Starstruck

August 1, 2018
An introduction to the brilliant African-American astrophysicist who, from an early age, found his passion in the skies.This biography tells of Tyson's childhood in the Bronx, where he walked dogs to earn money for his first big telescope, through which he viewed the stars from the rooftop of his apartment building, the aptly named Skyview. Mistaking the telescope for a rifle, neighbors often called the police, but Tyson would win the cops over by showing them the stars or his favorite planet, Saturn. The nearby Hayden Planetarium became an important educational space for Tyson, opening up opportunities such as an ocean-liner trip to the northwest African coast with 2,000 scientists to observe a solar eclipse when he was just 14. Attending the Bronx High School of Science, Tyson excelled in science but also in dance and wrestling. After attending Harvard, he returned home to work at Hayden Planetarium, the place where he first glimpsed the stars. Along with other astrophysicists, Tyson remapped the solar system, reclassifying Pluto as a dwarf planet. While the authors' informative, enthusiastic telling keeps readers interested in Tyson's nerdy and passionate pursuit of deeper knowledge about all things celestial, the illustrations border on caricature at times and, perhaps as a result, create many inconsistencies in Tyson's appearance. The recurring starry backgrounds, however, successfully emphasize the importance of stars in Tyson's life.An informative and entertaining title for aspiring young scientists. (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

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September 10, 2018
Growing up in the Bronx, Neil deGrasse Tyson rarely saw more than a sprinkling of stars—until he visited the Hayden Planetarium in Manhattan. In this affectionate biography, married coauthors Krull and Brewer describe Tyson’s growing fascination with the cosmos as he takes a trip out of the city, where the stars are marvelously visible. He walked dogs to raise money for a telescope that neighbors sometimes mistook for a rifle: “When police officers stopped by, he would offer them the view from his telescope.” Krull and Brewer note milestones in Tyson’s career: earning his advanced degree in astrophysics, taking a job at the Hayden Planetarium, and appearing for the first time on television. Morrison works in a playful art style that expressively conveys Tyson’s personality and physical likeness (he appears dressed in his signature starry vests). This uplifting biography captures its subject’s relatability, natural curiosity, and infectious enthusiasm for science. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from March 1, 2019

K-Gr 3-This picture book biography of Neil deGrasse Tyson perfectly conveys his fascination with space and determination to study it. Authors Krull and Brewer trace his journey full circle from his first trip to the Hayden Planetarium to his current role as the planetarium's director. Morrison's illustrations show Neil's "starstruck" wonder, as well as his energy and enthusiasm. Spreads that feature Neil and the night sky showcase him in the perfect setting. The text is upbeat but honest about the challenges he overcame to reach his goal. Key events, such as viewing a solar eclipse aboard a floating laboratory, meeting Carl Sagan, and the uproar of reclassifying Pluto are included. The author's note gives more details about Neil's background, education, and family; there is also a list of sources. This title would work well in a unit on space or contemporary biographies. VERDICT A stellar biography for young readers who have their eyes on the stars. Highly recommended.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2018
Grades K-3 The creators of The Beatles Were Fab (and They Were Funny)? (2013) team up here to introduce astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. New York City native Tyson discovered the heavens on a childhood visit to the Hayden Planetarium. He became a regular stargazer (using telescopes that he earned money to purchase), later attending classes at the Hayden, participating in research projects, and attending Harvard. The authors focus on Tyson's early life, emphasizing his enthusiasm for this field and his early encounters with racial prejudice. They also highlight Tyson's passion for communicating science and note his role in demoting Pluto to dwarf status. Morrison's lively art demonstrates the influences of his early graffiti work, particularly in his night skies and Tyson's signature cosmos-themed clothing. Many of the spreads are dark, befitting their evening settings, but he uses lighter hues (blues especially, but also brown skin tones) to bring the characters into sharp focus. Inspirational and informative, this will make a popular addition to biography and STEM collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)