The Importance of Sir Isaac Newton [Library Binding]

Deborah Hitzeroth (Author), Sharon Leon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8-12-Hitzeroth and Leon sufficiently explain Newton's theories of gravity, light, and motion, as well as his other discoveries and inventions. Stewart chronicles the life of Alexander the Great, describing the achievements of "the man who conquered the world." The accounts are written in a straightforward, nonfictionalized style. The extensive use of primary sources-diaries, memoirs, letters, published papers-as well as secondary sources results in portrayals of real people with personal interests and problems outside of their public roles and achievements. Lengthy quotations (some placed in boxed inserts) are used extensively. They contribute to the scholarly tone, but disrupt the flow of the text and make the reading tedious. The black-and-white reproductions include archival photographs and drawings, maps, and diagrams. Some of the captions repeat information covered in the text. Although these are interesting, readable biographies that will be good resources for report writers, their format limits their use for general reading.
Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Library Binding: 96 pages
• Publisher: Lucent Books (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560060468
• ISBN-13: 978-1560060468
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,006,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality biography written for young people, July 5, 2002

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Importance of Sir Isaac Newton (Library Binding)

In order to be better able to understand and interact with the technical aspects of our modern world, young people need to learn about the scientists whose work made it all possible. Sir Isaac Newton is generally acclaimed as the greatest scientist who ever lived, and this is his biography written at the level of the late middle school student.
While Newton's scientific accomplishments are covered in detail, the authors quite correctly also cover the major events of the time, such as the great plague that swept through England. It is ironic that such a tragic event helped push Newton out to a location where he could do his incredible work without distraction. Newton's battles with his colleagues over priority of discovery are also covered in detail. Scientists are often portrayed as unemotional, yet here you read about some of the petty battles that go on in the profession. Rather than distracting from the story, it makes Newton appear more human.
I found the book to be an excellent biography of Newton and his times. The writing is clear, sequential and it imparts the essence of Newton's discoveries without using mathematical explanations. I strongly recommend that it be included in all middle school libraries.