Who Was Albert Einstein? [Paperback]

Jess Brallier (Author), Robert Andrew Parker (Illustrator), Nancy Harrison (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: February 18, 2002 | Age Range: 8 - 11 years | Series: Who Was...? | Lexile Measure: 810L (What's this?)

Everyone has heard of Albert Einstein-but what exactly did he do? How much do kids really know about Albert Einstein besides the funny hair and genius label? For instance, do they know that he was expelled from school as a kid? Finally, here's the story of Albert Einstein's life, told in a fun, engaging way that clearly explores the world he lived in and changed.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-This biography describes Einstein's early struggle to harness and focus his extraordinary abilities; his relationships with his family and first wife; and, lending depth to the story, his most significant scientific discoveries. Brallier does an adequate job of presenting the facts and injects touches of humor into his text. He also discusses Einstein's exile from Germany in the early 1930s and his political views and activities, including the irony that the man who strove for a world without war helped to create the atomic bomb. There are several full-page sidebars, including one on "The Magnetic Earth" and another on "Hitler and the Nazis," and two time lines that contrast world events with those of the scientist's life. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations do little to enhance the text.
Carol Fazioli, formerly at The Brearley School, New York City
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jess Brallier is the publisher of Planet Dexter and the author of more than 20 books. He lives in Reading, MA.

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 - 11 years
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (February 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448424967
• ISBN-13: 978-0448424965
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #2 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( E ) > Einstein, Albert
  • #3 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Physics
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Science & Technology

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of Information! May 15, 2007

By jmnixon95

Format:Paperback

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!!!

36 of 44 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Perpetuating An Urban Legend About Einstein May 7, 2010

By Harold A. Geller

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Genius of All Time June 24, 2008

A Kid's Review

Format:Paperback

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)