Tom Swift - young scientist, engineer, inventor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Tom Swift book series, its history, evolution, and impact on young readers interested in science, engineering, and invention. Participants share their memories and observations about the series and its adaptations, including a TV show.

Discussion Character

  • Historical
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the long history of the Tom Swift series, mentioning its influence on readers to pursue careers in science and engineering.
  • Another participant provides a detailed summary of the different series, including publication years, number of books, and types of books.
  • A participant expresses nostalgia for the books, recalling a specific title, "Tom Swift and his Flying Lab."
  • Discussion includes mention of a Tom Swift TV show produced by the CW.
  • Several posts include playful or humorous remarks that reference Tom Swift in fictional scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share a fondness for the Tom Swift series, but there is no formal consensus on specific aspects of the discussion, such as the impact of the series or the significance of adaptations.

Contextual Notes

Some contributions are anecdotal and may lack detailed context regarding the series' influence or the specifics of its adaptations.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the history of children's literature, the evolution of young adult fiction, or the cultural impact of series like Tom Swift may find this discussion engaging.

difalcojr
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Tom Swift and Tom Swift Jr. books for young readers (ca. 8-9 to 14-15) are not in publication now, but have a history of over 100 years until recent times. I'd wager that many readers were motivated by the stories and adventures to to become scientists, engineers, and inventors themselves, for the books remained popular and even led to other popular, young reader books (Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys).
Written by ghost writers under the pseudonym Victor Appleton (and Victor Appleton II in that series), Howard Garis wrote from the beginning until 1932, and ca. 30 others the rest. Here's a summary:

Series...Years...........#books.......Series title......................Book type........ave.#pages.........Illustrations

1.........1910-1941.............40.............Tom Swift.................................hardbound.................210.......................1 at start.... 2.........1954-1971.............33.............Tom Swift Jr............................hardbound..............175-210.........1 per chapter..
3.........1981-1984.............11.............Tom Swift.................................hardbound..................190.........................0................
4.........1991-1993.............13.............Tom Swift.................................pocketbook.................150.........................0................
5.........2006-2007...............6.....Tom Swift, Young Inventor...........paperback.................160.........................0................
6.........2019-2022...............8.....Tom Swift Inventors' Academy....paperback................130..........................0...............


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Tom_Swift_books
Tom Swift 1922.jpeg
 
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Here's how the covers evolved:
1st series: 1913-1941
Tom Swift 1922.jpeg


2nd: 1954-1971 (both shown are 1954, #1 and #4)
Tom Swift Jr. 1954.jpg


3rd: 1981-1984 and 4th: 1991-1993
Tom Swift 1981 & 1991.jpeg


5th: 2006-2007 and the last series, the 6th: 2019-2020
Tom Swift 2006 & 2019.jpeg
 
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I loved those books when I was young!! I remember "Tom Swift and his Flying Lab" quite well.
 
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The CW had a Tom Swift TV show.
 
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I dropped my toothpaste, said Tom, crestfallen.
 
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Is that his great-great-great niece who’s sitting in a box in the Kansas City football stadium right now, watching her boyfriend help the Chiefs to beat the Ravens?
 
"Let's go camping!" said Tom, intently.
 
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