Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines

We had to buy this as a birthday gift for my son after he burst into tears when returning it to the library! Engaging illustrations and story, and the simplified, kid-friendly Goldberg machines allowed him to talk through what each part was supposed to do. But also silly enough to be funny! As a parent I love the message (keep trying, even if it seems like the path isn’t clear) and it inspired his creativity - to try to think up his own inventions.

I loved this superbly written and awesomely illustrated picture book biography of Rube Goldberg! I had heard of Rube before, but really knew nothing about him- what a fascinating story and legacy! Teachers who assign Rube Goldberg projects MUST add this book to your curriculum! This is perfect for STEM/ STEAM lessons, and I could look at the pictures for hours and not see all the details!I read a F&G of this book, for an honest review, and then preordered two copies, one for my classroom and one for my colleague!

My grandson loved this book. He spent ten minutes on zoom telling me all about it. It made him laugh. It also made him think. He observed and described all kinds of details in the illustrations that I never noticed. Now he wants to learn more about how machines work. A big hit!

Rube Goldberg with his crazy machines was one of my heroes! I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful biography and have recommended it to many of my students and their parents. The original illustrations capture the essence of Rube Goldberg and make him accessible to the target age group. The well-written text tells Rube's story in an inspiring and easy to understand way.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I learned so much about this man who is synonymous with invention that astounded me. How did I not know? But it's not just the facts, it's the way Sarah Aronson weaved together a story of grit, creativity, and hope and Robert Neubecker brought to life in his illustrations that makes this book SHINE! So fun, so innovative...just like Rube Goldberg. Add this one to your classroom library and you'll spark creativity and perseverance in so many young readers.

I teach force and motion to elementary students. This and the music video by the Band OkGo!

What a fun and interesting story! Rube persevered, never giving up, until he reached his goal. I loved learning about his life and journey to success. I loved that the author and illustrator included some of Rube's real drawings.The book is easy enough for little kids to understand and chock full of facts to keep the older kids engaged.

A perfect book to add to your collection of books about inventors as well as books that lead to creativity and ingenuity! Aronson’s book has been reread in my classroom dozens of times and each time it spurs on the imaginations of kids!

Love the story of his life and how it added old cartoons with good resolution so you can actually see the step by step sequence of the contraptions.

This is a great story about a quirky guy. My students love it.