Super Soaker inventor Lonnie Johnson / Schwartz, Heather E

"Lonnie Johnson was discouraged from becoming a scientist in school, but eventually became an engineer. Learn how Johnson overcame many challenges to become a brilliant engineer and inventor of one of the world's most popular toys, the Super Soaker"--Provided by publisher.

Provides a biography of African American inventor and NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson who invented the Super Soaker. Discusses his childhood, education, and passion for inventing. Includes quotes, photographs, a timeline, a glossary, and further resources.

As a kid, Lonnie Johnson liked to invent things. He often faced prejudice as an African American growing up in the segregated southern United States, but he eventually became an engineer for the US Air Force and NASA. He was working on a different invention when he came up with the idea for a new type of water gun. Johnson knew his toy was more powerful than other squirt guns---he just needed to find a way to make the Super Soaker available to kids all over the country. Learn how Johnson overcame many challenges to become a brilliant engineer and inventor.