Saving the Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal, written by Karyn Parsons and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2021. $23.99 ages 5 and up

 

"His mind churned and churned
With new ideas to invent.
Some drew attention. 
Some paid the rent. 

But Garrett didn't care about fame
Or about wealth.
What he wanted most 
Was to show he could help."

Have you ever considered how people stayed safe on city streets before there were street lights? As a familiar sight in our everyday world, they are just one more of those things we know have always been there. Not so. Have you even wondered who invented them?  This book will tell you. After seeing a car crash between a horse and carriage and a car, and being knocked over by a bicyclist, Garrett Morgan decided something must be done to make his world a safer place. 

In childhood, Garrett was a dreamer. His help on the farm was often more hindrance than help. On his own, he spent time imagining uses for the many discarded objects he found. One day, while daydreaming, he just missed being hit by a car. His parents were frightened to think what troubles he might face; they decided to send him to a tutor in the city to protect him from more trouble. His mother offered advice. 

"While Ruth's good at fishing,
And Will likes to bake, 
Lucille loves the stars
and the patterns they make. 

Frank's good with tools, 
Can fix anything. 
And Minnie's at her best
When she can sing. 

You, too, son, have something
That's all yours alone. 
Something to contribute 
That's just not yet known."

The bustle of the city was terrifying for a boy raised on the farm. Garrett did his studies, and got a job fixing sewing machines - a perfect setting for his active mind. New inventions made him happy. While out walking one day Garrett was witness to the crash that changed his life, and ours. 

Poetic quatrains make the text accessible for a young audience. Garrett's life story is told to help shed a light on the achievements of African Americans. Effective and engaging, it does exactly that. Mr. Chrsitie's artwork is created in gouache and then digitally collaged. It captures Garrett's life and emotions to great effect and provides a setting that brings the time period front and center. 

An author's note, an archived photo of Garrett (1950) and the patent for his traffic signal invention follow the story. Some readers will be inspired and will want to know more. That is the best learning that comes from reading about this accomplished man.