Calling All Minds

How To Think and Create Like an Inventor

By: Temple Grandin PhD

Narrated by: Ann Richardson, Temple Grandin PhD

From world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor Temple Grandin -- a book of personal stories, inventions, and facts that will blow young inventors' minds and make them soar.

Have you ever wondered what makes a kite fly or a boat float? Have you ever thought about why snowflakes are symmetrical, or why golf balls have dimples? Have you ever tried to make a kaleidoscope or build a pair of stilts?

In Calling All Minds, Temple Grandin explores the ideas behind all of those questions and more. She delves into the science behind inventions, the steps various people took to create and improve upon ideas as they evolved, and the ways in which young inventors can continue to think about and understand what it means to tinker, to fiddle, and to innovate. And laced throughout it all, Temple gives us glimpses into her own childhood tinkering, building, and inventing.

More than a blueprint for how to build things, in Calling All Minds Temple Grandin creates a blueprint for different ways to look at the world. And more than a call to action, she gives a call to imagination, and shows readers that there is truly no single way to approach any given problem--but that an open and inquisitive mind is always key.

Praise for Calling All Minds:

"An impassioned call to look at the world in unique ways with plenty of practical advice on how to cultivate a curious, inquiring, imaginative mind." --Kirkus Reviews

*Includes a Bonus PDF with projects, patents, and photos and drawings form the author.

Critic reviews

Praise for Calling All Minds:

* "An impassioned call to look at the world in unique ways with plenty of practical advice on how to cultivate a curious, inquiring, imaginative mind." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"After the interview we were all very moved and motivated by Temple. In the beginning, we were all intimidated and we were very nervous. But by the end, Temple made us feel like we weren't even interviewing her, but we were talking to her and having a conversation. . . . We think this is very true and should be shared with everyone. We would definitely recommend this book to people who love being creative and doing projects, but we think everyone should really read it." --Newsday

"Part personal memoir, part historic study of inventions and biography, and part DIY instructions, this book packs in a lot. The result is an account of inventions and inventors and the thinking that motivates innovation." --School Library Journal

"Mind-expanding." --Booklist

"A self-styled inventor, Grandin employs a clear, direct style. . . . Grandin offers a nuanced perspective on the qualities of a successful inventor--notably, a sense of wonder and curiosity, careful observation, and the willingness to learn from mistakes." --Publishers Weekly

Clear and inspiring

Temple Grandin is great at describing the world of an inventor and visual thinker. So much of what she covers in this book resonates with the younger me that I really wished I had something like this when I was a kid. The book is aimed at children, but I found it marvelously enjoyable and informative.