About This Book
This engaging picture book biography introduces young readers to Elijah McCoy, a brilliant African-American inventor from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite facing significant racial discrimination, McCoy's innovative spirit led him to patent over fifty inventions, including crucial improvements to lubrication systems for machinery, which reportedly led to the phrase 'the real McCoy.' The book highlights his engineering studies in Scotland and his contributions to everyday items like the lawn sprinkler and shoe heels. It's an inspiring story of resilience, ingenuity, and overcoming adversity, beautifully illustrated with oil paintings.
A biography of the Canadian-born black American who studied engineering in Scotland and patented over fifty inventions despite the obstacles he faced because of his race.
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
What does it mean to be 'the real McCoy'? How did Elijah McCoy's inventions show he was 'the real McCoy'?
2
What challenges did Elijah McCoy face because of his race? How did he overcome them?
3
What is an invention you wish existed? What problem would it solve?
4
Why is it important to learn about inventors like Elijah McCoy?
5
How did Elijah McCoy show perseverance and creativity in his life?
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