Invention & Imagination

Whoosh! (Non-Fiction) By: Chris Barton Grades 2-3

You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time and was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults. Go to officialkidsmag.com to hear Mr. Alicea read the book aloud!

My Video Game Ate My Homework (EBook in Graphic format) *Available digitally on HOOPLA through your Farmington Library account* By: Dustin Hansen Grades 4-6

Meet Dewey Jenkins, a 13-year old schoolkid who’s about to fail science class. Follow him on an amazing adventure that leads Dewey and his friends to a virtual world where they will have to overcome all sorts of digital creatures and solve a number of puzzles in order to get home.

The Boy who Invented the Popsicle By: Anne Renaud Grades 2-3

Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who loves inventing. And since inventing begins with experimenting, he spends a lot of time in his “laboratory” (i.e., his back porch) trying out his ideas. When he invents a yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him thinking: “I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen?” Though he doesn’t yet know it, Frank’s curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle!This delicious story includes hands-on experiments and is sure to whet the appetites of budding inventors everywhere!

The Kid Who Named Pluto (Non-Fiction) By: Marc McCutcheon Grades 4-6

The boy who dreamed of Mars — The girl who named Pluto — The bookworm who became a science fiction writer — The teenager who invented television — The curious girl who discovered seamonster skeletons — The high schooler who created an incredible secret code — The math whiz who calculated the movement of the moon — The fourthgrader who outsmarted medical experts — The blind boy who developed a new way to see.

Wacky Inventions Throughout History (Non-fiction) By: Joe Rhatigan Grades 4-6

Have you ever heard of armpit air conditioners? Or a toilet paper hat? Wacky Inventions Throughout History describes some of the wackiest inventions that seem too crazy to be true, but are! Whether useful, entertaining, or just plain silly, these mind-boggling inventions and gadgets from yesterday, today, and tomorrow will surprise and delight funfact lovers of all ages.