Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion

Graphic Library: Inventions and Discovery

by Andrea Gianopoulos, Phil Miller (Illustrator), Charles Barnett III (Illustrator)

In graphic novel format, follows the adventures of Max Axiom as he explains the science behind forces and motion.

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

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

I'm a science writer specializing in astronomy, geology, Earth and planetary science, climate science, ecology, and the environment.

I have authored or co-authored four books and numerous news and feature articles for a wide variety of national and international publishers and organizations including: National Geographic, Scientific American, New Scientist, NASA, Space Telescope Science Institute, Capstone Press, and others. I'm a former associate editor of Astronomy magazine and was editor-in-chief of Astronomy.com.

I also develop multimedia educational tools and programs for museums, and am a consultant with the Space Telescope Science Institute developing ViewSpace programs that are seen in 300+ museums and science centers world wide.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau]

Excellent introduction to Isaac Newton - just enough information. This book could be part of a STEM library that gets children interested in looking up other works. I call books like this 'gateway books' because if a child is interested in the subject they will want to find other books that may have a little more information.

[katyjanereads]

1. Where was this book in my high school science classes? Maybe I would have cared more. Or else science class should be melded with history so I cared about Newton's laws. Without background information, forget about it.
2. Have a young scientist? Let them read this book. Or any kid for that matter. Maybe it will turn them to the science side of life.
3. I wish apples inspired me like that.
4. Newton's brain was nuts. I would have been like, "Oh, look at that red apple. It's pretty." AND THAT'S IT. Or maybe, "Look at that apple. Are there any books about apples?"
5. I wish I was that dedicated to learning.
6. Basically this book rocked and I liked the facts at the end.

[Charsia]

It was really cool learning about motion, and what was really cool was that there where comics in the book! it was cool reading this book. they explained the laws of motion better then the other book i read, I really enjoyed this book.

[Ethan]

I loved it so much. I think all 7 year olds will like it.

[Ender]

Nice example to show students how to write their own graphic biography.

[StrictlySequential ArtNarrative]

It's a good biography with plenty of mathematics to learn.

[Anthony]

A quick look at Isaac Newton, and the many years of work, devotion, and dedication he applied to the world of science and math as he brought understanding to the laws of motion and gravity for future generations use.

[Michelle Hernly]

My son could not stand this book. It was informative, but it didn’t hold his attention at all.

[Rebecca]

A great early elementary introduction to Isaac Newton and how he changed the world.

[Sydney Beth]

Good introduction.

[Devon]

Read this with my first grader… it was lame. The information was so vague and choppy.

[Lindsay]

Would've benefited from a little more info.

[Nattapon Chotsisuparat]

This book is really short, but that's okay because it's aimed at kids. The content and pictures are well-made, but they still lack depth. I want to know more. It explains Newton's laws of motion quite well and accurately.

[Jen]

Genre: Historical Fiction, Graphic Novel
Copyright date: 2007

The book I read for this weeks discussion of the graphic novel was Isaac Newton and the Laws of Motion by Andrea Gianopoulos, illustrated by Phil Miller and Charles Barnett III. What drew me to this book was the fact that it was about Isaac Newton, a scientist whose work is often mentioned in my science classes. What I like about this book is the fact that it begins with him as a young boy. The narration gives facts about Newton's life and scientific work, while the dialogue is simple and the illustrations are vivid. The story follows his life from a boy of eleven to an old man. The last few pages show how Newton's laws explain can been seen everyday. Although the information is factual with direct quotations from primary sources, I'm not sure if I would use it in my classroom.

[Kerri]

Can definitely see the benefit in graphic novels especially when teaching ideas that are sometimes difficult for kids to learn. The illustrations really help explain Newton's laws and there is just enough writing to explain the science behind the man a bit. Could recommend this in my own classroom.

[Stephanie]

An interesting way to learn about Isaac Newton and the Laws of motion. It makes studying these laws more interesting and fun for younger kids.

[J G]

A great book to keep in a physical sciences classroom.