A.BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2009. THE BOY WHO INVENTED TV: THE STORY OF PHILO FARNSWORTH. Ill. by Greg Couch. New York, N.Y.: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 037584561
B. SUMMARY
This inspiring picture book biography recounts the true life story of Philo Taylor Farnsworth, who was just a 14-year-old farmboy in 1920 when he had a brainstorm. Seeing the plow create rows of overturned earth, Philo found a way to create television by “breaking down images into parallel lines of light, capturing them and transmitting them as electrons, then reassembling them for a viewer.” His school teacher, Mr. Tolman encouraged him to go to college where he thought Philo’s genius would be given the recognition it deserved. Unfortunately, events would conspire against Philo. He was forced to leave college after his father’s death and became his family’s main breadwinner.
It was only eight years after his brilliant idea first came to Philo’s mind that he was able to realize his dream of transmitting the world’s first television image. The book ends at this point though the author’s note at the back of the book mentions how Philo triumphed in his bid to invent TV but would not get credit for it during his lifetime. Philo was embroiled in a dispute with the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) and never did get actual credit for inventing the television, especially since his patents expired and his ideas became public domain.
C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Author Kathleen Krull has written a compelling and inspiring biography about a little known figure in the history of American inventors, Philo Farnsworth. This boy genius was ahead of his time when he invented the television and though events conspired against him, he is acknowledged for his contributions today. The information presented in the text comes from the author’s research which is acknowledged at the back of the book under “Sources”, with a list of book titles, web sites, and television shows that children can refer to in order to expand their knowledge about Philo Farnsworth and his invention.
The biography is well-organized and is ordered chronologically from Philo Farnsworth’s birth in 1906 till his announcement of his invention in 1928. Though written with an obvious admiration for the subject, the book does not get overly sentimental and remains objective about the subject, his struggles, and his achievements.
The vivid illustrations by Greg Couch enable readers both young and old to imagine Philo’s ideas as they take flight and are executed. For example, the beautiful and inspiring illustration of Philo and his father lying on the grass and looking at the stars whilst Philo listens to his father recounting the achievements of famous inventors like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell. Then there’s the brilliant yellow of the potato fields which first sparked the idea of how to invent television in Philo’s mind.The language is written in an accessible and highly readable style and coupled with the brilliant illustrations, this makes an engaging and stirring biography to fuel the imaginations and creative aspirations of young children.
D. AWARDS/ REVIEW EXCERPT (S)
School Library Journal, Starred Review: “One to inspire young audiences with the vast possibilities that imagination and diligence can accomplish.”
The New York Times Book Review: “Beautiful and beautifully told, the book tracks like the sort of graphic novel that breaks your heart, with its implied passage of time and slipping away of early dreams.”
E. CONNECTIONS
*There are many possibilities for extension activities here. Children can be asked to come up with their own inventions using regular household materials as part of a creative activity which can in turn be linked to Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Art lessons.
*Teachers/librarians can do some research and check to see if there are local inventors within the community and invite them to speak to children. This can serve to inspire and motivate children.
*I think it is important for children and young adults to understand that both men and women have contributed in terms of inventions. Below is a list of books on both male and female inventors which can be used as suggested further reading for those who are interested in the subject:
Thimmesh, Catherine. 2002. GIRLS THINK OF EVERYTHING: STORIES OF INGENIOUS INVENTIONS BY WOMEN. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Sandpiper. ISBN 0618195637.
Wulffson, Don L. 1999. THE KID WHO INVENTED THE POPSICLE; AND OTHER SURPRISING STORIES ABOUT INVENTIONS. Puffin. ISBN 0141302046.
Clements, Gillian. 2005. THE PICTURE HISTORY OF GREAT INVENTORS. Frances Lincoln Children's Books. ISBN 1845074394.
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