A Life Electric
The Story of Nikola Tesla
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
A lyrical biography of the eccentric engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla
“An elegant and enlightening look at a man who brightened the whole world.” –Booklist, starred review
Born at the stroke of midnight during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla grew up to become one of the most important electrical inventors in the world. But before working with electricity, he was a child who loved playing with the animals on his family's farm in Serbia.
An inventor since childhood, Tesla's patents encompassed everything from radar and remote-control technology to wireless communications. But his greatest invention was the AC induction motor, which used alternating currents ( AC) to distribute electricity and which remains the standard for electric distribution today. Tesla's love of animals also remained constant throughout his life and led to his anointment as the Pigeon Charmer of New York for his devotion to nature's original wireless messengers.
Exploring his groundbreaking inventions against the backdrop of his private life, A Life Electric introduces Nikola Tesla to young readers unlike ever before. Azadeh Westergaard's lyrical debut brings compassion and humanity to the legacy of the brilliant inventor, while the esteemed illustrator Júlia Sardà deftly brings him to life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This picture book biography profiles Serbian luminary Nikola Tesla (1856–1943), "one of the most important electrical inventors in the world—then and now." Starting from childhood, the volume follows Tesla's burgeoning interest in animals, electricity, and edification, leading to his inventing the alternating current induction motor at age 26, subsequently emigrating to the U.S., and eventually securing the contract to illuminate the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Debut author Westergaard punctuates her account of Tesla's work with details about his life, such as his daily caretaking of pigeons into his old age, when he died "penniless and alone." Intricate digital art by Sardà evokes folktales, Tesla's Croatian heritage, and artwork of the time, with fine lines and a dusky color palette. A luminous resource. Back matter includes an author's note with more about Tesla's inventions and legacy, photos, and sources. Ages 5–9.
