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Power Up: A Playful and Informative Picture Book About Energy and Science for Kids
The companion to A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars.
Did you know there is enough energy in your pinkie finger to power an entire city? And that everything you do--running, jumping, playing, and exploring--uses that same energy inside of you?
In the companion to A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars, Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg explore the relationship between energy and the human body, breaking down complicated concepts into small, child-friendly segments.
Did you know there is enough energy in your pinkie finger to power an entire city? And that everything you do--running, jumping, playing, and exploring--uses that same energy inside of you?
In the companion to A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars, Seth Fishman and Isabel Greenberg explore the relationship between energy and the human body, breaking down complicated concepts into small, child-friendly segments.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2019
85 people want to read
About the author
Seth Fishman
9 books156 followersSeth Fishman is a native of Midland, Texas (think Friday Night Lights), and a graduate of Princeton University and the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. He spends his days as a literary agent at The Gernert Company and his nights (and mornings) writing. He lives in LA with his wife and son.
His first picture book (with Isabel Greenberg Illustrating), A HUNDRED BILLION TRILLION STARS, won the Mathical Prize, was a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Book, and was named a best book of 2017 by Amazon, Space.com and the Planetary Society. His follow up picture book, POWER UP, is out March 19th. He's the author of two YA thrillers, THE WELL'S END and THE DARK WATER.
His first picture book (with Isabel Greenberg Illustrating), A HUNDRED BILLION TRILLION STARS, won the Mathical Prize, was a Boston Globe Horn Book Honor Book, and was named a best book of 2017 by Amazon, Space.com and the Planetary Society. His follow up picture book, POWER UP, is out March 19th. He's the author of two YA thrillers, THE WELL'S END and THE DARK WATER.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 2, 2021
Imagine being able to power a city w your pinkie. That’s how much energy your little finger contains. But the energy is needed for your body. We need constant energy to keep moving, growing, learning. Muscles and bones are discussed, as well as recharging tips- eat, sleep, and exercise. And your biggest super power? Your brain. Upbeat book to teach kids some facts about their bodies (like we blink 15,000 times each day), to get them pondering about how truly amazing our bodies are, and to encourage them to keep feeding their bodies and keep feeding their minds by asking “what if” and “why” so that one day, their discoveries will light up the world. Back matter explains Einstein’s energy equation. One critique would be that it’s all a bit disjointed. It doesn’t quite flow or build but rather just offers flashes of info.
June 28, 2019
Awesome introduction to human physiology, broken down in a way that will help young readers appreciate their metabolisms, kinetic potential, and even Einstein's equation E = mc(2).
The digital illustrations don't speak to me, but the material more than makes up for it.
The digital illustrations don't speak to me, but the material more than makes up for it.
February 3, 2020
This nonfiction picture book could serve as a motivational text for children attempting to live up to their academic or athletic potential OR it could be a great way to dive into a science lesson on energy or the body. There are a number of facts and figures, but it’s also just an exciting read when considering how much we can accomplish if we take care of our bodies and tap the power inside each of us. The Author’s Note in the back explains both the scientific and mathematical components of E=mc² for children who haven’t yet encountered this. Then it ends with the challenge to go out and grow, rest, gain strength, and ask “what if?” and “why?” The full-color art was prepared digitally.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
March 17, 2019
A very entertaining and educational book explaining all the ways are bodies are amazing. Would you believe me if I said that this book explained how you have enough power in your pinky to power a large city for an entire day? Well when you read this book you will be taught why this is true and what a special treasure our bodies are! With bright and colorful illustration this book will launch the reader into a story that will both amaze and entertain!
February 3, 2019
I love this author's work! Don't skip the back matter when sharing with students.
May 1, 2019
Interesting story and facts. And it's written well for the target audience. Not too complex, but still covering ideas that will be fascinating to children.
March 28, 2019
I really enjoy reading and reviewing children's books because I have such a passion in making sure kids read, have access to books, and enjoy it. I really believe every kid can grow up to be a reader, it's a matter of finding the right kind of books for them. Not every kid will love classic literature and I think pushing all books onto a kid does them a disservice. When I saw this one come through my email I jumped onto it because for the first time in my mom life I have a kid who asks "Why?" enough times during the day I often say, "Because it just does!" or I claim I don't know. I saw this book and I immediately thought of my little Penelope who is going to be four soon so she's getting to the age where I can read a longer book with her and have a discussion and she really wants to know what's going on.
I have to tell you- Penelope LOVED this book. The illustrations (done by Isabel Greenberg) are really quite interesting and will hold the attention of a kiddo easily. We did discover this really is not the book to read at bedtime because your child(ren) will keep you up asking endless questions, wanting to see pages again, asking what it says, etc. If you have a child who is obsessed with superheroes, this would be a great book for them because this explains how THEY are actually superheroes and talks about all of the cool and fantastic things their body already does.
If you have a child who loves random facts and tidbits of information? They are going to love this book. (Did you know a human once ran 310 miles in three days without stopping? Spoiler: It wasn't me.) After reading this book a few times it dawned on me that this would be a really great addition to a school library or even in a classroom. I can't remember what grade they talk about energy in elementary school but this would be a GREAT book to use at the start of that unit. If you're a teacher, consider this one for your next classroom purchase- your students, old and young, will enjoy this one.
I have to tell you- Penelope LOVED this book. The illustrations (done by Isabel Greenberg) are really quite interesting and will hold the attention of a kiddo easily. We did discover this really is not the book to read at bedtime because your child(ren) will keep you up asking endless questions, wanting to see pages again, asking what it says, etc. If you have a child who is obsessed with superheroes, this would be a great book for them because this explains how THEY are actually superheroes and talks about all of the cool and fantastic things their body already does.
If you have a child who loves random facts and tidbits of information? They are going to love this book. (Did you know a human once ran 310 miles in three days without stopping? Spoiler: It wasn't me.) After reading this book a few times it dawned on me that this would be a really great addition to a school library or even in a classroom. I can't remember what grade they talk about energy in elementary school but this would be a GREAT book to use at the start of that unit. If you're a teacher, consider this one for your next classroom purchase- your students, old and young, will enjoy this one.
April 15, 2019
Another complex topic ably explained to younger readers by the same author and illustrator of A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars.
April 8, 2019
A book that tells that you have energy in your body. Eating , sleeping and exercising
are very important. There are general health tips and such.
are very important. There are general health tips and such.
April 4, 2019
This is not an anatomy book per se but rather strives to point out to children how wonderful their bodies are and all the power and abilities they contain. The illustrations are meant to reach children of both sexes and all skin tones which makes this a strong choice for use in classrooms as well as libraries as all children are included in its focus. This is a book to fire the imagination of young children.
March 15, 2019
I really like the playful tone of this book, which explores the importance of keeping yourself healthy so you can think and do amazing things. I think kids will find it fascinating.
March 27, 2019
hopefully makes kids feel powerful and think
March 13, 2020
The human body is full of energy. How did it get there and how do we use it? This book answers those questions
Fishman and Greenberg’s book presents a rather complicated topic – energy – in terms that are easy for children to understand with engaging, brightly colored illustrations. I love finding nonfiction books that work as short read-alouds, and this book fits the bill. I was able to read it to my special education students in about 5 minutes, and it kept them engaged. I liked the inclusion of what I think of as “big facts” – those that children like to memorize and astonish adults with information like “did you know that the energy in your pinky finger could power seven million TVs?”
Power Up is targeted at readers ages 4-8 and grades K-3. The book presents its scientific topic of energy in “clear, direct, easily understandable” language (Short, Lynch-Brown, & Tomlinson, 2018, p. 153) and provides explanations that are appropriate to the age of the targeted readers. The author’s note at the end connects the simple text to the more complex idea of Einstein’s equation for mass-energy equivalence in a manner that appreciates young children’s limited experience with math, even explaining with an equal sign means, for example. Throughout the text and note, Fishman does an excellent job of presenting the information in a manner that is engaging but not condescending. No reference aids are necessary due to the simplicity of the text, but Greenberg’s illustrations nicely balance being informative and humorous. This is an excellent addition to a lower grades nonfiction collection.
Fishman and Greenberg’s book presents a rather complicated topic – energy – in terms that are easy for children to understand with engaging, brightly colored illustrations. I love finding nonfiction books that work as short read-alouds, and this book fits the bill. I was able to read it to my special education students in about 5 minutes, and it kept them engaged. I liked the inclusion of what I think of as “big facts” – those that children like to memorize and astonish adults with information like “did you know that the energy in your pinky finger could power seven million TVs?”
Power Up is targeted at readers ages 4-8 and grades K-3. The book presents its scientific topic of energy in “clear, direct, easily understandable” language (Short, Lynch-Brown, & Tomlinson, 2018, p. 153) and provides explanations that are appropriate to the age of the targeted readers. The author’s note at the end connects the simple text to the more complex idea of Einstein’s equation for mass-energy equivalence in a manner that appreciates young children’s limited experience with math, even explaining with an equal sign means, for example. Throughout the text and note, Fishman does an excellent job of presenting the information in a manner that is engaging but not condescending. No reference aids are necessary due to the simplicity of the text, but Greenberg’s illustrations nicely balance being informative and humorous. This is an excellent addition to a lower grades nonfiction collection.
November 13, 2019
In this book, children learn just how powerful they are. With enough energy in their pinky finger, they can light up on of the biggest cities int he world for an entire day. Children learn that everything they do requires energy, about the muscles and bones in their body, the amazing things humans can do, how to recharge their bodies, facts about what they do in a given day, and are inspired to put their energy to good use.
I chose this book because it has amazing facts that engage readers. It has the power to inspire readers and to think about just how amazing even ordinary things are. This book promotes positivity and empowerment. At the end of the book there is an authors notes that explains the science behind some the statements and extends the reader's understanding of what was read.
Grades 2-4
I would use this book in the classroom for a lesson where students could separate the facts from the opinions of the author. Additionally, this book would be excellent for providing extensions for students who may be above grade level with all of the information provided at the back fo the book.
I chose this book because it has amazing facts that engage readers. It has the power to inspire readers and to think about just how amazing even ordinary things are. This book promotes positivity and empowerment. At the end of the book there is an authors notes that explains the science behind some the statements and extends the reader's understanding of what was read.
Grades 2-4
I would use this book in the classroom for a lesson where students could separate the facts from the opinions of the author. Additionally, this book would be excellent for providing extensions for students who may be above grade level with all of the information provided at the back fo the book.
December 31, 2019
I mostly read this because Isabel Greenberg--I've really liked her graphic novels so I thought I'd check out some of the things she's illustrated for other people. As usual, I liked her art a lot. The writing..........
Okay, a lot of people are talking about how much they love the writing, but to me it feels like the inspirational bits really get in the way of the actual science bits and I found myself frustrated with the things not explained or explained in a way that doesn't make any sense. It does not feel like non-fiction to me. It does contain some interesting facts, but I don't feel like those facts connect together in a way that really says much of anything beyond "You're amazing!" Like, I sort of feel like Isabel Greenberg should have just illustrated the author's note, which actually does explain things in a more concrete way.
But, most people seem not to have this issue, so maybe I'm just a too literal grouch.
Okay, a lot of people are talking about how much they love the writing, but to me it feels like the inspirational bits really get in the way of the actual science bits and I found myself frustrated with the things not explained or explained in a way that doesn't make any sense. It does not feel like non-fiction to me. It does contain some interesting facts, but I don't feel like those facts connect together in a way that really says much of anything beyond "You're amazing!" Like, I sort of feel like Isabel Greenberg should have just illustrated the author's note, which actually does explain things in a more concrete way.
But, most people seem not to have this issue, so maybe I'm just a too literal grouch.
June 4, 2019
There are some good science facts in this book and I appreciate the empowerment message: eat, grow, recharge, ask why. What I’m bugged by is the conceit/assertion: “you are a fireball... a shining star...your pinkie has enough energy to power....(insert a lot of stuff that requires electricity).” While the afterword explains Einstein’s e=mc squared, and tells you who Einstein is, the realization that: if my pinkie is powerful... so is every single object with mass, is left to the reader. Yes there is potential energy in a pinkie, just as there is in a french fry. It is never explained how I am a fireball or a shining star, maybe because I am not. The whole super-empowerment message to me feels vainglorious and problematic and takes away from The intrinsically interesting science facts.
October 18, 2025
It’s easy to overlook the biological fact that all life requires energy. And we are certainly no different. In this book, Seth does a fantastic job explaining—for children—how their body needs, uses, and restores energy so that we can have fun, learn, and achieve amazing things. There are also great tie-ins to our small place in the universe, but in such a way that this place has a sense of belonging and empowerment. My 6- and 9-year-old (and 42-year-old parent!) greatly enjoyed reading this book.
January 27, 2020
Main theme is that everything we do takes energy so we need to take care of our bodies with sleep, food and exercise. I’m not wowed by the picture book style. Would have liked this better as an information/nonfiction book as there are a lot of interesting body facts such as how many bones, how many muscles, the smallest bone, how many times we blink per day etc. This book will get “lost” in the picture book section.
June 6, 2023
"Power Up" is an informative picture book that explores the fascinating world of energy. The book takes readers on a journey through different sources of energy, including solar, wind power, fossil fuels, and nuclear energy. Fishman does a really good job at presenting complex concepts in a simplified manner, the illustrations as well are very vibrant and captivating making it suitable for young readers.
January 16, 2021
Interesting mostly biology facts.
Tries to tie e=mc^2 back into the human body and I think they should have saved the pages and done more anatomy/biology stuff.
On the skeleton page, it talks about the hyoid, but it's hard to tell what they mean. From the drawing, I was guessing a neck vertebra. I was wrong.
Interesting that the most broken bone is the clavicle.
Tries to tie e=mc^2 back into the human body and I think they should have saved the pages and done more anatomy/biology stuff.
On the skeleton page, it talks about the hyoid, but it's hard to tell what they mean. From the drawing, I was guessing a neck vertebra. I was wrong.
Interesting that the most broken bone is the clavicle.
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May 3, 2023I really enjoyed this. As someone working on my own health journey, I find this perspective of the body and all it takes to keep it energized refreshing and inspiring. This is a perspective I'd want my kids to have. Would recommend.
March 29, 2019
This got put in JE 612, though it kind of doesn't fit neatly in any Dewey area
June 19, 2019
A great science book for little kids! (And it includes a prompt to eat your vegetables!)
June 20, 2019
This is a fascinating read about energy and how our bodies are powered.
June 28, 2019
Great book.
July 7, 2019
The energy is you is comparable to the energy put off by the stars in the sky. Fishman explains how what happens in your body, and how that energy works to keep you alive.
July 11, 2019
A picture style nonfiction book about how energy in the body is used and gained. Elementary and up
August 15, 2019
I’m not sure I’m as big a fan of this one as other people are.
August 16, 2019
This high-energy book relays exciting and fascinating facts about the human body.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews