Galileo

by Leonard Everett Fisher

Chronicles the life of a brilliant Italian mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, who was forced to renounce his inventions and discoveries because they challenged the authority of the Church.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Picture Books, History, Astronomy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1992

Reviews

[Sebastian Big Brain · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was OK. I just wish there was more information on Galileo.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Galileo Galilei was a brilliant Italian mathematician, physicist and astonomer. At 20, he earned instant fame in the academic world for discovering the law of the pendulum. But he grew unpopular because he challenged ancient beliefs. His invention of the telescope brought him world fame, but led to his greatest suffering. Illustrated.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Galileo gives some interesting essential background on this brilliant man, including Galileo’s health, family, career challenges, religious fallout, and career setbacks. The book describes some of the devices he developed and many of his discoveries that we still use today.

The book provides good detail, but Something felt uninspiring. Children might struggle to get excited and energized about Galileo and science. I listened to an audio format and was not privy to images. Hopefully, the book's illustrations are engaging enough to excite children.

It does show that Galileo loved medicine, science, math, logic, the sky, and learning and testing theories. There are many reasons children should enjoy studying his life and accomplishments. A good teacher will add to this book with experiments, visuals, and a field trip, thereby bringing Galileo’s scientific triumphs to life.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is very grey and somber. The connectivity between Aristotle, Copernicus, Martin Luther and even the Catholic church was very well presented, albeit demonizing the entire Catholic church. Attention to small things (like a swinging lamp) and how it led Galileo into a discovery helps show science discoveries are all around us.

It ends with a short explanation how Galileo's book made it possible for Sir Isaac Newton to discover the laws of gravity and motion.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark and beautifully illustrated picture book biography on Galileo Galilei’s life, personality, persistent pursuit of knowledge, and his wrongful mistreatment and punishment by the Catholic Church. Older elementary age students and middle school students would get much out of this read about “the father of modern science,” a man far ahead of his time.

[Makenna Johnoson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book gave alot of information about Galileo. It told me about how he wanted to be a doctor but he then decided to do something else. the book gave information about his life story. i thought this book was realy boring.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done.