Albert Einstein: Young Thinker

by Marie Hammontree, Robert Doremus (Illustrator)

Albert Einstein is a household name synonymous with genius around the world. His work unlocked mysteries of the universe and also impacted everyday conveniences like remote controls and televisions. And while most are familiar with Einstein’s adult wisdom (and wild hair), do you know what he was like as a child?

From his passion for music—he played both the violin and the piano—to his early curiosity for understanding the mysteries of science, in this narrative biography you’ll learn all about Albert Einstein’s childhood and the influences that shaped the life of a remarkable man.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Historical, Biography Memoir

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Marie Gertrude Hammontree was an American children's author known for her biographies of famous people born in America. Her works include Albert Einstein, Young Thinker and Walt Disney, Young Movie Maker.

Reviews

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelous story of his childhood and family....I liked how people commented on what a loss for Germany but a gain for the USA for him to have chosen to go there in 1933 to escape Hitler and his tyrants. So many wonderful souls all despised and killed simply for being Jewish, as if that was anything to be considered inferior no less. (H.A.Rey also escaped the Nazis else we wouldn't have had the pleasure of enjoying Curious George) He had such a loving childhood with his family and other relatives, was admired for being such a humble and kind man overall. I would have loved to have met him. Great adaption for young readers ( or ones like me who want shorter/less tedious ones these days) I want to read more about him besides now.

[Dahlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5th grader had to read a biography of someone they would like to learn more about. I read it with him. It was a fun read, but also very informative. I didn't know Albert Einstein grew up in Germany and hated school. He barely escaped Hitler's reign. He moved to America because he knew he wouldn't be safe from Hitler anywhere in Europe. I didn't know he was a Jew either. The Childhood of Famous Americans series is a good one to expose your kids too. A couple years ago I also read about Hellen Keller and learned things I never knew about her.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know that Albert Einstein was once offered presidency of Isreal?

Although written in a very babishy manner, this book was very educating and interesting just like all the Young Americans books

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written very well because it explains with a lot of details about the childhood of Albert Einstein. Sometimes there are also some pictures involved, and the writing size is bigger than normal, which makes it easier to read the book.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borrowed. The part I liked best was when he went to Oktoberfest in Germany.

[Noelle Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

He always asked lots of questions and sometimes his teachers didn't even know the answer!
His family had a pet parrot named Laura, and they found a pet cat (it wasn't theirs) that they named
Gertrude. A few days later, a girl came to their house and said the cat was hers.
The next day Albert's dad came home with a puppy who they named Gerald.

[K.M. Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this aloud to my kids to learn about Albert Einstein. It emphasizes his curiosity in childhood and not enough of his adult adventures, IMO. But the kids liked it. It's a good starting point for studying his remarkable life and achievements.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very fictionalized version of Einstein's childhood better suited to silent reading than reading aloud.

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great I loved when he moved to Italy

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful book.

[GheenGirls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turtle: great! Return to library.

[Mackenzie Navarrete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Date: 11/8/23
Genre: Biographical Nonfiction
Level: 3rd-6th
Review: I knew nothing about Albert Einstein until after I read this book. All I knew was that he was an inventor. This book had a lot of great information about what he was like as a child, how he grew up, and what he did in his life. Although it was a lot of information, it was put together in a way that younger readers could understand. I enjoyed reading and learning more about how what he did had an impact on the world today.

[Angela]

Biography/Science

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun and informative book is an easy, light read. It helps the reader understand the life/background of Albert Einstein. He could not fit in with any school. He could do anything mathematical, but when it came to any other subject, he was just not interested. He was able to find great friends and mentors who helped him see that great things can be learned from all aspects of life. He used his experiences to become the great scientist we admire today.

[Ms. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of his, life the amazing Albert Einstein. This book explains his long journey to become one of the most famous scientists in the world. It gives you great facts and teaches you some things you would have never known about Albert Einstein. Read this book and find out the amazing things about Albert and what he did.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this quick read for kids 6 to 12 to help them have a love and respect for the life and accomplishments of Albert Einstein. All of the Childhood of Famous Americans Series are a great jumping-off point to learn more about the lives of influential Americans. Once your kid reads this book, they will be interested in learning more!

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children and I have really enjoyed this series of books. It is so fun to read all about the childhood of famous people in history. We loved learning about Einstein's childhood in Germany, his distaste for school, but passion for mathematics. This book taught us so many interesting facts about Einsteins childhood. We loved it!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how curious he was as a child. It was funny how he never stopped asking questions. I wish I was more like that. I would sure know a lot. In his later days he suffered many hardships when coming to America.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read for my 3rd grader. He really liked it. It was informative - without being too boring for kids. My son was most surprised that Albert Einstein was kicked out of school for asking too many questions. I thought it gave him a good taste of who Albert Einstein was.

[Esther May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked reading about Albert Einstein. I liked how he did not let the system change him. I liked how he would think about things and ask questions. It was interesting to learn more about his childhood.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

from my old favorite Childhood of Famous Americans series

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but of course it makes Einstein seem perfect.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a lot of info.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful YA (pre-teen) book about the life of ALbert Einstein. I've read several books in this series, and have yet to find one I would not recommend.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Einstein was good mathematics. He loved geometry and physics. When he was older he was a professor. He was the person who invented things that counted people, he invented television.

[Nevada Libert · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS BOOK TAUGHT ME ALOUT ABOUT HIM:) I LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH:)

[Felix]

Very good. It talks about Albert Einsteins child hood

[Abheek Khamrui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combination of inspiration and enjoyment

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read with some fun facts abought Alberrt Einstien's life from a boy to a young man

[WSL Library]

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