Back of Book:
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.”
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I have eagerly been waiting for the release of this book and am so excited to read about the life and creations of Ralph Baer.
The story begins in Cologne Germany where Ralph played outside with friends until the Nazis entered the country. Since Ralph was Jewish he was forced to stay inside for his own protection. Ralph and his family would eventually flee to New York City and begin to rebuild their lives. Ralph quickly learned that he had a gift for inventing things. While in the army Ralph put together a radio so the soilders could have entertainment. His greatest invention would turn out to to be the Brown Box a home tv game system.
Marcie Wessels wrote an inspirational nonfiction narrative that teachers readers about the “Father of Video Games”. The text is informational and enaging. Readers will see the determination and preseverence that it took for Ralph to complete his invention. The illustrations by Beatriz Castro are detailed and bring the historical period to life. The back of the book shares more information with readers about the history of video games.
This is the perfect book to share with any STEAM unit.
Ages 6 and up
48 Pages
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