What do you think?
Rate this book
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson
A picture-book biography on science superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson, the groundbreaking American astrophysicist whose work has inspired a generation of young scientists and astronomers to reach for the stars! Perfect for STEM curricula and readers of all ages.
Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.
That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos.
This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.
That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos.
This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 9, 2018
5 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
July 12, 2019
Krull traces Neil's wondous journey from his first exposure to the marvels of the universe courtesy of the Hayden Planetarium at age nine, to his role less than thirty years later as its director. Frank Morrison's artwork is delightful.
Don't miss this one!
Don't miss this one!
February 20, 2019
A favorite read of ours for this month! How can you not love Neil deGrasse Tyson?! So my girls were psyched to see this at the library. It was great! It captured his enthusiasm and personality so well and it was great learning about how he got to where he is. We love listening to StarTalk and watching Cosmos and his YouTube videos.
September 26, 2018
I especially appreciate the way this picture book biography conveys Tyson’s energy and enthusiasm for science and space. Morrison’s illustrations are terrific, making Tyson seem like such a relatable kid. I wish Krull had included more of Tyson’s own words and quotes in this, since he’s such a prolific writer.
April 22, 2020
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson is a children's picture book written by the team of Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer and illustrated by Frank Morrison. It is an introduction to the brilliant African-American astrophysicist who, from an early age, found his passion in the skies.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Since 1996, he has been the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The center is part of the American Museum of Natural History, where Tyson founded the Department of Astrophysics in 1997 and has been a research associate in the department since 2003.
Krull-Brewer's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narrative is informative and enthusiastic, which keeps readers interested in Tyson's nerdy and passionate pursuit of deeper knowledge about all things celestial. Morrison works in a playful art style that expressively conveys Tyson’s personality and physical likeness in caricature-like form.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Growing up in the Bronx, Neil deGrasse Tyson rarely saw more than a sprinkling of stars until he visited the Hayden Planetarium in Manhattan. In this affectionate biography, recounts Tyson's growing fascination with the cosmos as he takes a trip out of the city, where the stars are marvelously visible. He walked dogs to raise money for a telescope that neighbors sometimes mistook for a rifle to one of his milestones in Tyson's career: earning his advanced degree in astrophysics, taking a job at the Hayden Planetarium, and appearing for the first time on television.
All in all, Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson is an informative and entertaining title for aspiring young scientists.
Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. Since 1996, he has been the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The center is part of the American Museum of Natural History, where Tyson founded the Department of Astrophysics in 1997 and has been a research associate in the department since 2003.
Krull-Brewer's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narrative is informative and enthusiastic, which keeps readers interested in Tyson's nerdy and passionate pursuit of deeper knowledge about all things celestial. Morrison works in a playful art style that expressively conveys Tyson’s personality and physical likeness in caricature-like form.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Growing up in the Bronx, Neil deGrasse Tyson rarely saw more than a sprinkling of stars until he visited the Hayden Planetarium in Manhattan. In this affectionate biography, recounts Tyson's growing fascination with the cosmos as he takes a trip out of the city, where the stars are marvelously visible. He walked dogs to raise money for a telescope that neighbors sometimes mistook for a rifle to one of his milestones in Tyson's career: earning his advanced degree in astrophysics, taking a job at the Hayden Planetarium, and appearing for the first time on television.
All in all, Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil Degrasse Tyson is an informative and entertaining title for aspiring young scientists.
November 20, 2018
Many young readers will draw inspiration from this biography about the groundbreaking astrophysicists born in Manhattan. Clearly, his family did their best to nurture his interests in the stars, and their efforts paid off when he became director of the Hayden Planetarium. The lively text and illustrations make science even more interesting than it already is, and pay tribute to a man who is completely in love with the universe and all of its starry wonders. I felt as though I had the chance to get a glimpse into what makes this man tick and what inspires him, but I would also have liked to have had a few more of his own quotes included. Still, it was fun to see a biography about him in print, something that many students will be thrilled to read. I was impressed that the author points out the many side jobs he took when he was younger in order to afford the things he needed, a nice tribute to hard work and goal-setting. As an aside, I wonder how he manages to find so many star-related ties.
May 17, 2019
First sentence: Our universe began its dance with what scientists call the Big Bang.
Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
My thoughts: I like this one. I don't love, love, love it. Perhaps because of all the big bang theory stuff at the very beginning. But his biography is interesting. I don't love the illustrations. I thought they were semi-realistic--somewhere between cartoonish and realistic. I would say the humans were drawn fun-house mirror style. This bothered me more than it should have.
Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography of Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
My thoughts: I like this one. I don't love, love, love it. Perhaps because of all the big bang theory stuff at the very beginning. But his biography is interesting. I don't love the illustrations. I thought they were semi-realistic--somewhere between cartoonish and realistic. I would say the humans were drawn fun-house mirror style. This bothered me more than it should have.
Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
January 17, 2019
Krull and Brewer are on a roll! They just keep producing one top notch book after another. This picture book is a terrific biography, and at the same time is such an inspiration for kids to follow their dreams. Even though the target audience is probably elementary school I think that it would be enjoyable for older kids too.
This would be a valuable addition to a classroom library, and also a child's personal collection.
This would be a valuable addition to a classroom library, and also a child's personal collection.
August 21, 2019
A decent biography. I like the person and there were not any new factors or ah has for me. However, it would be a good introduction for students. I am not sure about the couple side notes that mention race as a factor in his life. Whether they were a factor or not, there should be added focus or they should have been left out. Instead is was like a footnote in the sentences....didn't really provide information or add to the dilemma.
December 17, 2018
Krull highlights Tyson's love of stars and space. She deals diplomaticly with racism, from having cops called while he viewed the night sky through his telescope from his roof at night to those that thought he should be a leader in the African American community instead of being a scientist.
(No mention of his being married and having children until the Author's Note.)
(No mention of his being married and having children until the Author's Note.)
September 15, 2023
Read this just bc I love Neil deGrasse Tyson ☺️💙
April 8, 2022
Kiddo and I really enjoyed this inspiring story of Neil Degrasse Tyson's love of the stars. It was engaging, well-written, and a lot of fun. The illustrations are beautiful as well.
November 18, 2021
This biography of the famous scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson is part of the Step into Reading Series, specifically in the Step 3 category for grades 1-3 (appropriate for ages 5-8). Educational factoids and definitions of concepts are included.
The story begins when Neil is nine, and he goes to the Hayden Planetarium in New York. The experience left him “starstruck.” He determined that he wanted to be an astrophysicist. He got odd jobs to save up money for a big telescope. On the roof of his building with his big new telescope, he was taken for an armed robber with a rifle. But when the police came, he just showed them the planets, and they too were dazzled.
He wasn’t too successful in school, since he was only interested in astronomy. One teacher finally told him there were classes for young people at Hayden Planetarium and he started attending them: “The classes were hard. But he wouldn’t quit. Neil pushed himself to learn more and more.” He was thrilled to get invited along with scientists to Africa to view a rare solar eclipse. He was only fourteen, but he felt like a science superhero.
He was accepted into the Bronx High School of Science, and attended astronomy camp in the California desert. He even began speaking to adults about science. The author notes that by the end of high school, many scientists knew about Neil and competed for him to attend their colleges. He chose Harvard, and after eleven more years of study, he earned the highest degree possible in astrophysics.
At age 35, Neil went to work at Hayden Planetarium, “where his love of the stars had begun.” Part of his job was to appear on television to share the latest news about space.
In 2000, Neil contributed to the discovery that Pluto was only a dwarf planet: “Neil showed that science can change as new facts get discovered.”
The author concludes: “Today Neil deGrasse Tyson is a rock star among scientists.”
Charming illustrations by Frank Morrison add interest to the text.
Evaluation: The author elides over the fact that Tyson is Black, although she could have expanded on the incident with the police being called when he was on the roof with his telescope. Tyson himself, in a 2020 article, “Reflections on the Color of My Skin,” refers to other encounters he and his colleagues in the National Society of Black Physicists had with police. He writes, “We were guilty not of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), but of other violations none of us knew were on the books: DWB (Driving While Black), WWB (Walking While Black), and of course, JBB (Just Being Black).” He noted:
“None of us were beaten senseless. None of us were shot. But what does it take for a police encounter to turn lethal? On average, police in America kill more than 100 unarmed black people per year. Who never made it to our circle? I suspect our multi-hour conversation would be rare among most groups of law-abiding people.”
The important point that even world-famous astrophysicists who are not white have to contend with racial prejudice would have enhanced this otherwise excellent biography. The message about being in charge of your own education, however, is well made.
The story begins when Neil is nine, and he goes to the Hayden Planetarium in New York. The experience left him “starstruck.” He determined that he wanted to be an astrophysicist. He got odd jobs to save up money for a big telescope. On the roof of his building with his big new telescope, he was taken for an armed robber with a rifle. But when the police came, he just showed them the planets, and they too were dazzled.
He wasn’t too successful in school, since he was only interested in astronomy. One teacher finally told him there were classes for young people at Hayden Planetarium and he started attending them: “The classes were hard. But he wouldn’t quit. Neil pushed himself to learn more and more.” He was thrilled to get invited along with scientists to Africa to view a rare solar eclipse. He was only fourteen, but he felt like a science superhero.
He was accepted into the Bronx High School of Science, and attended astronomy camp in the California desert. He even began speaking to adults about science. The author notes that by the end of high school, many scientists knew about Neil and competed for him to attend their colleges. He chose Harvard, and after eleven more years of study, he earned the highest degree possible in astrophysics.
At age 35, Neil went to work at Hayden Planetarium, “where his love of the stars had begun.” Part of his job was to appear on television to share the latest news about space.
In 2000, Neil contributed to the discovery that Pluto was only a dwarf planet: “Neil showed that science can change as new facts get discovered.”
The author concludes: “Today Neil deGrasse Tyson is a rock star among scientists.”
Charming illustrations by Frank Morrison add interest to the text.
Evaluation: The author elides over the fact that Tyson is Black, although she could have expanded on the incident with the police being called when he was on the roof with his telescope. Tyson himself, in a 2020 article, “Reflections on the Color of My Skin,” refers to other encounters he and his colleagues in the National Society of Black Physicists had with police. He writes, “We were guilty not of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), but of other violations none of us knew were on the books: DWB (Driving While Black), WWB (Walking While Black), and of course, JBB (Just Being Black).” He noted:
“None of us were beaten senseless. None of us were shot. But what does it take for a police encounter to turn lethal? On average, police in America kill more than 100 unarmed black people per year. Who never made it to our circle? I suspect our multi-hour conversation would be rare among most groups of law-abiding people.”
The important point that even world-famous astrophysicists who are not white have to contend with racial prejudice would have enhanced this otherwise excellent biography. The message about being in charge of your own education, however, is well made.
October 26, 2018
This book rightfully starts with the Big Bang and then moves on to a young Neil Degrasse Tyson being inspired by the Hayden Planetarium. At age nine, Tyson was inspired to start investigating the stars and the universe around him. He began with binoculars and in a few years had his own telescope. He worked to get a better telescope and also started to build his library of science and astronomy books. In sixth grade, Tyson attended a class at the Hayden Planetarium, often one of the youngest people there. At fourteen, after drawing the attention of the education director at the planetarium, Tyson was taken on a journey to northwest Africa to view a rare solar eclipse. He attended the Bronx High School of Science and went on to start speaking publicly about astronomy. His hero, Carl Sagan, tried to get Tyson to attend Cornell University, but Tyson chose Harvard instead. Eventually after getting a PhD, he returned to the planetarium that had originally inspired him, becoming the director. It was there that the controversial but scientific decision to eliminate Pluto as a planet gained Tyson public attention, leading to him becoming one of the foremost speakers and authorities on astronomy in the nation.
Krull, a master nonfiction author, writes an inspiring story here, showing that from a single experience, a lifetime of enthusiasm and knowledge can be born. Throughout the book, Tyson’s drive and wonder at the universe is clear. Tyson’s willingness to be visible as an authority on astronomy is clearly depicted as he understands the power of media to reach people and demonstrate that people of color can be scientists too.
Morrison’s illustrations also demonstrate the wonder and awe that Tyson feels for the universe. The illustrations have a wonderful vibe to them with people frozen in action and Tyson shown as the heart of the book. There are shining pages filled with black sky and brilliant stars that are particularly striking.
A strong biography of a national science hero, this book will lead young people to dream and wonder. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
Krull, a master nonfiction author, writes an inspiring story here, showing that from a single experience, a lifetime of enthusiasm and knowledge can be born. Throughout the book, Tyson’s drive and wonder at the universe is clear. Tyson’s willingness to be visible as an authority on astronomy is clearly depicted as he understands the power of media to reach people and demonstrate that people of color can be scientists too.
Morrison’s illustrations also demonstrate the wonder and awe that Tyson feels for the universe. The illustrations have a wonderful vibe to them with people frozen in action and Tyson shown as the heart of the book. There are shining pages filled with black sky and brilliant stars that are particularly striking.
A strong biography of a national science hero, this book will lead young people to dream and wonder. Appropriate for ages 5-8.
March 18, 2019
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson By Kathleen Krull and Illustrated byFrank Morrison. PICTURE BOOK. Crown (Random House (Penguin), 2018. $18. 9780399550249
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This book is the life story (so far) of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Readers learn about his childhood in New York City, his initial inspiration at the local planetarium, his determination to pursue his interests, the lucky (and incredible) opportunities that came his way, and his ability to share his enthusiasm. Filled with well crafted illustrations.
This is a fantastic book for a few reasons, I love that Neil discovers his interests early, that he works hard to make his dreams come true, and best of all he makes his knowledge and joy accessible to the world. The illustrations are large enough to share with a group and this book could work for almost any age elementary students for reports, to inspire, or as a part of a lesson as background before watching him speak on a topic.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
This book is the life story (so far) of Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Readers learn about his childhood in New York City, his initial inspiration at the local planetarium, his determination to pursue his interests, the lucky (and incredible) opportunities that came his way, and his ability to share his enthusiasm. Filled with well crafted illustrations.
This is a fantastic book for a few reasons, I love that Neil discovers his interests early, that he works hard to make his dreams come true, and best of all he makes his knowledge and joy accessible to the world. The illustrations are large enough to share with a group and this book could work for almost any age elementary students for reports, to inspire, or as a part of a lesson as background before watching him speak on a topic.
Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
February 13, 2025
This is a great biography designed to inspire young Black kids to dream. It does mention the racism he faced and how he was able to turn a negative experience with the police into a positive by encouraging them to look through his telescope at the wonder and beauty of the night sky. They felt the awe and inspiration of the young Black kid standing there on his rooftop in the Bronx and left him alone.
The facts are presented in an entertaining manner with quotes from the subject himself and repeating phrases that show his excitement and awe over studying science.
The book does NOT mention any sexual misconduct or controversy. The story doesn't cover his personal life either but in the back it mentions he's married and has two children.
The illustrations don't give me a sense of the time period in which he grew up until he was a young man in the 1970s sporting an Afro hairstyle but they're nice illustrations and should catch the attention of young readers of upper elementary age.
Backmatter includes list of sources.
The facts are presented in an entertaining manner with quotes from the subject himself and repeating phrases that show his excitement and awe over studying science.
The book does NOT mention any sexual misconduct or controversy. The story doesn't cover his personal life either but in the back it mentions he's married and has two children.
The illustrations don't give me a sense of the time period in which he grew up until he was a young man in the 1970s sporting an Afro hairstyle but they're nice illustrations and should catch the attention of young readers of upper elementary age.
Backmatter includes list of sources.
January 11, 2019
I can hear Neil deGrasse Tyson laugh and speak in this book. If you have ever watched him speak, you will hear it too. If you haven't watched him speak, you really should.
While this is a picture book biography of Tyson, somehow, I felt more like I was reading a story about a really cool guy. This story takes you from his youth to the present. It will make you feel like you can be anything that you want to be if you are willing to work hard, play hard, and laugh at the cosmos around you.
As I write this, there are allegations of sexual misconduct which are being investigated. This is such a struggle. As an astrophysicist he has done so much to bring out space to earth. He makes you excited to think about the stars and space. However, if the allegations are true, there is no excuse for those actions. This is a conundrum that we are facing with many famous people these days. Can we/should we separate the two things? These are questions you need to answer for yourself.
While this is a picture book biography of Tyson, somehow, I felt more like I was reading a story about a really cool guy. This story takes you from his youth to the present. It will make you feel like you can be anything that you want to be if you are willing to work hard, play hard, and laugh at the cosmos around you.
As I write this, there are allegations of sexual misconduct which are being investigated. This is such a struggle. As an astrophysicist he has done so much to bring out space to earth. He makes you excited to think about the stars and space. However, if the allegations are true, there is no excuse for those actions. This is a conundrum that we are facing with many famous people these days. Can we/should we separate the two things? These are questions you need to answer for yourself.
March 22, 2020
I'm basically a superfan, so I'm a little biased in general BUT that doesn't change the fact that the storytelling and design of this picture book biography of famous astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson is phenomenal!
The imagery, the movement, the words on the page all bring together a child who had a natural wonder and persevered even amidst scrutiny as a young black child (that should have been dreaming of a being a football star, not an astrophysicist) and how that first visit to the planetarium inspired a whole career of awe and awesomeness. Literally that he BECAME the director of the very space that inspired him in his future career is astounding!
The color choices and as mentioned, the writing are inspirational and motivational and get us all to look up and be amazed by the stars but also show that passion makes all the difference: my favorite spread was his first talk as a teen that left audience members astounded because all you really need is passion to be successful.
The imagery, the movement, the words on the page all bring together a child who had a natural wonder and persevered even amidst scrutiny as a young black child (that should have been dreaming of a being a football star, not an astrophysicist) and how that first visit to the planetarium inspired a whole career of awe and awesomeness. Literally that he BECAME the director of the very space that inspired him in his future career is astounding!
The color choices and as mentioned, the writing are inspirational and motivational and get us all to look up and be amazed by the stars but also show that passion makes all the difference: my favorite spread was his first talk as a teen that left audience members astounded because all you really need is passion to be successful.
Read
June 18, 2020This is a children's picture book I borrowed from the library...and it feels weird putting a rating on it? Idk I wasn't even going to mark this as read on gr, but it was delightful!! So I figured I'd share.
I don't know anyone who dislikes Neil degrasse Tyson!! I'm pretty sure he's one of the first people I followed when I created a Twitter account back in the day, and I just can't get enough of him. The fact that he's a brilliant human but also maintains a childlike joy for sharing his knowledge and love of all things space makes him SO likable.
The illustrations in this book are also stunning, and I took a few screenshots while reading! Yes, this is written fairly simply because it's for kiddos, but I still learned a few things I didn't know about him! It also makes me happy that when I returned this early on Libby, two people were waiting for it. Like I said, who doesn't like this dude?! Also, he reads a lot of his own audiobooks and they are, as one would expect, fantastic.
I don't know anyone who dislikes Neil degrasse Tyson!! I'm pretty sure he's one of the first people I followed when I created a Twitter account back in the day, and I just can't get enough of him. The fact that he's a brilliant human but also maintains a childlike joy for sharing his knowledge and love of all things space makes him SO likable.
The illustrations in this book are also stunning, and I took a few screenshots while reading! Yes, this is written fairly simply because it's for kiddos, but I still learned a few things I didn't know about him! It also makes me happy that when I returned this early on Libby, two people were waiting for it. Like I said, who doesn't like this dude?! Also, he reads a lot of his own audiobooks and they are, as one would expect, fantastic.
January 7, 2019
Solid biography - Neil Degrasse Tyson comes off as a very approachable person, and this book is equally friendly and understandable. His enthusiasm is infectious - whenever I hear him speak, he throws me back into my childhood "space phase" for a few days. And I really liked the addition of some of his speeches into the text. (Grabbing people and shouting, "Have you heard this?")
I especially loved how the book dealt openly with the struggles of being Black in America - having the police called because young Neil was on the roof with a telescope, having his family's "ideal" career expectations be either athletics or community leadership, never seeing a person of color interviewed as an expert on something other than race. (Oh man, that last one broke my heart!)
All in all, just a really great biography to introduce a new generation of kids to the wonder of seeing the stars.
I especially loved how the book dealt openly with the struggles of being Black in America - having the police called because young Neil was on the roof with a telescope, having his family's "ideal" career expectations be either athletics or community leadership, never seeing a person of color interviewed as an expert on something other than race. (Oh man, that last one broke my heart!)
All in all, just a really great biography to introduce a new generation of kids to the wonder of seeing the stars.
November 28, 2021
Krull delivered her text with an energized, driven style, to teach children about the life of Neil deGrass Tyson, astrophysicist extraordinaire. He was focused and worked hard to achieve what seemed difficult and impossible in his circumstances. But his efforts paid off and opportunities opened up for him, providing with with experiences such as classes a nearby planetarium, an expedition to see a total solar eclipse off the coast of northwest Africa, an astronomy camp in the Mojave Desert, and a personal invitation by Carl Sagan to visit and then come study at Cornell University (in spite of this, he ended up choosing to study at Harvard). He was well-rounded and excelled in dance and wrestling as well as science. This was the perfect book to read with my son who is trying to figure out what it takes to someday be an astronomer.
August 13, 2019
In this picture book biography, both art and text capture the spirit and energy of famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson. After an explosive introduction about the big bang, the reader meets a nine year old Neil as he experiences the stars for the first time at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. From then on they become his passion as we see him grow up until he now is the director of the very same place he first experienced the cosmos.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
October 20, 2018
This was a cute book with really nice illustrations but I definitely did not love it quite as much as I was hoping. At times I found it to be too wordy and I wish it had more of Tysons actual personality coming through it.
Also not sure if it's the copy of my book or if it's all the books, but every other spread had a really strange texture in my book which I know is a silly thing to point out in a review but it just really confused us here at the library (originally I thought maybe the stars were glow-in-the-dark but nope)
Also not sure if it's the copy of my book or if it's all the books, but every other spread had a really strange texture in my book which I know is a silly thing to point out in a review but it just really confused us here at the library (originally I thought maybe the stars were glow-in-the-dark but nope)
January 14, 2019
As a children's biography book, this one takes it down to the child's level so that they may get to know Neil Degrasse Tyson. I love that the author, Kathleen Krull, pointed out that Neil didn't grow up with lots of money. That isn't what really matters. What matters is that Neil found something that excited him. He fell in love with the night sky. Neil soaked up every piece of information he could. He believed in himself AND he had an awesome support network in his parents.
Great information on an interesting individual and the art work by Frank Morrison also rocks!
Great information on an interesting individual and the art work by Frank Morrison also rocks!
July 17, 2019
“He showed off the stars - like powdered sugar flung against black velvet.”
I didn’t really know a whole lot about Neil deGrasse Tyson before picking up this picture biography. It’s a wonderful true story about a man who defied expectations to become an astrophysicist and change the world, quite literally, by forcing himself to see it in all its wonders. Combined with Frank Morrison’s gorgeous illustrations, reminiscent of Ernie Barnes with clean lines and elongated limbs, this one is not to be missed.
I didn’t really know a whole lot about Neil deGrasse Tyson before picking up this picture biography. It’s a wonderful true story about a man who defied expectations to become an astrophysicist and change the world, quite literally, by forcing himself to see it in all its wonders. Combined with Frank Morrison’s gorgeous illustrations, reminiscent of Ernie Barnes with clean lines and elongated limbs, this one is not to be missed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
Neil deGrasse Tyson's love of the cosmos is undeniable, even for people who just know him from pop culture and "Tumblr: cite your sources." This book starts with the first time he "met" the stars when he was nine and how he never looked back. So many outstanding accomplishments as a young person! He came to be an outspoken science activist after being interviewed for a local news show, saying "I'd never before in my life seen an interview with a black person on television for expertise that had nothing to do with being black."
October 12, 2021
#ThereIsGreatnessInUs
I read this book and incidentally started reading the 10 myths of academically gifted and talented. While Degrasse Tyson doesn't fit the typical description of gifted and talented, he certainly needed advanced academics to satisfy his interest in astrophysics. This book made me think about never counting anyone out, always look for and listen to the interests of young people, and do not, do not underestimate African-American males.
Also, I listened and watched 3x on Hoopla a digital video of the book--it was so intriguing to me, I watched it 3 times back to back.
I read this book and incidentally started reading the 10 myths of academically gifted and talented. While Degrasse Tyson doesn't fit the typical description of gifted and talented, he certainly needed advanced academics to satisfy his interest in astrophysics. This book made me think about never counting anyone out, always look for and listen to the interests of young people, and do not, do not underestimate African-American males.
Also, I listened and watched 3x on Hoopla a digital video of the book--it was so intriguing to me, I watched it 3 times back to back.
February 27, 2025
Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson written by Kathleen Krull and illustrated by Frank Morrison is a stunning picture book biography. Krull’s story about Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s life will captivate readers. Morrison’s illustrations beautifully bring the story to life. Readers will learn about how Tyson was inspired to become an astrophysicist when he was a boy visiting a planetarium. From there the story follows him on his journey to success. Lovely end pages are not to be missed. Includes informative back matter. Highly recommended.
November 14, 2018
Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer have selected Neil Grasse Tyson as the subject of this new picture book biography which is one of my favorite genres. Readers will be able to see Tyson as a youth and where his interest in astronomy began and how it was nurtured. Readers can follow Tyson's journey to his current popularity. Astronomical information finds its way into the biographical narrative. A great book to add to a classroom collection and position for use in content areas as well.
June 24, 2020
Neil is puertican and black. I love how he had many talents (dance, wrestling, science,etc) but his passion was science. He did everything he could to learn more (books, classes, job to earn money, etc). I love how he shared his passion even in times of discrimination as a way to bring peace. I love that he knew his passion in life and persued it instead of following others' dreams for him. Im ok with pluto being a dwarf planet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
A bright and shiny (much like it's subject) book about the life and passion of celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. This book details Tyson's life from his initial love affair with the cosmos to his astronomical rise to science royalty. The biographical book is beautifully illustrated and includes quotes from Tyson that could certainly be labeled as words to live by.
"Everyone should have their mind blown once a day." ~Neil deGrasse Tyson
"Everyone should have their mind blown once a day." ~Neil deGrasse Tyson
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews