I organized the book as I have done in the other Great Lives books -- placing the lives in chronological order, starting with the story of Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press. I looked for stories that highlighted the personal sacrifices that were required by these great men to make their dreams a reality. When Charles Goodyear was asked about what he would tell young aspiring boys, he replied, "Make them anything but inventors; mankind has nothing but cuffs and kicks for those who try to do it a service." How sadly true that is. His story is one of the saddest -- and yet most triumphant -- stories I've ever read. Your children will certainly gain an appreciation for what others have gone through to make it possible for them to enjoy the conveniences they have today. After long periods of trial and error and being mocked, when success was finally reached, they often faced a new challenge -- protecting their patents and people trying to take from them that which they labored so hard to bring forth. Rarely did I find the thanks and accolades they rightly deserved. But as I read their stories now, even though they're gone, I find myself often offering heartfelt 'thank you's to them. I hope, somehow, they get to hear them... 
 
You'll also find some really great stories about Inventions and Inventors in the rotation. The writers of these stories hoped the stories would help a new generation to realize there is so much more out there still waiting to be invented. Maybe hearing what others went through will inspire your son or daughter to not give up when the going gets tough. It's part of the deal. And thank goodness for all those courageous souls who never gave up! 
 
Paperback 5.5x8.5 332 pp.