What do you think?
Rate this book
Candlewick Biographies
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World
Move over, Thomas Edison! Nikola Tesla takes the spotlight in a biography of the man who pioneered modern electrical engineering — and changed the course of history.
When a Serbian boy named Nikola Tesla was three, he stroked his cat and was enchanted by the electrical sparks. By the time he was a teenager, he had made a vow: Someday I will turn the power of Niagara Falls into electricity. Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio — all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions. Established biographer Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color.
When a Serbian boy named Nikola Tesla was three, he stroked his cat and was enchanted by the electrical sparks. By the time he was a teenager, he had made a vow: Someday I will turn the power of Niagara Falls into electricity. Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time. Remote controls, fluorescent lights, X-rays, speedometers, cell phones, even the radio — all resulted from Nikola Tesla’s inventions. Established biographer Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2013
7 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rusch
31 books73 followersELIZABETH RUSCH is an award-winning book author, magazine writer, editor, writing teacher and speaker. Her wide-ranging passions include astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, nature, waves, jokes, crayons, and mud — anything that catches her fancy. She is inspired by stories of exploration and discovery, stories that have been overlooked by history, and stories that grapple with persistent questions. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction for children or adults or teaching workshops, she hopes her work opens doors, opens minds, opens possibilities.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
January 14, 2014
A picture book biography for older readers about the man responsible for lighting our lives with electricity. Most people don't know what Nikola Tesla did, and this book shines a spotlight on his scientific research. As a teenager, Tesla was fascinated with electricity and dreamed of harnessing the waters of Niagara Falls. Thomas Edison, his competitor was busy researching a different system, direct-current. But Tesla proved that AC was the way to go and changed the world. The author added fascinating back matter describing the rivalry between Tesla and Edison, and includes scientific Q&As, illustrations, and info on a documentary film.
February 10, 2021
I am fascinated by Tesla, and I think Thomas Edison is the worst, so take my biased review for what it's worth. I really like that although this is a kids' book, it doesn't shy away from Edison being a big fat liar pants and all-around jackass (that is the official term). And I always want to stand up and cheer when Tesla wins the contract to light the world's fair, even though I know things go downhill for him after that. Anyway. Read this. I like anything that calls out Edison.
May 8, 2020
This book was fascinating!
And who knew Thomas Edison could be so cruel?! I'd never heard THAT part of history before!
And who knew Thomas Edison could be so cruel?! I'd never heard THAT part of history before!
Read
June 26, 20151) Spires, A. (2014). The most magnificent thing. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press.
2) “The Most Magnificent Thing” is a light-hearted picture book about a young girl tinkering with her invention until it is just right. This relates perfectly to the story of Nikola Tesla because he faced many obstacles in his life but he kept pressing forward. Both books show that inventing, like most things in life, does not come easily and one must go through many trials before succeeding. This fiction book is a great way to introduce the idea of inventing and perseverance. The nonfiction text then takes this idea much farther by giving specific examples of how Nikola Tesla persevered in the face of a nasty rival (Thomas Edison) and a complete lack of funds.
3) The structure of “Electrical Wizard” is a combination of problem-solution, description, and chronological order. The author depicts Tesla’s life by presenting an obstacle and then telling how Tesla over came that challenge. The author uses strong descriptive words and writes of his life in chronological order.
4) I would use a K-W-L chart as an interactive reading strategy when reading “Electrical Wizard.” I would ask students to write down everything they know about electricity and who invented it. I would then guide the students to develop questions they have about electricity and its origins. The purpose of creating this K-W-L chart is for students to see that it was not just Thomas Edison’s invention. In fact, the author asserts that Edison was a nasty man who took advantage of Tesla’s work and blocked his efforts to produce alternating current electricity. Too often students hear a single story, and they need to know about Tesla and how his work changed scientific history as well.
2) “The Most Magnificent Thing” is a light-hearted picture book about a young girl tinkering with her invention until it is just right. This relates perfectly to the story of Nikola Tesla because he faced many obstacles in his life but he kept pressing forward. Both books show that inventing, like most things in life, does not come easily and one must go through many trials before succeeding. This fiction book is a great way to introduce the idea of inventing and perseverance. The nonfiction text then takes this idea much farther by giving specific examples of how Nikola Tesla persevered in the face of a nasty rival (Thomas Edison) and a complete lack of funds.
3) The structure of “Electrical Wizard” is a combination of problem-solution, description, and chronological order. The author depicts Tesla’s life by presenting an obstacle and then telling how Tesla over came that challenge. The author uses strong descriptive words and writes of his life in chronological order.
4) I would use a K-W-L chart as an interactive reading strategy when reading “Electrical Wizard.” I would ask students to write down everything they know about electricity and who invented it. I would then guide the students to develop questions they have about electricity and its origins. The purpose of creating this K-W-L chart is for students to see that it was not just Thomas Edison’s invention. In fact, the author asserts that Edison was a nasty man who took advantage of Tesla’s work and blocked his efforts to produce alternating current electricity. Too often students hear a single story, and they need to know about Tesla and how his work changed scientific history as well.
July 22, 2016
As a child, Tesla became fascinated by the invisible energy all around us. Patting the pet cat sent static electricity flying. What caused it? Could that electricity be created and harnessed?
Lightning, power and static electricity inspired Tesla's career. He understood how to make alternating current (AC) using magnets. This has changed our world dramatically. Edison's battery-generated electricity (DC) is great in short distances but we'd never have the massive use of electrical power we have today without Tesla. Flourescent lights? Tesla. Harnessing hydropower? Tesla. Read more about how his inventions work in the notes. Tesla did a lot more than what is mentioned in the book, but this is a great intro for kids.
Lightning, power and static electricity inspired Tesla's career. He understood how to make alternating current (AC) using magnets. This has changed our world dramatically. Edison's battery-generated electricity (DC) is great in short distances but we'd never have the massive use of electrical power we have today without Tesla. Flourescent lights? Tesla. Harnessing hydropower? Tesla. Read more about how his inventions work in the notes. Tesla did a lot more than what is mentioned in the book, but this is a great intro for kids.
April 29, 2015
Rusch, Elizabeth Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World, illustrated by Oliver Dominguez. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2013. Content: G.
From a very early age, the idea of electricity and power fascinated Nikola Tesla. From the sparks of his cat’s fur to the power of moving water, Tesla explored electricity and how to improve it. When he discovered a new way to provide the power (alternating instead of direct), he was not only ridiculed, but also became Thomas Edison biggest rival.
There is a whole lot of information in this picture book. Thankfully it contains an electricity lesson at the end. A great addition for a science rich curriculum – not necessarily as a read aloud, but definitely for background knowledge.
EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
From a very early age, the idea of electricity and power fascinated Nikola Tesla. From the sparks of his cat’s fur to the power of moving water, Tesla explored electricity and how to improve it. When he discovered a new way to provide the power (alternating instead of direct), he was not only ridiculed, but also became Thomas Edison biggest rival.
There is a whole lot of information in this picture book. Thankfully it contains an electricity lesson at the end. A great addition for a science rich curriculum – not necessarily as a read aloud, but definitely for background knowledge.
EL – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
February 13, 2017
A great introduction to electricity and Tesla, for both kids and adults.
February 24, 2021
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World is a children's picture book written by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Oliver Dominguez. Nikola Tesla's curiosity and passion for discovery are on full display in this picture-book biography.
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.
Rusch's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This is a lively introduction to the life of an important figure in technology, someone whose ideas are still at the center of today's world. Backmatter includes sources, bibliography, further reading. Dominguez's graphite, gouache, ink and acrylic paintings capture both the inventor's focus and his exuberance, ably complementing the narrative.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. From the time he was a small boy, Serbian-born inventor Nikola Tesla was fascinated by electricity. It wasn’t long before he began to notice everything about this power and ways to make it more effective. As he traveled the world, working, learning, and inventing, he was constantly looking for a way to develop electricity using alternating current, a method he believed would be safer and cheaper than the direct current that was in use.
When he came to the United States, he sought the help of Thomas Edison, a proponent of direct current, and the two inventors eventually found themselves rivals after initial collaboration. Despite powerful opposition, Tesla's ideas ultimately prevailed.
All in all, Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World is an engaging volume that will encourage both budding scientists and anyone intrigued by the creative process.
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, and futurist best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.
Rusch's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This is a lively introduction to the life of an important figure in technology, someone whose ideas are still at the center of today's world. Backmatter includes sources, bibliography, further reading. Dominguez's graphite, gouache, ink and acrylic paintings capture both the inventor's focus and his exuberance, ably complementing the narrative.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. From the time he was a small boy, Serbian-born inventor Nikola Tesla was fascinated by electricity. It wasn’t long before he began to notice everything about this power and ways to make it more effective. As he traveled the world, working, learning, and inventing, he was constantly looking for a way to develop electricity using alternating current, a method he believed would be safer and cheaper than the direct current that was in use.
When he came to the United States, he sought the help of Thomas Edison, a proponent of direct current, and the two inventors eventually found themselves rivals after initial collaboration. Despite powerful opposition, Tesla's ideas ultimately prevailed.
All in all, Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World is an engaging volume that will encourage both budding scientists and anyone intrigued by the creative process.
September 5, 2017
Summary: This biography is about the famous Nikola Tesla, a Serbian Engineer who is responsible for inventing an alternating current electrical system. This system is responsible for the creation and utilization of electricity from lighting up thousands of homes to powering buildings and subways. The reader reads about the many endeavors and events of Tesla's life from birth to his success of powering turbines in Niagra falls. Along the way, he dicsovers invisible energy, alternating electrical circuits, and lighting up fairgrounds in Chicago, Illinois.
Evaluation: The author does a great job in writing an interesting biography that is engaging and fun. It is full of life lessons, stories of perseverance , and lively illustrations. It also gives perfect insight into a historic figure that is often forgotten about and pushed into the shadow of the well known Thomas Edison.
Teaching Idea: This book can be used across almost all subject. It can be used in science as introduction to an electricity lesson, in history as a historical figure lesson, and in reading as a lesson on perseverance and confidence.
Evaluation: The author does a great job in writing an interesting biography that is engaging and fun. It is full of life lessons, stories of perseverance , and lively illustrations. It also gives perfect insight into a historic figure that is often forgotten about and pushed into the shadow of the well known Thomas Edison.
Teaching Idea: This book can be used across almost all subject. It can be used in science as introduction to an electricity lesson, in history as a historical figure lesson, and in reading as a lesson on perseverance and confidence.
December 12, 2017
This work is also a biography and the main character is Nikola Tesla's life as an inventor ahead of his time in many ways. He was a revival of the more famously known Thomas Edison when it came to strides in electricity and he made great strides on a variety of items including remote controls, x-rays, speedometers, etc. I think this would be an awesome book to have students read, especially in the 3rd and 4th grade curriculum when they focus on electrical currents. Again, the idea that history has many perspectives is one that I would want to repeat throughout the year when talking about all kinds of historical milestones and events. I like that this book also has more colorful illustrations than a typical biography would, I think that would keep students very interested and ready to turn the next page.
October 1, 2018
I am not sure what is a target age group for this book.
Judging by the format and contents - large print, lots of pictures and simple style - it is for children.
In my opinion Nicola Tesla was such a mentally disturbed personality, that it is impossible to write a good book about him, specifically for children.
The book is loaded with pictures of a magician and quite confusing text.
As for text - it is excessively sensational - wizard, magician - there not much about science, education, hard work - just spectacular demonstrations,
Two drawings I found quite disturbing - Tesla wizard keeping an electric wire in one hand and a glowing bulb in the other.
Excellent example for children.
Scientific Notes are printed at the end of the book, they include a warning: electricity kills!
Sorry authors, but all diligent readers are already dead.
Judging by the format and contents - large print, lots of pictures and simple style - it is for children.
In my opinion Nicola Tesla was such a mentally disturbed personality, that it is impossible to write a good book about him, specifically for children.
The book is loaded with pictures of a magician and quite confusing text.
As for text - it is excessively sensational - wizard, magician - there not much about science, education, hard work - just spectacular demonstrations,
Two drawings I found quite disturbing - Tesla wizard keeping an electric wire in one hand and a glowing bulb in the other.
Excellent example for children.
Scientific Notes are printed at the end of the book, they include a warning: electricity kills!
Sorry authors, but all diligent readers are already dead.
January 30, 2019
A great read on a man who deserves more attention than he received. This book brings to light a man arguably more genius than Thomas Edison and one who certainly had more character. If you don't know the story, you're in for a little shock. A fascinating read for you and your children!
Ages: 6 - 12
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
Ages: 6 - 12
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
July 24, 2017
Electrical Wizard is a biography about the scientist Nikola Tesla who discovered a new way to create electricity through energy in nature. Nikola Tesla started in Europe trying to start the discussion of alternating currents, but nobody believed him so he moved to the United States where he knew Thomas Edison would be very beneficial for his idea. After Nikola Tesla's use of Niagara Falls' energy to create light, the world started to use nature for energy for everything and this changed the world forever.
July 24, 2017
This beautiful picture book tells the story of the life of Nikola Tesla. Tesla was obsessed with electricity since age three when he stroked his cat and saw sparks. He dreamed of harnessing the power of Niagara Falls and turning it into electricity. This book explains Tesla’s work with alternating current. It describes his rivalry with his former hero and teacher, Thomas Edison, and all of his electrical inventions. This is a great book for children who are learning about electricity or are interested in science!
December 5, 2017
This book, despite the summary at the top of this page, does not really go into the rivalry between Tesla and Edison. It talks about the rivalry a little bit, but does not really make them out to be enemies, which they were originally. This is a good non-fiction children's book, though, because the back matter goes really in depth into electricity and facts like the difference between AC and DC current, which would be good for a scientific unit on electricity, or if a student was doing a study on a person. This book also has good illustrations that are also clarification builders along with presenting the story well.
Rusch, E. Ill. Dominguez, O. Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
Rusch, E. Ill. Dominguez, O. Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.
December 6, 2020
This is a biographical picture book about Nikola Tesla and his journey to become an inventor. It starts of showing his early life as a curious boy, then goes to his journey to America, before culminating with his use of Niagara Falls to generate electricity throughout New York City. I enjoyed this book because I felt that I learned a lot about Nikola Tesla that I hadn’t known before. The diversity of the times are shown throughout the images in this book. I would recommend this book for about 3rd to 5th graders because there is a lot of information in this picture book.
January 3, 2017
This book does a really nice job of sparking curiosity in the reader. By the time we finished reading the narrative, my kids were asking me how it was possible for Tesla to touch the wire and not be electrocuted. Following the narrative is a cheerful science section with more illustrations that answer the questions kids finish the book asking. How perfect is that? Real learning happens when answers are given to questions asked!
October 10, 2017
Summary: This book is a biography on Nikola Tesla. It explains what he had to go through to make his inventions come to life and the people he had to face while doing this.
Evaluation:I think this book gave good insight on the person that Nikola Tesla was and how he had to persevere to become so successful.
Teaching Idea: I would use this story so students can write a biography about an inventor. They could find facts here and compare their biography to this one.
Evaluation:I think this book gave good insight on the person that Nikola Tesla was and how he had to persevere to become so successful.
Teaching Idea: I would use this story so students can write a biography about an inventor. They could find facts here and compare their biography to this one.
July 23, 2019
Nikola Telsa's accomplishments are numerous and very few are taught about how inventive he was and how much he saw the world in a different way. He dreamed big and wanted the best for humanity. He wanted the world to benefit from the alternating current and to light the world. This book has great artwork and tells and inspiring story about changing the world in the face of power, controversy, and bureaucracy. Tesla inspires us all to ask big questions.
May 16, 2020
This is an awesome book! I love it!
It was in my 4th grade classroom's Scholastic library. I've always enjoyed learning about Tesla, so this was up my alley.
It gives a really good overview of Tesla's life in a way that 4th graders can understand.
Then, in the back it gives a more in-depth biography, the rivalry between Tesla and Edison, and how electricity works with diagrams and explanations. Very informative and well-written, and the pictures are great, too!
It was in my 4th grade classroom's Scholastic library. I've always enjoyed learning about Tesla, so this was up my alley.
It gives a really good overview of Tesla's life in a way that 4th graders can understand.
Then, in the back it gives a more in-depth biography, the rivalry between Tesla and Edison, and how electricity works with diagrams and explanations. Very informative and well-written, and the pictures are great, too!
May 14, 2018
I found this book while visiting the science center. I was reading books to my children, and discovered this gem, I didn't see the cover, (probably one of my children just handed it to me). I started reading for them, but finished it for me. It opened up discussions on electricity and many of Tesla's innovations. This is a great book about a talented individual. The pictures are great too.
November 16, 2019
It’s too bad that two of the greatest inventors were bitter rivals. Imagine what they could’ve accomplished if they had worked together instead of being pitted against each other (ahem, Thomas Edison’s fault). What an amazing man Tesla was! The end of the book features explanations of the demonstrations Tesla does in the book and the science behind them.
July 19, 2020
Plenty of back matter is what makes this book special. It's not just a biography, but a book about how electricity works, too. I grasp more about quantum physics than I do about electricity, as I have some sort of inability to understand the latter, but even I can tell that the science in this book is accessible & valuable. And the biography is interesting & inspiring, too.
July 24, 2017
In this biography informational book, the reader learns about Nikola Tesla. Nikola is the reason why we use electricity the way we do today. He battled with Thomas Edison to get his alternating current idea into practice and he was able to light up the world fair.
May 26, 2018
A biography of Nikola Tesla and how his workings with electricity impacted the world. Includes information about how types of electricity work and additional information about Tesla and Edison in the back of the book.
September 10, 2018
Wonderful biography that describes Tesla's life and accomplishments as well as some of the challenges he faced. It also provides additional information about electricity, alternating currents, and safety when experimenting with electricity.
November 6, 2018
I bought this for my cousin who is very interested in Tesla. I decided that I should make sure it was appropriate before giving it to him. I was surprised by how smart and talented Tesla was. I found this to be entertaining and really interesting. I just hope he likes it like I did.
November 1, 2023
I like the part of the book where in the great hall of electricity Tesla seemed like he was going to burn himself but he didn't. He pulled the switch and then lights appeared on his hands. Everyone thought it was magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2017
Quite a fun read, with lots of history, especially toward the end in the notes.
November 29, 2017
Good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews