Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone (The Black Innovators)

Making her picture book debut in this series kickoff, Ramirez uses exclamatory prose to highlight the life and legacy of Jim West (b. 1931), who patented the foil-electret microphone. From a curious boy who dismantled electronics to a summer assistant at Bell Labs, West pursued his passion for science in the face of racial discrimination. A key discovery made while developing headphones led to the invention of the foil-electret microphone with collaborator Gerhard Sessler. This small, energy-efficient device revolutionized modern communication and is now used in products “from toys to computers to cell phones.” Fiadzigbey’s vibrant illustrations capture both the thrill of discovery and the historical weight of West’s contributions in this illuminating biography focused on a trailblazer who helped shape the sound of the modern world. Includes an author’s note, more biographical information, and a timeline. Ages 5–9. (Oct.)