Marvelous Mattie Hardcover – Picture Book, February 21, 2006

You've probably never heard of Margaret E. Knight before. And yet you are intimately familiar with something she invented, a device used every day.Mattie invented a machine to make paper bags that would stand up on their own.What, you were hoping for something a little more exciting? More... worthwhile, perhaps? You want to know what the heck kinda invention is THAT? It's a USEFUL invention, is what it is, and it had the potential to make people rich... which is probably why a man tried to steal it from her before it could be patented, assuming everybody would believe him when he said a woman couldn't possibly understand the complexity of the machine.She was, in fact, the first woman awarded a US patent, and she invented several other things that the book doesn't really touch on.The book is well-enough written, and the story is a simple and fairly useful one. If nothing else, you can read it during Women's History Month and move off the treadmill of the same three or four tired old names.

I bought this book because it was on a school counselor’s list of recommended books and my daughter’s name is Mattie. She loves the book.

I checked out Escape of Oney Judge and Mirette on the High Wire a few weeks ago from the library. Loved them so much I researched the author's other books and found this one. My four-year old was fascinated today, wanted to read it twice and talked about inventing all day long. We had learned about inventors a few weeks ago and I had pointed out that a poster I had ordered, with thirty or so inventors, had no women! So to read this true, wonderful story about a woman inventor I think really inspired and excited my daughter. I have ordered all of this author's books and am so glad to find someone who is researching true stories of American woman heroes and writing lovely picture books about them. The illustrations are just precious, with the inventions running along the bottom of the page. FABULOUS.

Book was in excellent condition. Goes great with the Georgia Studies Weekly for Social Studies. I read it out loud and my kid enjoyed learning about this woman inventor.

This non-fiction book sites a wonderful example of how a young girl can be successful in an arena that was dominated by men during her time. It also shows children the importance of recording work they do and documenting failures as well as successes. As a teacher, I stressed the need for my students to record their findings, illustrate their work and write down their thoughts on what to do next. It is a great "read aloud" book for elementary science classes.

Excellent book with a timely message about contributions of women. This book should be included in all school libraries.

A very empowering story about a woman who accomplished something more than simply marrying a guy who because president. These are the kind of stories that young girls need to read.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the information on Margaret Knight and the things she invented, including a machine that made paper bags. The author and illustrator sets her story well: the reader can see and feel the times and the environment Knight lived in, and can perhaps feel the forces that drove this inventor to create the labor-saving and life-saving devices she created. Well worth reading for the information.