Pocket Bios: Isaac Newton

Pocket Bios

by Al Berenger

A colorfully illustrated, pocket-size picture book biography of mathematician and physicist Isaac Newton.

Best known for "discovering gravity" and formulating the laws of motion, Isaac Newton is often hailed as one of the most influential physicists of all time. From the apple incident that lead to his famous mathematical description of gravity, to the invention of the first reflecting telescope, and beyond, follow this extraordinary man's life and accomplishments.

Pocket Bios are full of personality, introducing readers to fascinating figures from history with simple storytelling and cheerful illustrations. Titles include men and women from history, exploration, the sciences, the arts, the ancient world, and more.

Genres: Biography, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 17, 2018

Reviews

[Ro Menendez]

The Pocket Bio Series should not be mistaken for a very young reader's beginner's biography because of it's physical dimensions and cartoon-style illustrations. Its word count is much higher and events such as racism, suicide, and loss of life through war and violence are mentioned as part of the story of the subject's life, when applicable. Each spread has a title and text on the left side, including the years the events detailed on the page took place, and a related illustration on the right side. Four interesting and useful sections are at the end of each biography: a Timeline with added events not necessarily mentioned in the text, a map that details the locations of important events with a Map Key and a short description of why the location was included, and most interesting of all a People to Know section that explores the idea that the subject of the biography did not live, work and achieve in isolation, the last section, Did You Know? offers interesting facts not discussed in the main text. A few of Newton's Pocket Bio events worth mentioning: while working as a math professor he invented a new kind of telescope that used mirrors to observe celestial bodies, he discovered how a rainbow was formed, he predicted that an object at high speed could go into orbit around our planet, he believed that gravity was how the planets and moon stayed in orbit, he did not work as a scientist or mathematician his whole life, he spent many years finding ways to stop criminals from printing fake money. This biography gives readers, grades 2 and up, enough information to decide if they wish to pursue a more in depth study of the subject's life.

[Barbara]

Not only did this ever-curious man discover gravity and what makes a rainbow, but Sir Isaac Newton was interested in areas that ranged far beyond math and science. This Pocket Bio offers young readers a glimpse of his early life and his early experiments as well as capturing the flavor of the man. As with the other books in this series, readers will find a helpful timeline, a map with significant spots, thumbnail sketches of four individuals important to Newton, and even more snippets of information about him, including his fascination with alchemy. This little book offers a good introduction to someone whose work would prove influential on future generations.

[April]

Quick overview of his entire life (not just his discoveries) with fun illustrations.