Saving the Day, Written by Karyn Parsons and Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
This is one of the most fascinating stories I have read in a long time. Saving the Day tells the story of Garrett Morgan, a little boy whose head was always in the clouds constructing and creating interesting things. While his brother and sisters worked in the fields, little Garrett wasn’t much of a contribution to helping his family. Seemingly clumsy and weak, he was often dismissed by his own family, and encouraged to be by himself…and so he was…alone, within his own head of dreams and imagination.
He loved to create, so much so that it clouded his ability to be present and he oftentimes he got into trouble nearly being stricken by several car collisions…an experience that was a foretelling of his life’s destiny.
His behavior led his parents to send him away to tutoring in the city. As his mom sends him off, the book quotes this great phrase, “All are given a gift. Something you cannot learn. It’s what you do with that gift, that’s your gift in return.”
And off Garett went, all alone to the city where he studied hard and found himself a job fixing sewing machines. He was in heaven! And the more he worked with these sewing machines, the more his mind churned and churned with new ideas to improve them.
And once again as he crossed the busy city streets, he was nearly hit by a horse and carriage and witnessed a terrible accident. Luckily everyone was ok but Garrett wasn’t. He was determined to help organize the streets for safety. He determined that there HAD to be a way to let drivers know someone else is approaching, when to stop and go, and a signal before stopping so they can slow down. They would have to see it, not hear it. And so, the idea for a new invention, colored in green, yellow, and red lights filled his head. “I’ve got it!!’ Garrett had invented the Traffic Signal!
Saving the Day tells the story about the incredible life of Garret Morgan, a true trailblazer for all inventors. He was an intelligent observer in his lifetime, dedicating himself to fixing everyday and useful problems. In conducting some further research about Garrett, I learned that he faced tremendous racism which affected his businesses and tainted his opportunity to be formally recognized for his unique and life changing accomplishments. Despite his hardships, Garrett carried on to create several important inventions and equally dedicated his time to fighting equal rights and opportunities for African Americans.
Here is a list of some of his contributions:
*1923 Morgan would patent the 3-way traffic signal, eventually selling his rights to General Electric
*Improved the sewing machine
*Created a hair straightening product
*Invented the Gas Mask, used for WWII
*He was also a hero, saving two lives and recovering four bodies in an underground natural gas explosion that occurred in 1916. Using his new invention of the gas mask, Garrett and his brother voluntarily entered the explosion to help save lives.
*He was the first black man in Cleveland to own a car
*He developed the friction clutch
*Opened an all black country club
*Launched an African American black newspaper called The Cleveland Call
Karyn Parsons details so cleverly with words, the life of a man who saved many lives worldwide, from firefighters, soldiers, and vehicle operators…and whose research served as a foundation for following inventors and engineers. This book is beautifully written, inspiring all children who may have a head full of ideas to be encouraged that they too possess a unique gift for the world, they just might not know it yet. The world needs to hear about the accomplishments of Garrett Morgan and this book, with its vibrant illustrations and rhythmic words, tells it so incredibly well! Thank you Karyn Parsons for sharing this with us!
To learn more about Karyn Parsons and her incredible work, visit her website HERE.
To learn more about R. Gregory Christie and his beautifully illustrated works, visit his website HERE.
