Before the World Was Ready: Stories of Daring Genius in Science - Hardcover

Eamer, Claire

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 155451536X ISBN 13: 9781554515363

Publisher: Annick Press, 2013

Synopsis

Eight fascinating tales of scientists and inventors ahead of their time. In this thought-provoking book, you’ll find out what happened when people weren’t ready to listen to innovators who came up with revolutionary ideas. Discover how Alfred Wegener struggled to convince geologists that the ground beneath our feet is moving, why mad scientist” Nikola Tesla’s futuristic ideas about electricity were dismissed, why Charles Darwin delayed publishing his controversial theory of evolution for decades, and how Charles Babbage and Ada Lovelace nearly invented the first computer in the 1800s. You’ll also meet Copernicus, who proposed a sun-centered model of the universe; Ignaz Semmelweis, who tried in vain to persuade doctors to use disinfection methods; the aviation pioneer George Cayley, whose ideas were decades ahead of the technology that would make them work; and Rachel Carson, who sounded the first alarm about the effects of pesticides on wildlife. Nowadays, we think of these scientists as heroes, but they all endured great personal hardships for daring to think differently. Enlivened by colorful and witty illustrations, these compelling stories of great minds and often eccentric personalities are sure to draw in young readers. Look around: can you spot the next world-shaking idea?

About this title

Product Description:

Title: Before the World Was Ready( Stories of Daring Genius in Science) <>Binding: Hardcover <>Author: ClaireEamer <>Publisher: AnnickPress

Review:

This new offering from science writer Claire Eamer is truly revolutionary--and I don't use the term lightly!. . .A must have for every library, classroom, and personal collection.--Yolanda Ridge"yolandaridge.com" (08/21/2013)

Eamer explores what it means to defy popular wisdom and become a trailbreaker in the forest of ideas in this fun collective biography. Detailed stories about eight scientists explain how they endured rejection and ridicule for their work on both personal and professional levels... Each person's process of inquiry, experimentation, and discovery typifies the scientific method. Squiggly cartoon illustrations provide comical sidebars in concert with the text. The book's epilogue reinforces its thesis, explaining common obstacles to each of the scientists and discussing potential trailbreakers of the near future in the field of climate change. Aside from providing interesting biographical reading, this book is replete with life lessons for adolescents and tweens about flouting popularity in the name of what is right.--Erin Anderson"Booklist" (12/01/2013)

This would be a great book for science students in the junior and intermediate grades to read when looking for an interesting scientist to study for a science fair or class project.--Sandra O'Brien"Canadian Children's Book News" (10/01/2013)

By encouraging readers to spot the trailblazers, Eamer introduces history's greatest scientific discoveries, such as plate tectonics, microorganisms, and the harmful effects of pesticides. Although no shortage of published material exists for many of the included scientists, the author takes a novel approach by linking scientists across cultures and time periods based on a similar focus of study. Much of the text is dedicated to forerunners who inspired today's better-known names, such as Sir George Cayley, whose flight research provided the framework for the Wright brothers. A well-rounded list of titles for further reading, a lengthy selected bibliography, and an inclusive index are included. Boothroyd's whimsical illustrations provide a touch of humor. This title may be of interest to students with an appreciation for science or history as well as those researching a specific scientist.--Meaghan Darling, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ"School Library Journal" (12/01/2013)

About this edition

• Publisher: Annick Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 155451536X
• ISBN 13: 9781554515363
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 128
• Illustrator: Boothroyd Sa