Nikola Tesla for Kids

May 1, 2019
A searching portrait of the troubled, visionary Serbian-American inventor, with simple hands-on projects that touch on his life and interests. O'Quinn describes in some detail the achievements for which Tesla is best remembered--from the Tesla coil and the practical generation of AC electricity to an advanced type of turbine--as well as his conflicts with Thomas Edison and Guglielmo Marconi. She promotes him as both a pacifist (notwithstanding his visions of particle-beam superweapons) and a conservationist whose experiments with wireless power transmission were spurred at least in part by environmental concerns. Without psychologizing she also notes his secretive nature, his tendencies to live beyond his means and to con investors, his now-disturbing eugenics theories, and his nomadic last years as a reclusive urban pigeon feeder. Period photos and patent drawings depict the hawk-nosed inventor, his work, his rivals, and his friends, and there are further resources aplenty at the end for curious or tantalized readers. Young experimenters hoping to fire up megavolt blasts of sparks or light bulbs held in their bare hands as Tesla did will be disappointed by the inserted projects, which begin with generating static electricity on a balloon and go on to demonstrations of magnetic fields and electromagnetism, writing an autobiography, and suchlike depressingly nonhazardous activities. Overall, a winning tribute to a scientific dreamer who was both a man of his times and, often, well ahead of them. (index, timeline, endnotes) (Biography. 11-13)

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July 26, 2019

Gr 5-8-Given the popularity of the electric cars named after him, this biography about Tesla is a timely addition to the "For Kids" series. Throughout seven chapters, O'Quinn provides a comprehensive sketch of Tesla's life including his childhood in Croatia, schooling in Europe, immigration to the States, and subsequent career. The author presents a balanced view of both Tesla's genius and ingenuity and his struggles with mental health and finances. Side bars that explain background information about events and people pivotal to the time period and topic will help readers gain necessary context. The book's many images depict examples of Tesla's inventions, period-appropriate pictures of places mentioned, and Tesla himself. Although the text lends itself to the older end of middle grade students, the featured activities are accessible and suitable for younger readers. Within the 21 activities, readers will find a variety of opportunities ranging from scientific, such as "solar oven s'mores," to research and writing, such as a virtual visit to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The activities can generally be accomplished with standard household items and have clear directions to ensure success. VERDICT A useful addition to a library serving middle grade students who enjoy biographies, science, and scientific activities.-Erica Thorsen, Albemarle High School, VA

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