The Story of Thomas Alva Edison

U.S. Landmark Books #110

by Margaret Cousins

Beginning with Thomas Edison’s childhood, when he set up his first laboratory in his basement as a 10-year-old, and following through his many jobs before he was able to support himself as an inventor, this is the true story of the man who brought the world the phonograph, motion pictures, and even the electric light bulb—revolutionary inventions that forever changed the way people live.
“One of the most critically acclaimed, best-selling children’s book series ever published.”—The New York Times
Margaret Cousins is also the author of the Landmark Book Ben Franklin of
Old Philadelphia.

Genres: Science, Biography, History, American History, Childrens, History Of Science, Nonfiction

185 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Angel Santillan-gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely caught my attention, so I read it. The book made me appreciate and admire Thomas Alva Edison more than ever before. I never exactly knew what this man did for the world until I read this book. I absolutely liked reading this book because it fascinated me the entire time knowing what this man could do and did throughout his lifetime. My favorite part consisted of reading about the humbleness of Edison . I found no dislikes while reading this book. The book came off as an easy book to read because it didn’t consist of a complex story, plot, or problem. I do recommend others to read this book.

[Cala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of Thomas Alva Edison written for young readers - probably at least middle school. As an adult, I really enjoyed learning about Edison from this easy to read yet incredibly thorough account of Edison's life. He led a work-centered life and his family barely knew who he was, but the world benefitted greatly. So many things we take for granted now wouldn't exist without Edison's tireless experimentation, risk taking, and publicity knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in Edison, inventions, electricity, and the like.

[Yash Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of Thomas Alva Edison written for young readers. As an class 12th student, I really enjoyed learning about Edison from this easy to read yet incredibly thorough account of Edison's life. He led a work-centered life and his family barely knew who he was, but the world benefitted greatly. So many things we take for granted now wouldn't exist without Edison's tireless experimentation, risk taking, and publicity knowledge. I would recommend this book to anyone interesting in Edison, inventions, electricity, and the like.

[Amy Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I became interested in Edison after watching the fantastic films, Young Tom Edison with Mickey Rooney and Edison the Man with Spencer Tracy. This book showed what from the movies was true and what had been enhanced or made up. I really enjoyed it until around 70% and I felt it got too bogged down with the technical details of his inventions, but the beginning about his childhood and early career and adventures was great. You don't realize how many things we take for granted that wouldn't exist without him.

[Emmett Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this is in my top 5 favorite books of all time. Yes, I think it's that good. The story describes how Thomas grows up and how he becomes interested in being an inventor, and accurately and vividly describes his successes and failures, and the outcome of them.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turns out, Edison was kind of a weirdo. This book was super fun to read even though we didn't end up loving Thomas Edison. We did learn a lot about his life and the era he lived in. An excellent biography to add to your american history repertoire.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent biography of Edison for young readers.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real funny book about Thomas Edison. I love how Edison always finds a way to get rich but then looses all his money.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great biography for young readers. I learned plenty as part of our history of science. I only wish it had more diagrams. Would have helped with the younger crowd

[Pongsak Sarapukdee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much. Thomas Alva Edison is a role model of someone who succeeds through hard work and also a man who never stops learning new things.

[Sharon Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

B+. nonfiction, children's nonfiction; biography, upper elementary

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This man had a fascinating life. He sounds like a hard personality to get along with.

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about Thomas Edison for grades 3-6. It was both enjoyable and informative.

[Dirk Bannion · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son expected this book to be boring and instead found it fascinating. Well written and engaging account of an amazing person.

[Kayla Kuyper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful living history book for kids and adults alike!

[Julie Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book (for the second time) with my 9yo son. The last chapter had some excellent quotes.

[Zack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I never really knew about Thomas Edison until I read this book. If I were to read about a person, I guess it might as well be the greatest contribution to the united stated in the late 1800’s. Knowing about the civil war surprising helped me understand some of the terms and events in the book. When the book mentioned riots breaking out over “Carpetbaggers” I remembered learning about that in social studies. Carpetbaggers are northerners traveling to the south after the civil war. I would defiantly recommend this book to everyone because use it really helps you to see how is nation devolved, and the people who help it to be what it is today.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Story of Thomas Alva Edison is a well-written book about Thomas Edison’s life, from birth to death. It is written in a way that is interesting to children in late elementary through middle school. Many stories and anecdotes are included to give a well-rounded picture of the inventor. I recommend it for children and adults alike.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the same cover that we have. My children really enjoyed this read aloud and were inspired by it. We had many interesting conversation and some science projects resulted for the read!

[Pam Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of biography I enjoyed reading when I was a kid. Very well written and keeps your attention to the last word! What an amazing person Edison was.

[WSL Library]

X4

[Justin Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son expected this book to be boring and instead found it fascinating. Well written and engaging account of an amazing person.