting, and I’m sure part of that is thanks to the author’s writing style. I kept wanting to learn more and more about Louis. He seemed to be an amazing guy. I also loved the drawings; I thought they were so cute. I felt warm and fuzzy reading this. Louis was surrounded by supportive friends and family until the very end of his life. Really interesting guy, lived a good and fulfilling life. I was actually sad reading the page about his death. I got so attached to him throughout the book.
October 18, 2017
Excellent example of an early biography. Straightforward facts, easily read. B&W illustrations on most pages assist the narrative. Occasional fact pages of a historic nature add a little background to clarify something mentioned in the text. Ends with favorite children's books available in Braille, time line of Braille's life, timeline of the world, and a bibliography noting ones for young readers.
Bluestem Nominee 2018
Bluestem Nominee 2018
June 1, 2017
What a great introduction to the life of Louis Braille. It quickly touches on the main points of his life and his great invention of braille. It did make me also want to learn more information about his invention and this great system that allows the blind to read/communicate. The illustrations will help young readers to picture the things that might be a bit foreign to them.
August 15, 2017
First, I was unaware that Louis Braille was blind himself. Secondly, I am amazed that he was so young when he began improving the system of raised dots for communication. The "Who Was/Is" series are very popular due to their easy to read format, blank & white illustrations and peppered with just the right amount of interesting facts.
August 6, 2024
This is a great series.With very good and accurate information for any 8 -12 year old needing to write a report on famous historical figures or events. And for adults, a way to also collect a lot of historical trivia!
August 19, 2017
I've read a ton of books about him. I tend to like this series. Nothing special about it but easy for kids to read and understand
September 14, 2017
Louis Braille was amazing.
December 18, 2017
It was very interesting and informative. I learned things I didn't know about him.
February 18, 2018
read this to my 9-year-old and 7-year-old daughters. a little dry at times but overall a great documentation of perseverance anx success.
December 2, 2022
Louis Braille did a lot with his life - even when he was blind. I was impressed with his drive to improve and keep going.
March 26, 2025
This was an extremely informative, really interesting history of the life of Louis Braille. I really learned a lot!
August 7, 2017
In 1812, at the age of 3, Louis Braille suffered an unexpected and unfortunate accident which ultimately left him blind in both eyes. Yet, his natural curiosity of the world around him and his superior intelligence kept him hungry for knowledge. The only school for the blind in France was in Paris and so, although his parents were reluctant, he left his little farming village of Coupvray, France to attend the Royal Institute for Blind Youth. There, he excelled.
Gathering information was slow, however, with the methods that were used. Braille used his knowledge of embossing and night writing (which the military used to send coded messages at night) to develop a six-dot system whereby reading could be done efficiently and quickly. This ingenious method is still used worldwide today.
Who Was Louis Braille? is a great introductory biography for any young reader who wants to learn more about the development of Braille or who is just curious about those who deal with disabilities. Includes a timeline of historical events and bibliography.
Gathering information was slow, however, with the methods that were used. Braille used his knowledge of embossing and night writing (which the military used to send coded messages at night) to develop a six-dot system whereby reading could be done efficiently and quickly. This ingenious method is still used worldwide today.
Who Was Louis Braille? is a great introductory biography for any young reader who wants to learn more about the development of Braille or who is just curious about those who deal with disabilities. Includes a timeline of historical events and bibliography.
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September 27, 2020This book is about Louise Braille life. When he was three years old he got a terrible accident that left him blind. He was at his father’s office, he took a little needle and wanted with that needle to pinch the belt but suddenly the needle slipped and pinched his eye. He was crying really loud his father and mother came and saw that the eye he pinched will not work anymore. But then the infection was coming to another eye and he stayed blind. When he was ten years old he went to school for blind people. He went to the music room and everybody saw that he has a talent. He played in a piano and other instruments too. Then he was learning to read dots for blind people. He was great at it the principal was proud. He was the best student in his class. Then when he was 22 years old he got sick and was coughing blood😬 then his father died. When Louis was 42 years old he was feeling better. But when he was 43 he died.😭😭😭
March 27, 2020
The series is tremendous and delivers much needed information about both people and events that have some kind of significance. And who knew about Louis Braille!?!! I am crazy fascinated by his genius and perseverance to create a system of communication for the blind after being blinded in an accident when he was three on his father’s leather shop. Then knowing that the family was supportive of his learning and didn’t send him to the streets is a testament to their belief in him and their love.
So much was covered but in an easily understood way and I know way more than I ever did before!
So much was covered but in an easily understood way and I know way more than I ever did before!
July 5, 2017
Title: Who Was Louis Braille?
Author: Margaret Frith
Lexile Level: 780
Pages: 112
Recommendations and Comments: A very thorough look at the life of Louis Braille. Learned many things I had not known about him. The writing is clear and concise. Throughout the book, there are boxes that give more background on some of things happening during the time Braille was alive.
Stars: 4 out of 5
Reviewed by: Jamie Guardi
Author: Margaret Frith
Lexile Level: 780
Pages: 112
Recommendations and Comments: A very thorough look at the life of Louis Braille. Learned many things I had not known about him. The writing is clear and concise. Throughout the book, there are boxes that give more background on some of things happening during the time Braille was alive.
Stars: 4 out of 5
Reviewed by: Jamie Guardi
November 4, 2022
"HE OPENED THE DOORS OF KNOWLEDGE TO ALL THOSE WHO CANNOT SEE."
This is a wonderful book about Louis Braille. In following his life we discover the history of his written language for the blind, his inspirations, and learn how he kept moving forward despite setbacks and frustrations.
He didn't name writing with dots for himself, nor did he take all the credit for the system, he was a modest man who recognized the efforts, and value of others.
This is a wonderful book about Louis Braille. In following his life we discover the history of his written language for the blind, his inspirations, and learn how he kept moving forward despite setbacks and frustrations.
He didn't name writing with dots for himself, nor did he take all the credit for the system, he was a modest man who recognized the efforts, and value of others.
August 26, 2017
An interesting enough book for the intended age group, but pretty basic if you really want to learn anything more about his life than the fact he invented a way for the blind to read more efficiently.
March 17, 2017
"Who was Louis Braille?" by Margret Frith is about Louis Braille and his challenges from childhood through till adulthood. When Louis was young he had a vary bad accident in his fathers shed when his father wasn't with him and ended up puncturing his eye with and object. An infection can out of the accident and eventually the infection spread to his other eye and he was completely blind in both eyes. When Louis grew up he when to a school that specialized in helping blind boys and girls who were still in their youth. The school was very rundown and wasn't well kept, this lead to many of the children having long lasting coughs and illnesses.
My favorite part of this book was the overall inspiring story. This story shows that even though you might have something that sets you back in life you can still pursue. Although Louis was impaired from a young age he pushed though and did many things with his life. He went on to crest Braille and teach many blind kids.
I recommend this book to boys and girls ages 10-14 who are in need of an inspiring story or a little pick me up.
My favorite part of this book was the overall inspiring story. This story shows that even though you might have something that sets you back in life you can still pursue. Although Louis was impaired from a young age he pushed though and did many things with his life. He went on to crest Braille and teach many blind kids.
I recommend this book to boys and girls ages 10-14 who are in need of an inspiring story or a little pick me up.
July 7, 2017
My favorite Who Was book yet!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews