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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this story about the inventor (as a teenager!) of the Braille writing system. It was informative, but also beautifully written and illustrated. The author says in her endnote that she wrote this, wondering what it felt like to be Louis Braille, and I think she conveys that really well. A child will be able to put themselves in Braille's place and understand how frustrating it would have been, and how life-changing this was.
alittleoverdue's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I loved the idea behind it and the subject matter - it made me want to do a deep dive to learn more about Louis Braille. However, something felt off for me. I wasn't a fan of the illustrations and it was an odd choice of many details that were highlighted in the story. With such a rich subject matter, there was so much that could have been done with the book's presentation, be it incorporating braille along with text or other ways of interacting with the story. It seemed like a missed opportunity. That said, I appreciate seeing a nonfiction picture book covering this topic.
carolineinthelibrary's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't aware of how Braille came to be and this story was absolutely fascinating. I loved it most because it tells kids/adults/anyone that if they see a way things can be done better, make that better way happen! Louis Braille knew it could be easier for the blind to read and with the help of his school, invented the Braille system that we're familiar with today. I thought this was so inspiring.
teganbeesebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Wow!!! I had no idea that this is how Louis Braille invented Braille! He had such a wonderful family to still care for him and seek the best for him after his accident. What an amazing story and triumph. Teenagers can do amazing things! Read for Info Books for Youth for grad school.
jcpdiesel21's review against another edition
3.0
Lovely presentation of Braille's early life and his work's lasting impact on life for the blind, but why would a book about him not include a physical example of braille? An unfortunate missed opportunity.
lispylibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
A super sweet story of how Louis Braille invented the alphabet and numerical system we know as Braille. It really captures the feelings of Louis and is told from his point of view as a child.
mat_tobin's review against another edition
5.0
Although I suspect that books on Louis Braille are numerous in the field of literature for children, I am not sure any tell the story quite so beautifully as this from Bryant (well known for her biographies) and Kulikov.
Told in first person, we are provided with a sweeping overview of Louis' life from birth until the completion of his invention: an incredible accomplishment considering Louis created it when he was still a teenager! Rather than focus on the hurdles that lay before him because of his blindness, the book chooses to celebrate Louis' creativity and determination to succeed at all odds and this makes for a far more engaging and uplifting story.
Kulikov's illustrations are an utter delight; especially his visualisation of blindness and the addition of pictorial braille throughout. Yes, 'raised' braille would have been the icing on the cake.
Told in first person, we are provided with a sweeping overview of Louis' life from birth until the completion of his invention: an incredible accomplishment considering Louis created it when he was still a teenager! Rather than focus on the hurdles that lay before him because of his blindness, the book chooses to celebrate Louis' creativity and determination to succeed at all odds and this makes for a far more engaging and uplifting story.
Kulikov's illustrations are an utter delight; especially his visualisation of blindness and the addition of pictorial braille throughout. Yes, 'raised' braille would have been the icing on the cake.
kailawil's review against another edition
4.0
A great story, well illustrated but I'm surprised there was no braille in the book...