Thomas Edison was almost deaf. He did not like school. The teacher thought he was slow. His mother taught him. Thomas read many books. He liked to do experiments.

When he was 13, Thomas sold newspapers and candy on a train. One day he saved a boy’s life. The boy’s father gave Thomas Edison a job. Thomas became a telegrapher when he was 16. Edison started inventing things. Some of his inventions made money! Thomas used the money to set up a laboratory. Thomas Edison improved the telegraph.

He married Mary Stilwell. They had three children. The family moved to Menlo Park, New York. Edison set up a new, big lab. Some say his research lab was his best invention. Thomas also invented the phonograph. The phonograph recorded sounds and played them back. Edison became famous.

Edison did not invent the light bulb. Many people had made light bulbs. Edison made a better one. His light bulb lasted longer. People could afford to buy it. He started many companies. The companies brought lights to people all over the world.

Mary Stilwell Edison died. Edison married Mina Miller. They had three more children. Edison kept inventing. He invented movies and the alkaline battery. He improved the phone. Thomas Edison had 1,093 United States patents.