
Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration with a project that is not working or when they need to see that big ideas require bold, practical action. It follows Bertha Benz as she takes her husband's invention on its first long distance journey, proving to the world (and her husband) that the automobile was more than a fragile toy. It is a story of grit, technical problem solving, and quiet confidence. This book is perfect for elementary aged children, particularly those who love to see how machines function. Beyond the history of the car, it explores themes of resilience and the importance of advocating for one's own vision. Parents will appreciate how it highlights a woman's foundational but often overlooked role in engineering history, making it an excellent choice for fostering a growth mindset and an interest in STEM.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book is a secular, historical account. There are no sensitive topics regarding death or trauma, though it briefly touches on the social skepticism and gender roles of the 19th century in a realistic but hopeful manner.
A 7 to 9 year old who loves 'how it works' diagrams but is also looking for a hero story. It is perfect for the child who enjoys taking things apart to see how they function and needs to see that mechanical skill is a form of creativity.
This book can be read cold, but parents might want to look at the technical back matter first. There are specific diagrams of the internal combustion engine that an inquisitive child will definitely ask questions about. A parent might choose this after hearing their child say, 'I can't do this, it's broken,' or if the child is hesitant to try something new because they are afraid of what others might think.
Younger children (6-7) will focus on the adventure of the 'horseless carriage' and the fun of the breakdown repairs. Older children (8-10) will grasp the historical significance of the gender dynamics and the engineering breakthroughs.
Unlike many biographies that focus on the inventor, this focuses on the 'test driver.' Adkins uses his signature technical illustration style to make the machinery as much of a character as Bertha herself.
In 1888 Germany, Bertha Benz decides to prove the viability of her husband Karl's 'Motorwagen.' Without his permission, she takes her two sons on a 100-kilometer journey from Mannheim to Pforzheim. Along the way, she uses her hatpin to clear fuel lines and her garter to insulate wires, inventing brake pads at a cobbler's shop along the way.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.