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kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a little bit in love with Kathleen Krull. OK, a lot in love. Her biographies always grab me from the first page. Philo Farnsworth's story is amazing - as a 14-year-old farm boy, he came up with the way television could work when he was plowing a field. And considering that he was later ripped off by a major company and didn't get the credit he deserved until after his death, Krull ends the main text of this picture book with Farnsworth at 22, reading the article in the Chrnonicle heralding him as a "young genius" and leaving the rest of his life's story for the author's note. Great biography.
saidtheraina's review against another edition
3.0
Picture-book-style story depicting the life of Philo Farnsworth, apparently the person who first conceived of the original television technology. End papers have photographs of tvs throughout history. Appreciated the inclusion of the corporate takeover of his invention, and focus on his early life (he was only 14 when he had the initial idea). Might try booktalking to 5th/6th grade, but could easily go lower.
bet27's review against another edition
4.0
another person I didn't know about -- the true inventor of TV (at age 22!), he imagined the solution while plowing potato fields
ryckmanreader's review against another edition
4.0
This was an interesting biography about Philo Fansworth, a scientist who had the inspiration of how pictures could be parted out into waves, like sound waves and then "reassembled". The story of Philo is told in as easy to understand but well written way that is appealing to readers. I think that kids 10-12 would enjoy this the most. The story of Philo almost went untold but for the push by his own family to give him the credit he deserved. Most people may believe that RCA is the original inventor, but they were beat to the idea by Philo.
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting story of Philo Fransworth who invented Television. A non-fiction picture book for 3rd to 5th grade. The book tells about Philo's life from the time that he was a small curious child up till the time that he first creates/discovers how to send an image to a TV. Overall a nice read.
pkadams's review against another edition
4.0
The past for a child no matter how recent is so alien and remote that it is incomprehensible. Krull understands this fact and opens her book with a section called "Life Before Philo" where she sets the context and stage so thoroughly for children they can understand what life was life before TV. After captivating her audience, Krull then tells one of the most amazing stories of scientific discovery of how Philo Farnsworth conceived and built one of the most influential inventions of all time. This is a thoroughly
beththebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting and informative story of a very curious, mechanically-inclined boy who grew up to invent TV. Kid-friendly and appealing as a story. Unfortunately, in going for a retro style, the artist makes the teen and adult Philo look rather dorky.
"Recommend" for elementary-school biography projects and for budding inventors.
"Recommend" for elementary-school biography projects and for budding inventors.
hsquared's review against another edition
3.0
A fascinating story about an inventive boy. No mention is made (outside of a detailed author's note) about his battle with RCA. Instead the focus is on his creativity and drive to develop a way to send pictures through the air like radio.