Samuel Morse and the Telegraph (Inventions and Discovery)
This new graphic nonfiction series offers biographical treatments that highlight a technological breakthrough or innovation. Though produced by various illustrators, titles are visually similar: enticing covers, dynamic fonts, bold colors, and vibrant illustrations. Comic book-style word balloons feature fairly sophisticated vocabulary and occasional quotes or other primary source material. Each selection includes titled chapters, a table of contents, summary fact pages, further reading suggestions, and recommended Internet sites. There is close correlation between the dialogue and depicted actions and illustrations, which will provide visual reinforcement for struggling readers. These deceptively slim volumes convey a tremendous amount of information and vocabulary, and should attract attention from reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. Bibliography. Glossary. Index. Recommended. --Library Media Connection; Vol. 25, No. 7; Pages 83-84, April 2007The Graphic Library series books are perfect for both boys and girls who want to learn in an interesting way. What child does not like learning from a book that is in graphic style? This particular book is part of the Inventions and Discoveries series. Today, we take it for grated with our cell phones and computers, that we can send and receive information in seconds. In the 1800 s when Morse s mother was ill, it took a letter a week to reach him, and he had no idea if she was still alive when he left to go 3,000 miles to see her. He became obsessed with the idea of using electricity as a means of conveying information at a fast rate and pursued this idea with great vigor. He was fortunate to live and see his Morse code and telegraph become two of America s greatest inventions. It is amazing how much information is given to the reader in just 32 pages. This book would be perfect in a classroom or school library. It also lends itself to the science and social studies classroom libraries. Graphic format makes it perfect for students who are reluctant readers and never seem to finish a book on their own or for young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on. The full-color graphics make an enormous impact on the story. The author inserts a box on most pages that includes narration, giving extra facts to the reader to help with comprehension. Vocabulary has been well selected, and this book is an excellent resource that could be used for writing a summary, a book report, or a full research project. At the end of the book, the author includes more facts about Morse and the telegraph, a glossary, a list of internet sites, additional books for more information, and a bibliography. I highly recommend this book. --Childrens Literature Comprehensive Database, January 2007Finalist of the 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award --Association of Educational Publishers, June 2007