You've probably heard of famous inventors like Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Graham Bell. But did you know that many Black inventors changed the way we live through their many innovations? Famous inventions like the ice cream scoop, mailbox, and automatic elevator doors were created by Black inventors!

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Picture Books about Black Inventors

Explore these picture books highlighting Black inventors like Sarah Goode and Lonnie Johnson. These stories showcase their incredible inventions and groundbreaking contributions to the world.

Their inventions:

Sarah Goode - cabinet bed
Charles Drew - blood bank
George Washington Carver - peanut products
Madam C.J. Walker - hair care products
Lewis Latimer - carbon filament
Garrett Morgan - traffic light and gas mask
Lonnie Johnson - Super Soaker
Dr. Patricia Bath - Laserphaco Probe

Learn about more inventions in Craig Thompson’s, ABCs of Black Inventors!

Black Inventors Bingo

I learned soooo much and was incredibly inspired while making this Black Inventors Bingo Game! It includes 24 inventions by famous Black inventors like George Washington Carver's peanut products and Garrett Morgan's traffic light. With 30 unique bingo mats, this game is perfect for classrooms and family fun. You can find the Black Inventors Bingo Game in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

Teaching Tip: I’m a Teacher-Librarian and I put together a Black Inventors Kit for my school that includes the bingo game and the book, “Have You Thanked an Inventor Today?”

Dr. Patricia Bath Freebie!

Here’s another picture book about Dr. Patricia Bath written in rhyme. Dr. Patricia Bath was a remarkable inventor and ophthalmologist who created the "Laserphaco Probe." With her invention, people who had trouble seeing due to cataracts could have their vision restored. The Laserphaco Probe made eye surgery quicker and safer.

You can grab the Doctor With an Eye for Eyes freebie that I created from my TPT store. It includes a one-page biography, a comprehension check, a graphic organizer, and posters.

Happy reading! Which picture book would you add to my list?