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mlejmeyer's review
4.0
Interesting biography, wonderful back matter, one point in the text where I feel the history is confusing for the reader (regarding the rivalry between Tesla & Edison.)
finalefile's review
2.0
I love learning about Nikola Tesla, but I found this book to be lacking in interest. It doesn't seem to be written in a way that would engage young readers, and even as an adult I didn't understand all the electrical concepts introduced in the book. At the same time, there's too much information (bland, vague descriptions of alternating current) and too little information (Tesla lit up the World's Fair and built a generator under Niagara Falls...and then what? The book ends there.).
turrean's review
4.0
Another great nonfiction book by Elizabeth Rusch. A thrilling read; this picture book chronicles the rivalry between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.
It also serves as a nice little modern parable about the power of disinformation and its effect on science and technology. Edison's efforts to see Tesla discredited had everything to do with making money, and nothing to do with the quality of Tesla's discoveries.
krismarley's review
2.0
It talks about Edison electrocuting dogs, horses, and elephants in demonstrations to warn people about the danger of alternating current. Though direct current was, and is, as dangerous. That didn't sit well with me in a children's book.
Kinda boring.
Kinda boring.
nerfherder86's review
3.0
A picture book about the alternating current inventor and his rivalry with Thomas Edison. Uses clear explanations and additional explanatory material at the end of book. Gives sources for quotes and a bibliography. Nice art.
emdoux's review
4.0
I had to read this picture book biography, of course, because Tesla is the name of my black cat. So what did I learn from reading this book, you ask? Tesla pet his family's cat when he was three years old and was fascinated by the sparks coming off its fur. I AM ONCE AGAIN SHOWN THAT TESLA IS THE PERFECT NAME FOR MY HIGHLY-STATICKY CAT.
michelle_neuwirth_gray9311's review
4.0
A nice overview of Tesla's life and work. Lots of resources included in the back for kids and adults interested in
Earning more about Tesla.
Earning more about Tesla.
wordnerd153's review
4.0
An engaging and informational read about Tesla - his humble beginnings, his ability to see things in a new light, and the contributions he made to the world. Great for intermediate grades and middle school.
jedi_indyjones's review
5.0
Nikola Telsa's accomplishments are numerous and very few are taught about how inventive he was and how much he saw the world in a different way. He dreamed big and wanted the best for humanity. He wanted the world to benefit from the alternating current and to light the world. This book has great artwork and tells and inspiring story about changing the world in the face of power, controversy, and bureaucracy. Tesla inspires us all to ask big questions.
tashrow's review against another edition
4.0
Nikola Tesla was born in Serbia during a lightning storm, something that would portend his future interest in electricity. At a young age, Tesla became fascinated by the invisible energy everywhere around him, in the water, the wind and the insect that flew. In college Tesla grew interested in alternating current though his professor thought it was impossible. Tesla studied and invented and eventually figured out how to make alternating current work, but he needed help. He headed to America to meet with Thomas Edison, someone he knew would be interested. But Edison was not, insisting that direct current was the only electricity he would work with. Soon Tesla and Edison were rivals in the “war of the currents.” This first picture book biography will introduce young readers to one of the great scientific inventors of all time and his greatest rival too.
Rusch tells the compelling story of Tesla and his inventions. She shows Tesla as a complicated person, eager to pursue his own ideas and willing to stand up for them in the face of great opposition. She also tells the story of the rivalry of the two men in a very engaging way and Tesla’s ultimate victory and how he reached it. Her writing is engaging, detailed and impressive.
Dominguez’s illustrations are filled with period details that help ground this picture book directly in the time in which it is set. Scientific instruments are often in the forefront of the images, showing their structures in detail. This is a true celebration of the science of invention.
An electrical read, this book shines light on a great man. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
Rusch tells the compelling story of Tesla and his inventions. She shows Tesla as a complicated person, eager to pursue his own ideas and willing to stand up for them in the face of great opposition. She also tells the story of the rivalry of the two men in a very engaging way and Tesla’s ultimate victory and how he reached it. Her writing is engaging, detailed and impressive.
Dominguez’s illustrations are filled with period details that help ground this picture book directly in the time in which it is set. Scientific instruments are often in the forefront of the images, showing their structures in detail. This is a true celebration of the science of invention.
An electrical read, this book shines light on a great man. Appropriate for ages 7-9.
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