You Wouldn't Want to Be Sir Isaac Newton! (You Wouldn't Want to…: History of the World)

You Wouldn't Want to Be ...

by Ian Graham, David Antram (Illustrator)

In 17th-century England, a scientific revolution is under way. Scholars are pushing back the boundaries of mathematics and unlocking the secrets of the universe. And the greatest of them all is Isaac Newtona secretive, obsessive man with few friends, who is destined to change for ever the way we look at the world.

Genres: Biography, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

After working as an in-house journalist and editor in consumer electronics magazines, Ian Graham became a freelance writer. He has written more than 230 illustrated non-fiction books for children and teens, and contributed chapters to books including Dorling Kindersley’s Know it All and Big Ideas that Changed the World. He has a degree in applied physics and a postgraduate diploma in journalism.

Reviews

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like other titles in the “You wouldn’t want to be…” series, intermediate readers will learn something in spite of themselves. This quasi-biography of Newton gives intermediate readers an entertaining look at his life and phenomenal scientific accomplishments in the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition to his many successes and appointments, the text also touches on his contrary nature and the enemies he made during his lifetime, leaving him to die alone at age 84. Final pages outline his legacy to science. The cartoon illustrations and busy format are appealing to the intended audience. Humorous “Handy Hints” are scattered throughout the text. Back matter includes a glossary. This could be a good supplement for middle school science classes when they cover “Newton’s Laws.”

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a biography written for children ages 8-11. The story follows the life of Sir Isaac Newton from birth to death. It allows children to pretend they are Newton in the sense that it’s written in the second person. I rated this a 5 star because it has a lot of information for children without being boring. It has bright colors to attract the attention of children and engage them in learning about Newton. The flow of the book is great because it starts with his birth and goes on to him growing up and the things he achieved and ends with his death.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

According to this book, Sir Isaac Newton was lacking social skills, but was a brilliant scientist.

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers highlights in Newton's life. Didn't seem to emphasize the negative aspects of his life too much.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and quick. Maybe too quick.