About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Don't be afraid to try! Make connections! Be persistent! Ask questions and never take no for an answer! Learn the secrets and amazing stories of successful inventors!
How to Become an Accidental Genius is full of inspiring tales of famous and lesser-known inventors who have changed the world, from George Washington Carver, Mary Anderson (inventor of the windshield wiper) and inventor and actress Hedy Lamarr to Frank Epperson (of Popsicle fame) and Mary Sherman Morgan (The Woman Who Saved the U.S. Space Race). Readers will be amazed at the inventiveness of these geniuses. The book focuses on inventors from North America but includes stories from around the world. Organized into eleven chapters that highlight the qualities inventors have in common, the book also features profiles of inventive kids and teenagers.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Short-listed, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award
- Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award (RMBA)
- , Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards
- Commended, Children’s Book Council Best STEM Books List
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
Editorial Reviews
"A fantastic mini-encyclopaedia…Get your thinking caps on, be inspired and you may accidentally stumble onto something when you were thinking of creating something else! This is How to Become an Accidental Genius."
— Resource Links
“An ingenious exploration of the masterminds who accidentally created great inventions…you will love this.”
— The International Educator
"Here’s hoping books such as this one help to ignite the curiosity and problem-solving skills of future geniuses."
— Quill & Quire
"With many geniuses included and a good deal of space devoted to illustrations, each introduction is limited in length but usefully concise. An informative overview with an upbeat look and a lively text."
— Booklist
“An inspiring book…Vivid color photographs, a glossary, resources and an index make this a useful reference for deciding on a subject for further research.”
— Youth Services Book Review
"A valuable contribution to the genre…Teachers involved with science fairs will want to share the wisdom of How to Become an Accidental Genius with the young and curious students under their guidance. Highly Recommended."
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
★ “Engaging and thought provoking, this book is treasure trove of inspirational people and ideas. There is a plethora of terrific black-and-white photographs, lively illustrations, motivating quotes and sidebars packed with additional information.”
— Canadian Children's Book News, Red Leaf Literature title
"A worthy addition to the pantheon of books on inventors and inventions."
— School Library Journal
"An engaging tour of the inspirations behind a host of marvelous inventions."
— Kirkus Reviews
