Christensen,
Bonnie. 2012. I, GALILEO. New York: Knopf. ISBN 9780375967535 [Suggested Grade
Levels 4-6]
REVIEW
Young readers are introduced to the life of
an amazing scientist ahead of his time in this beautiful picture book. Written
from the point of view of Galileo, the author describes the scientist’s life,
major discoveries and successes, his passion for astronomy, and persecution
from church officials and other leading experts of his day. The afterword lists
scientific advances based on Galileo’s work and concludes by stating the
Catholic Church has since formally acknowledged it had been wrong to condemn Galileo’s
theory of a sun-centered solar system.
Using the picture book format allows
Galileo’s life and discoveries to be accessible for children. The text
describes complex scientific knowledge in age appropriate language, which makes
this a useful resource for elementary aged readers.
Christensen’s luminous artwork invites
children to explore Galileo’s world. Endpapers provide a map of Renaissance Italy
and the preface offers a 1564 map of the universe based on accepted scientific
knowledge of the time. Vivid oil paintings of scenes from Galileo’s life are
accompanied by reproductions of his diagrams and publications. Extensive notes at
the end of the book include a detailed chronology, list of Galileo’s
accomplishments in astronomy and physics, and websites for further research.
CONNECTIONS
This book would make a wonderful addition to
a collection about scientists and their contributions to our lives. Pair this book
with non-fiction about astronomy for a space unit or encourage children to
create physics experiments modeled after Galileo’s work.
RELATED BOOKS
Other
books for children about Galileo’s scientific contributions:
Macdonald,
Wendy. GALILEO’S LEANING TOWER EXPERIMENT. ISBN 9781570918704
Panchyk,
Richard and Buzz Aldrin. GALILEO FOR KIDS: HIS LIFE AND IDEAS, 25 ACTIVITIES.
ISBN 9781556525667
Sis, Peter. STARRY MESSENGER: GALILEO
GALILEI. ISBN 9780374470272
By
Kimberly C. Kinnaird
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