As a kid, Lonnie Johnson liked to invent things. He often faced prejudice as an African American growing up in the segregated southern United States, but he eventually became an engineer for the US Air Force and NASA. He was working on a different invention when he came up with the idea for a new type of water gun. Johnson knew his toy was more powerful than other squirt guns--he just needed to find a way to make the Super Soaker available to kids all over the country. Learn how Johnson overcame many challenges to become a brilliant engineer and inventor.

Author: Heather E. Schwartz
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Lerner Classroom
Published: 08/01/2017
Series: Stem Trailblazer Bios
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.4lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.70w x 0.10d
ISBN: 9781512456325
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.1
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 190863 / Super Soaker Inventor Lonnie Johnson


Review Citation(s):
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 pg. 234 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Schwartz, Heather E.: - When Heather E. Schwartz was thirteen years old, she tracked down several lead orphans from the 1983 movie Annie and interviewed them by phone. As an adult, she realized she could apply those same early instincts to a career as a journalist and writer. She is the author of more than 35 nonfiction children's titles, published by Lerner Publishing Group, Capstone Press, Teacher Created Materials, Lucent Books, and Tangerine Press, a Scholastic imprint. She has written articles for National Geographic Kids and Discovery Girls. In addition, she developed the content for KidsGetArthritisToo.org, the juvenile section of the Arthritis Foundation's website. Other credits in the children's market include articles for Teen, Girls' Life, and All About You magazines. Additionally, Ms. Schwartz is a former editor at Bridal Guide magazine, co-author of Bridal Guide Magazine's How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Gown (Warner, 2004), and contributor to The Takeout Cookbook (Knock Knock 2007).