The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer
The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer
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The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer

Written by Marcie Wessels & illustrated by Beatriz Castro
Part of the People Who Shaped Our World Book Series
Hardcover
$18.99
$17.97
5 - 10
Reading age
48
Page count
Mar 3, 2020
Publication date

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What's This Book About

Publisher Summary

Crazy about Wii, Nintendo, X-Box, and PlayStation? Meet the inventor whose work made them all possible: Ralph Baer, creator of the first home video game system! Today, the video game industry keeps growing, with ever more platforms available to fans. But how did the very first system come about? This picture-book biography of Ralph Baer, whose family fled Nazi Germany for the US, introduces kids to a great inventor AND the birth of the first home console. Using wartime technology, Baer thought outside the box and transformed the television into a vehicle for gaming; Baer’s invention, the Odyssey, is a precursor to the Atari gaming system. Today, interactive systems like Wii and PlayStation are descendants of Ralph’s innovative “Brown Box,” making this award-winning inventor the true “Father of Video Games.”

What Kind of Book is The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box: The Story of Video Game Inventor Ralph Baer

Topics

What Questions Should I Ask My Child

  • Ralph invented some things to solve his own pain points and other things to satisfy his curiosity and thirst to push boundaries. What is a pain point you have in your life? Can you think of an invention that would fix it?
  • It's likely that you've never heard of Ralph Baer before, but he accomplished so much! Do you know who invented some of your favorite things? With an adult's help, do a little research and see what you can learn! Do you know all of the impressive things the people in your life (parents, grandparents, coaches, etc.) have accomplished? Ask them!

Reviews

    Grammy
    1
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    5.00

    School Library Journal
    Critic
    Casey O’Leary
    Full review

    "A gentle introduction to a passionate inventor’s incredible impact on our culture. Young gamers will get a kick out of their beloved systems’ humble beginnings."

    Kirkus
    Critic

    "Perseverance and creativity in the face of challenges recur as important themes and keys to Baer’s success. Moreover, Wessels emphasizes Baer’s curiosity in the process of creation, not simply the result . . . A personable and energetic introduction with a positive message."

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Book Details

ISBN
9781454932598
Publication Date
March 3, 2020
Publisher
Sterling Childrens Books
Page Count
48
Audience
Picture
Reading Age
5 - 10 years

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