Chris Barton (1)Recensioni

I like that this picture book biography shows the resilience of engineers, as well as the fact great inventions often are the result of failed attempts to make something else.

Thinking of a super soaker makes many think of their own childhood but little do people know that it was created by accident. This book explains how Lonnie Johnson was always tinkering with things, even from an early age. Thanks to his curiosity continuing throughout his childhood, it brought about great success in getting him a job at NASA. Great for all ages and way to show to never stop being curious and how some of the best inventions were created by a mistake.

Who would win in a shark vs. train battle? The book says it depends. Where are they? Under water or on the tracks? What's the challenge? Selling lemonade or eating pies? What if it's something neither of them are good at?

This is a great book to share with groups. It's funny and has a lot of opportunities for audience partipation.

EducatingParents.org rating: Approved

Illustrations are great art. Includes timeline, artist’s note and artist’s note. Also “recommended viewing and reading.

After reading Barton's book about Day-Glo, I was excited to read his take on glitter, but this seemed overly long to me, and not as satisfying or compelling. He does cover what glitter is (iridescent), what makes glitter sparkle (spectrum of visible light, reflected and absorbed light, interference), the ancient history of glitter (iridescent beetle shells found in King Tut's tomb), other names for glitter (flitter!), how it has been made (with film, plastic, metal, mica, and cellulose), and who invented modern glitter, as well as the environmental concerns about microplastics ending up in the ocean. Overall, I found it informative but not fascinating.

Some pages include secondary text in a slightly smaller and different colored typeface. Back matter includes an author's note, illustrator's note, further reading, and a selected bibliography.

Barton's personable and humorous writing style is perfect for nonfiction and relaying the fascinating story of glitter in particular. 2-page spreads showcase narrative text with nonfiction details in contrasting color and slightly small typeset. A midcentury font is used to the occasional standout line. Prabhat's exceptional illustrations magically capture the color and sparkly of glitter while clearly communicating scientific concepts and manufacturing processes. A trio of kids serve as audience proxies in illustrations of more abstract concepts. Socially histories and historical figures are woven in seemlessly, and I was pleasantly surprised to find a spread declarying "to some people glitter has become an especially big deal" that discussed drag performers, glam rockers, and Mardi Gras - even the tradition of mixing in purple glitter to Ash used on Ash Wednesday that symbolizes LGBTQ+ welcoming. But the most successful thing about the book is the tone it strikes: it balances honoring innate human fascination with all things shiny with the downsides of glitter (micro-plastic pollution and child labor are covered) and wraps things up with a hopeful tone that praises human ingenuity and the ways people are trying to produce glitter more ethically and ecologically. A thoughtful authors note, further reading, and extensive bibliography are included in backmatter.

Unexpected and interesting history of day-glo, those bright colors found in highlighters, safety gear, and terribly popular for clothing in the 80's. Turns out 2 brothers from Montana accidentally invented the daylight fluorescent paint. Neat to see the two very different personalities work together, approaching the problem with their unique ideas to find a solution. As expected, fantastic use of color throughout.

Atinkering African-American boy grows up to become the inventor of a very popular toy.

Lonnie Johnson always tinkered with something. As a kid, he built rockets and launched them in the park amid a crowd of friends. (He even made the rocket’s fuel, which once caught fire in the kitchen. Oops.) As an adult he worked for NASA and helped to power the spacecraft Galileo as it explored Jupiter. But nothing is as memorable in the minds of kids as his most famous invention (to date): the Super-Soaker. While testing out a new cooling method for refrigerators, Johnson accidentally sprayed his entire bathroom, and the idea was born. However, the high-powered water gun was not an instant success. Barton shows the tenacity and dedication (and, sometimes, plain good timing) needed to prove ideas. From the initial blast of water that splashes the word “WHOOSH” across the page (and many pages after) to the gatefold that transforms into the Larami toy executives’ (tellingly, mostly white) reactions—“WOW!”—Tate plays up the pressurized-water imagery to the hilt. In a thoughtful author’s note, Barton explains how Johnson challenges the stereotypical white, Einstein-like vision of a scientist.

A delightfully child-friendly and painfully necessary diversification of the science field. (Picture book/biography. 4-8)

-Kirkus Review

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4-6
Awards: None

Genre
Picture books for children
Tone
Funny
Writing Style
Attention-grabbing
Illustration
Cartoony
Subject
Competition
Contests
Sharks
Trains
Winning and losing

Never once thought about who invented Day-Glo, but now I know! Illustrations are black-and-white with pops and floods of color, including Day-Glo endpapers. Back matter: author's note, sources.

In order to entertain their friends, firetruck and dragon get into a staring contest.

Barbara Jordan, born in Houston, Texas in 1936, became the first Black US Congresswoman from the Deep South. As a member of the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate impeachment investigation in 1974, she earned national recognition for her delivery of the opening remarks, saying:

“My faith in the Constitution is whole, it is complete, it is total. And I am not going to sit here and be an idle spectator to the diminution, the subversion, the destruction of the Constitution.”

Barton’s book begins when Jordan was growing up in Houston, where she was known for her “big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice. It caused folks to sit right up, stand up straight, and take notice.” She used her voice in public speaking and oratory contests. But she wanted to do more; she wanted to make a difference.

The first time she spoke at a political meeting, the audience was inspired by her, and Barbara got “bitten by the political bug.” The author writes that now she knew what to do with her voice: put it to public use.

Barbara started out as a Texas state senator, and in 1972, won an election to the U.S. Congress. While she made a mark there, she was also struggling with the disease of multiple sclerosis, so she went back home to Texas and became a college teacher. Barton writes:

“Barbara used her voice to instruct and implore and inspire them not just to get out and do something, but to do the right thing.”

Jordan received nearly two dozen honorary degrees and, in 1990, was named to the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca, New York. She died in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1996, from pneumonia that was a complication of leukemia.

The author concludes we can honor her memory by making our own voices heard.

Back matter includes an Author’s Note, timeline, and sources for further reading.

Award-winning illustrator Ekua Holmes adds to Jordan’s story with gorgeous mixed-media collages in bright jewel tones rich with historical references.

Note: If you want to see Barbara Jordan delivering her famous speech on July 24, 1974, you can view it at this link.

Evaluation: This book for readers 5 and up stands out for its striking illustrations and the message - much needed still - that integrity matters, and can make a difference. I would have liked to have seen more about what Jordan actually did and the bravery it required, but readers may be inspired to check out some of the sources listed and find out more.½

Children biography of Lonnie Johnson, we see the story of all the discouragement and all the successes. This is a great inclusion to a children's library, it allows them to be inspired to follow their dreams.

Truly a masterpiece in dichotomy studies, this enthralling look into the ever-present and harrowing battle between iron-clad trains and bloodthirsty sharks sheds new light on an oft-overlooked but vital struggle. The twist ending doesn't disappoint. Anyone who's serious about conflict studies should give this tome some serious thought.

Chris Barton is fantastic, and Dazzle Ships most definitely did not disappoint. Love the illustrations and the purpose behind this book.

Great imagery that actually has historical meaning. Painting ships during world war I was a common thing and this book kinda talks about it. For the visual, I'd have it in my classroom.

Absolutely fascinating illustrations that pull the reader in right away. I was definitely able to see how much time and effort went into the story and visuals. This book is unique and interesting to read. It has a bit longer texts more in depth while discussing parts of history. I think this is appropriate for 3rd grade and above.

This book has beautiful illustrations that are pure art. Students will be able to see how the colors are used to even hide the ships between the forms and colors used for this book. It is a good resource that I would use in Elementary school.

Summary: Biographical tale of the brothers who invented Day-Glo paint.

Reflections: Fun, retro art. Workmanlike storytelling. Sense of can-do, never-give-up spirit. The brothers succeed hugely despite the unexpected direction their lives take.

This book takes a look at the life and work of Lonnie Johnson, a NASA scientist and engineer who invented the super soaker (by accident!). We see his determination and perseverance and how he was able to make his dreams a reality. This book is a great addition to a classroom library to inspire kids to follow their dreams.