Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

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In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. Their creations are some of the most enduring (the windshield wiper) and best loved (the chocolate chip cookie). What inspired these women, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities?

Features women inventors Ruth Wakefield, Mary Anderson, Stephanie Kwolek, Bette Nesmith Graham, Patsy O. Sherman, Ann Moore, Grace Murray Hopper, Margaret E. Knight, Jeanne Lee Crews, and Valerie L. Thomas, as well as young inventors ten-year-old Becky Schroeder and eleven-year-old Alexia Abernathy. Illustrated in vibrant collage by Caldecott Honor artist Melissa Sweet.

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 11,2000

About the author

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Catherine Thimmesh is an award-winning author, speaker, and creativity educator.

Her creative children's nonfiction titles have won numerous awards, including a New York Times Notable Book and the prestigious Sibert Medal. She is the author of the best-selling book: GIRLS THINK OF EVERYTHING: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women — which was substantially revised and newly released in 2018. TEAM MOON: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon won the Sibert Medal, while CAMP PANDA: Helping Cubs Return to the Wild was a Sibert Honor book.

Her newest book — SMASH, CRASH, TOPPLE, ROLL! The Inventive Rube Goldberg: A Life in Comics, Contraptions, and Six Simple Machines — is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection and releases May 6, 2025.

You can watch her discuss the importance of creativity in her TEDx talk: Creativity in the Classroom (in 5 minutes or less) on YouTube, or Catherine's website.

Catherine lives and works in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

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July 15,2025
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**Megan's Summer Reading in 2018: Exploring the World of Nonfiction Children's Books about Women Inventors**

In the summer of 2018, Megan embarked on an exciting reading journey. She delved into the world of nonfiction children's books, with a particular focus on the remarkable achievements of women inventors.

These books provided a fascinating insight into the lives and contributions of female inventors throughout history. Megan learned about their determination, creativity, and the obstacles they overcame to bring their inventions to life.

From simple yet ingenious household inventions to ground-breaking scientific discoveries, the stories of these women inventors were both inspiring and educational. Megan was amazed by their ability to think outside the box and make a positive impact on the world.

Her summer reading not only expanded her knowledge but also sparked her own interest in inventing. She began to look at the world around her with a new perspective, imagining how she could create something new and useful.

Megan's summer reading in 2018 was truly a rewarding experience, and she will always remember the inspiring stories of these women inventors.
July 15,2025
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Women are truly remarkable. They will attempt the most astonishing things, driven by different motives. Sometimes, it's out of necessity, as they strive to meet the demands of their daily lives. At other times, curiosity gets the better of them, leading them to explore new frontiers. And then there are those moments when they are simply determined to make something better, to improve upon the existing.

What caught my attention even more in this book, which is beautifully illustrated with headings and sidebars lettered in pink to appeal to women and girls, is the wide variety of amounts and worth with which women's efforts are commercially rewarded.

Have you ever noticed the Toll-House chocolate chip cookie recipe on the back of the chocolate chip bag? Reading this book, you'll discover how it came to be there and what Ruth Wakefield received for selling the right to reprint her recipe.

Can you guess how much Margaret Knight, the inventor of the machine that made the first flat bottomed paper bags, was worth when she passed away?

Ever turned on your windshield wipers during a rainstorm? Mary Anderson designed the first windshield wipers, but she couldn't sell her invention to men. We learn in Girls Think of Everything that the patent for the seemingly worthless device expired. This is perhaps the weakest part of the book - we never find out how long she held the patent before it expired (it's only 17 years) or whether she made any money from it (it's implied that she didn't, but that might not be entirely true).

Nevertheless, you'll find the answers to the above questions and many more in Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women, which is truly a visual delight for a book of its kind!
July 15,2025
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We had a great passion for learning about the remarkable inventions created by women.

Each of these inventions was accompanied by a brief sketch that detailed the reasons behind their creation.

It is truly astonishing to see how many of these inventions have endured the test of time and continue to bring profit and blessings to us in the present day.

From practical household items to revolutionary technological advancements, the contributions of women inventors have been invaluable.

Their creativity, innovation, and determination have paved the way for a better and more convenient world.

By studying their inventions, we not only gain a deeper understanding of history but also draw inspiration for our own pursuits.

These women serve as role models, showing us that with hard work and a vision, anything is possible.

We should celebrate and honor their achievements, and continue to encourage and support the next generation of female inventors.

July 15,2025
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Every time there is a tweet or comment about women and lack of accomplishments, I will offer the link to this book.

This book is such a perfect present from my daughter because she knows this about me. :)

I have been savoring it and just reading a bit at a time. However, I find that I learn something new each time I pick it up.

The author's words are like precious pearls, shining with wisdom and inspiration.

It makes me realize that women have achieved so much throughout history, despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges.

We should not let the negative comments and stereotypes overshadow the remarkable accomplishments of women.

This book serves as a reminder of the strength and potential of women, and it gives me the motivation to keep striving for more.

I am truly grateful to my daughter for giving me this wonderful gift.
July 15,2025
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It was an absolute delight to read this book. It provided a fascinating insight into several truly awesome inventions that were created by women. The stories behind these inventions were not only interesting but also inspiring. It made me realize the incredible contributions that women have made in the field of innovation.


Definitely, I would highly recommend this book to middle grade kids. It would be a great source of knowledge and motivation for them. They would be able to learn about the amazing achievements of women and be encouraged to pursue their own interests and dreams. Moreover, it would also help them to develop a greater appreciation for the role of women in society and in the history of inventions.


Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning about the remarkable inventions made by women and for those who want to inspire the next generation of innovators.

July 15,2025
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I truly wish I had come across this wonderful item when my girls were little. It would have made an incredibly inspiring gift for any pre-teen, whether they are creative or not.

What makes this so special is that it opens and closes with an amazing list of girl inventions that date all the way back to 3000 BC. This list not only showcases the remarkable achievements of girls throughout history but also serves as a source of inspiration for the young minds of today.

In addition to the list, the item also includes quirky illustrations that bring the inventions to life in a fun and engaging way. These illustrations are sure to capture the attention of pre-teens and make learning about inventions an enjoyable experience.

Furthermore, it comes with a comprehensive guide to patenting your own inventions. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to protect your ideas and turn them into reality. It empowers pre-teens to believe in their creativity and take the necessary steps to make their inventions a success.

Overall, this item is a must-have for any pre-teen who has a passion for inventing or simply wants to explore the world of creativity. It is a unique and inspiring gift that will surely leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women is an engaging book that delves into the remarkable inventions of fifteen women from across the globe.

Each invention and its inventor are given several pages to comprehensively explain the innovation and the intricate process behind it. This not only provides the reader with the backstory but also highlights the importance and usefulness of each invention. Thimmesh skillfully describes the problem that each woman identified and the steps taken to invent a solution.

The book also explores crucial aspects such as patents, funding, and the various stages each woman had to navigate to turn their ideas from the drawing board into reality. There is a particularly inspiring part in the book where she says “Your Tun,” which serves as a motivation for future inventors.

This book is highly suitable for middle to upper grades (3-6) as it challenges readers to think critically and ignite their imagination. It equips them with the skills to become problem solvers while also emphasizing the significant role of women in the inventions we use today. It offers a valuable lesson for all and is an excellent read during Women's History Month.

When implementing this book in the classroom, students can be encouraged to become inventors themselves. Using the book as a source of inspiration, they can come up with their own inventions, demonstrating their awareness of the world around them and their ability to address everyday problems. After reading this book, students should be left feeling inspired and motivated to be problem solvers. The collaborative aspect of working with peers and creating a prototype of their invention can further enhance their learning and creativity.

I truly appreciate the message of this book and believe that students can gain valuable lessons from it, while also having the opportunity to express their artistic side through the creation of their own inventions.

July 15,2025
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