This book was listed on the ALA's Notable Children's Books of 2014. It also has a multitude of positive reviews from different publications. Other awards this book has received are School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, New York Times Editor's Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Books of the Year, and many others. This is a quality book that will enhance any children's collection. | Albert on a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne follows Albert Einstein from a small child. It notes how he didn't say a word for the first few years of his life. We learn that a compass sparked his curiosity. From then on, he began asking questions. We follow him through grade school, into a job, and pondering some of his most famous questions and discoveries. We also learn a little bit about Albert Einstein as a person, like his love for music and love of comfy, thinking clothes. This book does a nice job of introducing Albert Einstein to a young audience. It covers a range of topics without going into too much detail; this makes it perfect for elementary aged students. It shows Albert Einstein as a curious individual who strives to answer life's questions. This book can encourage students to follow in Einstein's footsteps and question the things they see around them. This book could also be used to introduce the genre of biographies or as a language arts link to science. The illustrations are simple and thoughtful. They go nicely with the thoughtful attitude that Einstein embodies. One of the things that I like most about the visual aspect of this book is the red text. Important items that the author wants to stand out are typed in a larger, red font. I think that this helps to focus the reader in on the major parts of Einstein's life and ideals. |
The Details
Title: Albert on a Beam of Light Author: Jennifer Berne Illustrator: Vladimir Radunsky Publisher: Chronicle Books Copyright: 2013 Age Range: 6-10 | Similar Books (Biographies for Children): I am Amelia Earhart by Brad Meltzer The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne |