The Inventor's Secret: What Thomas Edison Told Henry Ford

I visited The Henry Ford in Michigan this summer, 2022. This picture book will be a good introduction for my 2nd graders into to learning how great thinkers can struggle, persevere, and employ grit to bring about the discoveries and inventions that come from the process. I also appreciate that the book highlights the friendship. Kids need to see this.

I loved reading biographies as a child. THE INVENTOR’S SECRET: WHAT THOMAS EDISON TOLD HENRY FORD is a book about curious and imaginative creators I would have cherished. The opening immediately draws one in with wonderful language and the enticing lure of a secret. Author Suzanne Slade begins the story focusing on the younger years of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford (16 years younger than Edison). The reader observes the thoughts and experiences of Thomas and Henry through Jennifer Black Reinhardt’s rich and detailed watercolor and ink illustrations.As Henry grows up and keeps hearing about Thomas’ inventions, he is beyond curious and wants to know how they work. I love how Slade crafts their first time meeting in person over several pages. This meeting where the secret is shared changes both of their lives forever and a 30-year friendship forms. Beyond the skillful story and inspired illustrations, all of the information shared at the end of the book is a phenomenal bonus.From the joint timelines of each man’s life and an explanation of their friendship to details about their inventions and informative source notes, this book is a wonderful addition to any personal collection (it is now in mine) as well as being a great gift (I got one for my sister’s third grade classroom too).It has been awarded the National Science Teachers Association’s 2016 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.

Engaging story suitable for 6-8 year olds depicting the value of persistence.

This is a beautifully illustrated story with a wonderful message. Keep at it... the guys had gritLove how it references Detroit too- a little long for preschool but engaging and some rich vocabulary embedded in words children can understand. I love this and can not wait to see what the author writes next!

Ms Slade writes so well for the young audience bringing the spirit, not just the factoids, of science alive for them. I purchased this with a 7 y.o. in mind. He's very curious and very bright and working on his tenacity. he really enjoyed the book as did his little sister and a 13 year old cousin who started off humoring me but asked some good follow-up questions. Next year we're off to the Ford Edison house in Fort Myers!

My students loved this book. Good read aloud for 5th grade.

We really enjoyed this. And it sends a powerful message that is definitely something I want my kids to absorb.

Great history lessons for young readers.