Customer Reviews

Who Was Albert Einstein? (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Who Was...? (PB))

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I happened upon this series and bought this book in the hopes it would be one I could read to children about Albert Einstein. In general, the writing is excellent and age appropriate. Some science concepts associated with Einstein are addressed, again at the appropriate level for the intended audience. However, I simply can not recommend a book that perpetuates the urban legend that "Albert was expelled from school." This is simply not the case. You can even find a copy of Einstein's high school diploma on the web. He did have issues with his high school teachers, but that did not lead to his being expelled. Apparently it led to his taking the necessary exams to graduate early. I also take issue with the author in a side bar where he discusses the "famous formula" linking energy and matter. The author highlights this sidebar with "Warning! Hard Stuff!". This kind of label becomes a self fulfilling prophesy in later years. If a child is told at a young age that something is "hard stuff", educators have seen that they hold on to this view well into their later years. Do a search for the study called "A Private Universe" and maybe you will better understand how misconceptions from early youth can stay with a person into their college years.

I thought Who Was Albert Einstein? was a great book. Hats off to Jess Brallier! I have read this book two or three times, which is rare for me, since I do not like to re-read things, so that must tell you how good this book is! I learned a lot of things like he was born on March 14, 1879, he had two wives, he wasn't the best father (in his own words), his brain is floating around in a jar today, 52 years after his death, and many more interesting things! You should read this book, and I would even recommend it to adults!!!

Jess Brallier did a terrific job presenting facts about Albert Einstein. The book included every single detail about Einstein's marvelous life. It will surely intrigue readers.

For me reading about someone special like Einstein is a prize because you get to learn about someone's remarkable life and at the same time explore another world.

Einstein's biography will inspire readers because of his lifelong lesson-to keep on learning and never give up!
Albert Einstein is my role model. He was a hardworking and a kind person who donated so much to the world.

I recommend this book to people who are interested in Albert Einstein and those who want to change the world!

by Emily P. (soon to be in grade 4)

This book contains many facts about Albert Einstein that may be new to you. Although I have several books about this man, this remains my favorite. In fact when a student's father accidentally spilled his coffee on it, I knew I had to get a new one for the classroom library.

This was purchased for a very inquisitive 7 year old, and I must say, I have NEVER known him to literally devour any book so raptly. He read the entire book over the course of two days, even taking time during class to read it (with his teacher's OK!). This was my first experience with this series of books --- but it won't be my last. I can't speak for every kid -- but I think this series might be well worth at least TRYING for any child looking to learn about a particular person or even subject -- it will make a good lead-in.....

My son had to write about a scientist for a major reading project. This book was great & even has a time line in the back! That helped him complete one of the reading response requirments.

I thought it was great and exsiting im in 5th grade and i love social studis and history my mom cinthia trys to get me all the who was books collection

Great subject for a children book. I got this series of books for my daughter and she really enjoyes reading them. Great read and educational too.

This book reads a lot as if my grandma had written it. It's chock full of details. Whether or not the stories are true, they are certainly embellished. And the stories talk way too much about how Albert felt, for him being an enigmatic scientist. It's written by a middle-aged man, not a grandma, though.

For a kid's book, it's perfect. It's entertaining, it has tons of good details, and it has some great and fantastic stories and rumors.

Overall, I liked it pretty much.

Pros:
+Tons of details about Einstein
+Covers all of Einstein's life, from childhood, to science, to death, to where his brain is now
+Paints a very positive picture of Einstein, and makes him into a hero
+I listened to the Audible edition, and the reader was good
+Gives a good introduction into the concept of light bending

Cons:
-Makes a few too many guesses about how Einstein felt about stuff, and makes up a bunch of reasons for why he did what he did.

Ships really fast!!A fun book!! Great for Biographies and Oral Presentaions!! Really easy child read! My son kept on sharing to me, page after page of interesting facts on Albert Einstein. The excitement of seeing his brain light up while reading was absolutely priceless!!!