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Kid Inventors' Day

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Benjamin Franklin did many impressive things throughout his life, but did you know when he was just 11 years old, he invented swim flippers?  Swim flippers may have been little Ben's first invention, but they would not be his last!  Benjamin Franklin would go on to become a prolific inventor, so it's no coincidence that January 17th, the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birthday, was selected to be Kid Inventor's Day.  Benjamin Franklin was not the first or last kid to invent something cool, though.  Through the years other kids have invented all sorts of things, from the popsicle, to the trampoline, to ear muffs!  Check out our list of books below to learn more about inventors and get a few tips on how to become an inventor yourself.

Kid Innovators: True Tales of Childhood from Inventors and Trailblazers
By Robin Stevenson
Quirk Books, 2021. Informational.

Childhood biographies of sixteen trailblazers in technology, education, business, science, art, and entertainment.

Written by Judith St. George
Illustrated by David Small
Puffin Books, 2005. Informational.

Presents some of the characteristics of inventors by describing the inventions of people such as Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and Eli Whitney.

Written by Mary Colson
Raintree, 2014. Informational.

Dreaming of becoming an inventor? Helpful tips for finding inspiration, keeping an ideas journal and always thinking about how to improve things will help you invent in no time! 

Written by Anne Renaud
Illustrated Milan Pavlovic
Kids Can Press, 2019. Informational.

Frank William Epperson was a curious boy who wanted to be an inventor when he grew up. His curiosity and experimenting led to one sweet invention--the popsicle!


Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Tundra Books, 2011. Informational.

Recounts the life of Margaret Knight, eventual holder of twenty patents, who fought discrimination and proved that she was just as intelligent an inventor as a man.
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