Astrophysics for Supervillains

by Dr. Matt Bothwell

Based on real questions from children, expert author Dr. Matt Bothwell has created a Supervillain Academy to teach astrophysics to middle graders.

"What happens if you throw someone into a black hole?"

"Could you crash the moon into the Earth?"

"If the sun explodes, would we all get vaporized?"

Discover the answer to these questions and many more in this fascinatingly morbid school, Dr. Matt Bothwell teaches astrophysics to young bad guys-in-training.

The facts about space are all well and good, but discovering that if you threw someone into a black hole, they would be spaghettified— stretched out long and thin before getting squashed smaller than an atom—is truly, fascinatingly gruesome.

Using a framing device of a "supervillain academy," the readers start as new students on their first day at this school. The three overarching subjects—covering the solar system, galaxy, and universe—are different classes taught at the school. The "evil school" motif will allow for funny callout boxes and illustrations (a blackboard lesson showing "Top Ten Ways to Die in Space," for example).

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Science

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS book is so good and is yet again one of my favourites. My favourite part was the facts about space. I also learnt some stuff about space and it was: Our Sun has been happily burning HYDROGEN since it was born nearly 10 BILLION years ago and: Hot things are hot because the atoms inside the hot thing are wizzing around soooo fast and when all the wizzing atoms hit your tongue it hurts. And THAT is why hot things are hot and THAT is why you sould read this book. I hope you do. xoxoxox Darcy.💕

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book. It is definitely more for kids, but it does a really good job in making astrophysics accessible for kids and adults. Some explanations are a bit oversimplified, but it makes sense to do so, given the intended audience. It was a nice refresher for me. I think it would also be a good book for older kids and adults who are interested in space and astronomy.
I enjoyed reading this book 🙂.

[Emma James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab children's book describing and explaining everything from the planets, black holes and the sun and more. For an adult who knew shockingly little about astrophysics, it was a must read.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

This is an awesome read! Despite the name, it won’t turn your kids into supervillains, but it will teach them lots of stuff about space and the universe in a fun way.
Even though learning about Astrophysics may sound scary, the author was able to explain everything to kids without simplifying it too much.

My 11 year old loved it and wanted to finish it as soon as possible.

I am sure your space-loving kid will enjoy this book very much and will be ready to start the next one right away.


PS. The kindle version had some weird issues with some of the text not being there, like someone had used an eraser for certain words, although not any particular ones. I don’t know if the printed version was the same.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty interesting and actually kinda funny. I don’t know if I agree with all the Big Bang stuff but whatever. I do think it’s interesting that even the scientists notice that the universe is eventually gonna end… and the way this book was describing it is a lot like some of the plagues and such in Revelation lol. Interesting that they would have an almost biblical worldview knowing they were having a biblical worldview lol.

[Neri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge hit with my 7 and 9 year olds! This book sparked a love for space in our house. We're constantly amazed by the fascinating facts they've learned and continue to share. Highly recommend for any child out there!

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old daughters loves space and these books are insanely great! There's not many entertaining nonfiction novels for kids and this is perfect for her. They are even excellent for adults for learning about space without having to read massive science texts. Look forward to more please.

[🐥Erica 🐥 · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Educational, entertaining, and fun.
Great book

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basics of astrophysics but make it fun. Books that makes you laugh while you learn are very popular atm. Easy and lovely read.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute look at some basics of astrophysics from the POV of an aspiring villain.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book very cute and a great introduction to a lot of astronomical concepts.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious audiobook to listen to with your space obsessed kids. Never thought of it being the speed of atoms that burns your mouth!

[Sara Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aimed at 9-12 year-olds, this is funny and engaging and taught me a lot -especially about black holes. Dr Bothwell is an exceptional science communicator.