Galileo and the Magic Numbers

by Sidney Rosen

A biography of the 16th-century mathematician, physicist, and astronomer who dared to question the scientific theories set up by Aristotle and the Church.

Genres: Biography, Science, Nonfiction, History, School, Mathematics, Childrens

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Sid Rosen, a UI professor emeritus of astronomy (1958-94), grew up Jewish in Boston’s West End, and his father worked in the garment industry.

Married to Dorothy Rosen they write the mystery series starring Belle Appleman, a Jewish immigrant who lives in Boston's West End during the 1930s.

Sidney Rosen wrote the popular children’s book "Galileo and the Magic Numbers," published in 1958 and which still remains in print and in libraries all over the country. Rosen also has a series of children’s science books.

Reviews

[Nelleke Plouffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this aloud to my 12, 10, 8 and 5-year-old boys.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography grabbed our attention from the beginning. While nonfiction in content, the story reads as a novel. We had so many deep discussions about all the different circumstances Galileo had to live through. Is it right to obey the church when they ask you to believe a lie? What is the proper relationship between science and religion? It was definitely a good reminder to me not to place too much theological importance on views held by the current society. If the sun ceases to be thought of as the center of the solar system, I’m confident that God will still be the same.

[Jessica Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because it’s available right now and I know it’s an expensive, hard to find book. I think it would be a great school book for learning about Galileo and could be a jumping off point for learning about the plague in Italy, the Italian governmental system at the time, mathematics, astronomy, politics, and many other ideas and topics.
Perhaps because the book has a younger audience in mind, it focuses a lot on Galileo’s early years but to me, the end of the book seemed rushed and it ends with Galileo alive and working on writing books. I wanted to read about the response to his death in Italy and the acceptance of his findings afterwards.
Still it was a nice, easy read and I learned a ton about the great scientist.

[Cherylg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read this again and again.

Oh my gosh, this was my most favorite book this year! It's not just a book about Galileo, it's a story that I would read again and again.
It's worth taking the time to read. This is such a great book!

[Jessica Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Writing

This story was so charming. The author did a fantastic job of making you feel like you were in the story and peppered great humor along the way. My children and I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

[Julie Mabus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew very little about Galileo. His story is one about one man seeking truth even when it is difficult. I was a bit disappointed in how he ended his life but I suppose being up against the Inquisition was a daunting experience.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

AO6

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in prep for high school astronomy. As a brief, story-based biography of Galileo for kids, it's okay. I liked that includes some scientific explanations of his research.

[John Eric Edinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs diagrams

I needed to go to wikipedia to find diagrams and what was being used from Paathygreous, Aristotle and others he'd have reference to.

[Matthew William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Classic Biography!!!!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only knew a little about Galileo so this was really interesting to get a fuller version, but it's easy enough to read to be "introductory." 6th grader really enjoyed learning about Galileo.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-read for AO year 6. Loved this one!

[Cory Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I loved the this book was written! It showed me a lot more about Galileo! Great author and great book!

[Joan Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

It's a fabulous treatise on how new ideas are often despised by those who would lose something essentially worthless. Truth will eventually triumph.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Philip's Science books, but I couldn't put it down. This vivid picture I now have of Galileo standing up to the Grand Inquisitor because it was heresy to say that the earth revolves around the sun, or that Galileo worked for months with a metal worker to get the right curve and stand for the glass of the first telescope, or him seeeing the moon up close - the first person in the world to see mountains on the moon or moons revolving Jupiter or spots on the sun...well, I don't think those images will fade too soon. Great book.

[Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Book

A very well written book. The chapters are rather long, but altogether I enjoyed it greatly. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys science, and/or astronomy.

[Leah]

Read for AO

[Lily Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ★ - (really liked it)