FICTION

Ticktock Banneker's Clock

by Shana KELLER
illus. by David C. Gardner. 32p. Sleeping Bear. Sept. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781585369560.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—This cheerfully illustrated volume centers on Benjamin Banneker's invention of a striking clock. The story begins just as Banneker (1731–1806) has finished his farm chores for the day. He decides to take a moment to study a pocket watch lent to him by a friend. Inspired by the tiny, dazzling machine, he imagines a much larger version, one that chimes. Readers watch him over a number of seasons as he works toward completing his invention. The rich illustrations highlight Banneker's spirit and the beauty of his farm. (A faithful hound dog appears on nearly every page.) This book offers a glimpse into the brilliant mind and hard work of an engineer. An author's note provides more information on his life.
VERDICT A concise introduction to Banneker and a welcome addition to any picture book biography collection.
Reviewed by Megan Kilgallen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn
This warm picture-book biography chronicles the steps young Benjamin Banneker, a free-born African American farmer, took to invent the striking clock in 1753. Inspired by a pocket watch, Banneker meticulously studied, drew diagrams, and carved the parts for his clock using a pocketknife. Gardner's watercolor illustrations gorgeously evoke the passing seasons on Banneker's farm. An inspiring accompaniment for STEM programming.
 , Sep 01, 2016

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