An engaging, inspiring profile of twenty girls and young women who are pioneers in the field of ideas demystifies the concept of "inventing" and affirms the ability of children to create. The young people in Girls and Young Women Inventing have designed and developed products that range from broom handles to paperweights to computer programs. Many of them have won prizes in Invent America! contests across the nation, and some of them even have patents. But their ideas most often come from their everyday lives. Each young inventor talks about how she got the idea for her invention and how she designed and developed a prototype. They also offer advice to other girls about inventing and following their dreams. A section on "How to be an Inventor" takes readers through the invention process from ways to come up with an idea to designing and, if desired, seeking a patent. (Ages 10-14)

In these first-person stories, readers discover the problems and frustrations of 20 young inventors and learn what motivated them and how they solved their problems. Step-by-step instructions on how to become an inventor are included and up-to-date information about inventors' associations and organizations are provided. Photos.