Status
Available
Call number
Description
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.
Publication
Scholastic Paperbacks (1995), Edition: Reprint, 32 pages
Genres
Subjects
Similar in this library
ISBN
0590481029 / 9780590481021
Collections
Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 1995)
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Nominee — Picture Books — 1995)
CCBC Choices (1993)
NCTE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K—Grade 6 (11th Edition: 1993-1995)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1993
Physical description
11 inches
User reviews
LibraryThing member livingwateresc
Elijah McCoy's story is inspirational. His life began in Canada as the son of escaped slaves. Elijah didn't allow his humble beginnings to discourage him from pursuing excellence throughout his life.
His parents recognized his interest and talent for working with machines and sent him to an
This biography of Elijah McCoy's life is an encouragement to children. Elijah himself would encourage students to "stay in school" and "work hard". This book could be used by teachers of all ages to inspire their students to strive towards high standards and to be efficient. Elijah was not only a successful inventor but also a role model in his community.
His parents recognized his interest and talent for working with machines and sent him to an
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engineering school in Scotland. After the American Civil War, Elijah moved to Michigan and found a job as a fireman and oilman for a Michagan Railroad company. Elijah never complained about his inability to find work as an engineer. Instead he worked to make his job with the railroad more efficient. He invented an oil cup that would allow the trains to stay lubricated while still in motion. The railroad that Elijah worked for installed the oil cup on all of its trains. Other railroads tried imitation oil cups, but the engineers could tell the difference and would ask for "the real McCoy" which has become a common expression meaning "the real thing".This biography of Elijah McCoy's life is an encouragement to children. Elijah himself would encourage students to "stay in school" and "work hard". This book could be used by teachers of all ages to inspire their students to strive towards high standards and to be efficient. Elijah was not only a successful inventor but also a role model in his community.
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LibraryThing member conuly
Elijah McCoy really existed, and his inventions as described in this book are real. The book, to my knowledge, adequately and succinctly sums up his life.
Unfortunately, it spends a page or so talking about him as a spurious inspiration for the phrase "the real McCoy". Given that lubricators with
It seems like a small thing, but as I already knew this "fact" was wrong it meant I was in doubt about the veracity of the whole rest of the book and had to start confirming the details, fact by fact. I wouldn't expect a small child to do that. Factual books should be researched so they do not contain inaccuracies.
Unfortunately, it spends a page or so talking about him as a spurious inspiration for the phrase "the real McCoy". Given that lubricators with
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his name on them weren't sold until the end of his life, and given that the expression has been attested to before the man was even *born*, that's incredibly unlikely, and a small amount of research would have shown the author that fact. It's even on the back cover that he's the origin of the phrase, and it's not true.It seems like a small thing, but as I already knew this "fact" was wrong it meant I was in doubt about the veracity of the whole rest of the book and had to start confirming the details, fact by fact. I wouldn't expect a small child to do that. Factual books should be researched so they do not contain inaccuracies.
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LibraryThing member smendel18
This is a great non-fiction story about the real McCoy. He patents many inventions, for a very low price, just to survive. This story exemplifies integrity and hard work. It would be great for upper and lower grades.
LibraryThing member kefoley
Ever wondered where the saying "the real McCoy" came from? Well this book will give you the history of the person that the saying is about. An African American who was well educated invented many things.
LibraryThing member jamie_lanell
Where did the expression "the real McCoy" come from? African-American inventor Elijah McCoy's successful design of an automatic oil cup may have inspired the popular phrase. This book introduces children to the life of the brilliant pioneer whose contributions to technology, science, and home are
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very much in evidence today. Beautiful paintings. Show Less
LibraryThing member ChuckJackson
A real life story of an African American inventor and his inventions. A great story for information and to use for reading in content area subjects. This book covers several aspects of invention and life for African Americans in early America.
LibraryThing member wichitafriendsschool
Where did the expression "the real McCoy" come from? African-American inventor Elijah McCoy's successful design of an automatic oil cup may have inspired the popular phrase. This book introduces children to the life of the brilliant pioneer whose contributions to technology, science, and home are
Show More
very much in evidence today. Beautiful paintings. Show Less
LCC
T40.M43 T68