Nikola Tesla for Kids - (For Kids) by Amy M O'Quinn (Paperback)

About the Book

"Nikola Tesla was a physicist, scientist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. He was omitted from most history books, while his colleagues and competitors (including Thomas Edison and Guglielmo Marconi) and their successes are still remembered and celebrated. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive; some considered him to be somewhat of a "mad" scientist. But in reality, he was a visionary. Many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality. He was the first to successfully use rotating magnetic fields to create an AC (alternating current) electrical power supply system and induction motor. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio, ahead of Marconi. Among other things, he developed the Tesla coil, an oscillator, generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He helped design the world's first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. Nikola Tesla for Kids is the story of Nikola Tesla's life and ideas, complete with a time line, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments, as well as the inventions that still amaze and benefit us today."--

Book Synopsis

Finalist for the 2020 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Book exemplify outstanding and engaging science writing and illustration for young readers

Nikola Tesla was a physicist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. Some considered this eccentric visionary to be a "mad" scientist, but many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio ahead of Marconi. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive. Among other things, Tesla developed generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He also helped design the world's first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls.
Nikola Tesla for Kids is the story of Nikola Tesla's life and ideas, complete with a time line, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments.Kids will:

• Construct an electric circuit
• Explore Tesla's birthplace online
• Investigate the nature of electromagnetic waves
• Mix up batch of fluorescent slime
• "Visit" the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition
• Build a soda bottle submarine
• And more!

Review Quotes

" ...a natural fit for any school library or classroom." --Foreword Reviews

"...a winning tribute to a scientific dreamer who was both a man of his times and, often, well ahead of them." --Kirkus Reviews

"Amy M. O'Quinn, who crafted a spectacular nonfiction book on Marie Curie, brings her impeccable research skills to a biography of inventor Nikola Tesla. Both the brilliant, eccentric man the fields in which he worked are complex, but O'Quinn brings them to life through photographs, fascinating drawings, and a host of resources, including experiments young inventors can try on their own. While this is a perfect choice for elementary and middle school readers who wish to go beyond a picture book biography, adults whose knowledge of Tesla is confined to spotting a shiny new car on the highway will find much to appreciate in this well-crafted, timely portrait. Highly recommended." --Deborah Hopkinson, award-winning author of Who Was Charles Darwin?, The Great Trouble, and more

"An outstanding supplement to school materials for older kids." --Rhapsody in Books

"Offered so much in terms of science and STEM learning." --Inspired by Savannah

"Nikola Tesla for Kids is a compelling read as O'Quinn covers Tesla's early life in Europe, his brilliant inventions in the prime of his life, and the development of his famous Tesla Coil. When you add in the cool science experiments for kids to do on their own, it's a combination that's sure to be an asset to any classroom at school. I really enjoyed reading this book and you will, too." --Jennifer Swanson, author of Brain Games, and award-winning author of 35 STEM books for kids

"A useful addition to a library serving middle grade students who enjoy biographies, science, and scientific activities." --School Library Journal Online

"It's very highly recommended." --Midwest Book Review

"This is a definite 5 star book. Perfect for book reports, STEM classes, and independent reading." --Devoted Mommy of 3

About the Author

Amy M. O'Quinn is a former teacher and the author of Marie Curie for Kids. She is also a freelance educational writer who has contributed to Jack and Jill, Learning Through History, Guideposts for Kids, Highlights for Children, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, and Homeschooling Today.