Thomas Edison: Lighting the Way

by Lori Haskins Houran, Gustavo Mazali (Illustrator)

Learn about the life of Thomas Edison in this early reader biography.

Most people today know Thomas Edison as the inventor of the light bulb—except, he isn’t! In Edison’s time, other inventors were working on the light bulb, but no one could figure out how to keep the light bulb lit. This is where Edison came in.

Read and find out all about the real story of Thomas Edison’s life and his many amazing inventions, like the movie camera and the battery for an electric car!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Thomas Edison’s life in this Level Two I Can Read.

This biography reader includes a timeline and historical photos all about the life of this inspiring figure.

Thomas Edison: Lighting the Way is a Level Two I Can Read, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2019

Reviews

[Leah Delcamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9-year-old son loved learning about Thomas Edison and I thought this book was a great introduction to such a world changing inventor!

[Jacelyn Neuleib]

This biography is about Thomas Edison and how he grew from a curious young boy into an inventor who paved the way for a number of life changing discoveries to be made. Thomas Edison was extremely influenced by his mother's support and was devastated when she passed away. His mother taught him to ask questions about how and why things worked the way they do. This book gave information about Thomas Edison that I never knew before, like that he was mostly deaf from an illness in childhood. I also never knew that Thomas Edison had several laboratories in moving trains.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned that Edison did not invent the light bulb, well, not exactly. Many people tried. I learned things and liked the story a lot. (review by KayDee, 3rd grade)

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the photographs in the back. My kids will, too.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Thomas Edison: Lighting the Way,' an I Can Read book by Lori Haskins Houran, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali, is a very interesting, historical look at the life and times of Thomas Edison. The timeline at the end of the story is particularly nice, as it brings everything together and ensures an understanding of when in Edison's life each event occurred.

Even though most people think of Edison creating the light bulb, he was also responsible for plenty of other inventions. These included a movie camera and a battery for an electric car, among others. It's always great to go beyond expectations, and Edison clearly shows how he was able to do that for himself, making it evident that others can do the same. One just has to believe in oneself to have the means to begin the path to success. His story is one of faith and encouragement to always strive for more, despite the continued success he was already experiencing.

A great read for young people learning to expand their vocabulary as well as those interested in history and inventions, 'Thomas Edison: Lighting the Way' should be added to any developing reader's bookshelf.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Taylor Armey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great biography of Thomas Edison. It talks about how he was a paperboy, traveled on trains, and became an inventor. Many people were actually trying to invent the light bulb but Thomas was the one that was able to make it stay lit. Thomas invented many other great things during his lifetime. He lived till the long age of 84. This was a great book!

[Brooke]

Informational
Grade Level: K-3
Lexile Level: BR40L-520L