Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor Book

I absolutely adored the illustrations in this book. The pictures that accompanied the story proper I found aesthetically pleasing and they complemented the story so very well, and then many pages had sketches of Mattie's inventions, which was a brilliant touch.

This children's picture book biography of Mattie Knight/Margaret E. Knight (1838-1914), a girl/woman I'd never heard of until I learned about this book, is interesting and inspiring. Among other things, she invented the flat bottomed paper bag, the grocery type bags still in use today; up until her invention bags were two dimensional and not as strong or as useful. Who knew?! Not me. She grew up in a time when girls and women were not expected to know about machinery or be inventors, but she inherited her father's toolbox and a natural talent, and she was a curious and motivated person, a very interesting person. She was also very determined and had to overcome daunting odds when she was treated unfairly, but she seems to have prevailed. I'd have liked to have learned even more about her, even if only in the author's note, but this book is a great introduction to Knight's life. It's a terrific book.

I'm so impressed by all the stellar picture book biographies out now for children. I hope readers/listeners who read this one are inspired to read more about Mattie and more importantly, that this book helps kids feel as empowered as she felt, and helps them be inspired to use and develop whatever talents and interests they have.

There is (a bit too brief of) an author's note at the end of the book and a (too short) bibliography, but I appreciated them both.

Much thanks to Goodreads' friend Kathryn for recommending this book!