Think Smart, Be Fearless: A Biography of Bill Gates

by Sharon Mentyka, Vivien Mildenberger (Illustrator)

How do fearless ideas begin? Travel along with young Bill Gates on his life's journey full of curiosity, discovery, hard work, and most important, fearlessness--the inability to see limits. The book invites young readers to pursue their passions and awaken a sense of ambition and responsibility for others as they grow.

Think Smart, Be Fearless tells the inspiring story of Bill Gates, one of America's most fascinating entrepreneurs, starting from his early years as a precocious, inquisitive child who faced challenges fitting in with his classmates. Young Bill, known as Trey in his family, was a bit of a troublemaker, bored at school and prone to acting out. That all changed in high school with his discovery of the early world of computers. His instincts immediately told him that computers were the future. With the support of his family, who encouraged him to think smart and be fearless, Bill grew to become a technology visionary, who changed the way everyday people interact with computers, and a philanthropist whose inability to see limits is working to reduce poverty and improve global health worldwide.

Complete with back matter that includes a more in-depth look into Bill Gates's life, a timeline of significant events in his life and in computer science, and a glossary for inquisitive kids.

Genres: Biography, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Stem, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2019

About the author

I’m a children's writer, teacher and designer and my love is writing for middle-grade children. My books include:
• CHASING AT THE SURFACE, middle grade novel that won the 2016 National Outdoor Book Award in the Children's category
• THINK SMART, BE FEARLESS: A BIOGRAPHY OF BILL GATES
• THE HEART OF THE STORM: A BIOGRAPHY OF SUE BIRD
• B IN THE WORLD, chapter book selected by Seattle Schools for inclusion in their K-5 Gender Kit.

My stories grow from small kernels of truth that explore common themes: fairness (or unfairness), transitions and helping the less powerful find their voice.

I invite you to visit my website at SharonMentyka.com for more information and follow my blog where I offer book reviews, interviews with other authors, and general impressions on the world of writing for children and young adults.

Reviews

[The Endless Unread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a motivational and inspiring read. This is broken down easily for children to understand it. I personally have never read anything about Bill Gates so it was interesting to learn about how he made his way in life. Perfect read.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Think Smart, Be Fearless is a biography of Bill Gates aimed at younger readers. Written by Sharon Mentyka and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, it's 48 pages. Due out 15th Oct 2019 from Sasquatch on their Little Bigfoot imprint, it'll be available in hardcover format.

I enjoyed the whimsical illustrations. So much of Bill Gates' public persona and recognition is tied up in his adult life with Microsoft and I'd always seen him as a very intense and intimidating person. These illustrations of his youth and early adulthood are sweetly naive and accessible. For such a short book, there is a surprising amount of detail.

20% of the content is used on Bill & Melinda Gates' foundation and charitable works and their admirable work with disadvantaged people (especially children) around the world. It's refreshing to see people in positions of great wealth and power giving back to make the world a better place for everyone. There's also a glossary and illustrated timeline included at the back of the book.

Well written and beautifully illustrated. This would make a superlative library book selection or gift for a young reader.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Think Smart, Be Fearless: A Biography of Bill Gates' by Sharon Mentyka with illustrations by Vivien Mildenberger is a child-size biography of a man who isn't afraid to take on problems that seem unsolvable.

When Bill Gates was born, his grandmother nicknamed him Trey. His family liked to play games and learn to compete. His mother taught him to be compassionate. His innate curiosity and the birth of computing were a perfect fit for someone who liked a challenge. His path to fame and the friends he made along the way are here as well as the start of the foundation he runs to this day.

I really liked this kid friendly look at the life of Bill Gates. I really liked the way the illustrations around Bill would just be endless thoughts or computer code. His story is an inspiring one.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Little Bigfoot, Sasquatch Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[talesofkids · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think smart, Be Fearless is a biography of Bill Gates intended for children.
Its well written and I really like the illustrations and actual photos throughout the book! Its informative and inspirational! It takes you through different stages of Bill’s life and how he has helped so many people through his foundation. The message it sends out is very positive, be fearless, be persistent, be tenacious, be focused and follow your dreams! It’s a pretty easy read for elementary grade kids, but also middle grade kids will get a lot of benefit out of this (honestly, I learned a few things myself!).
Audience: 3rd grade and above
Thanks to Netgalley and Sasquatch book for providing an ARC for an honest review.

[Andee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's books like this which make me miss being in an elementary library. I love story time when it involves real life people the kids know of and showcases positive character traits. The ease of storytelling makes it a perfect read aloud for all ages and an ideal read-alone for 2nd/3rd grade level and up.

The back matter gives a more in depth look at Gates' life and reads at a 4th grade level and up. The glossary is well thought out. This is a great biography study for elementary and would even give insight to a middle schooler.

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think Smart, Be Fearless by Sharon Mentyka is an easy to read biography about Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft. It is inspiring and encouraging for young and old readers alike. I liked how it both showed how a good school can have a hugely positive impact in somebody's life but also that going to college isn't necessary to be successful as an adult. I've always admired Bill Gates for his commitment to helping so many people he doesn't know so I really enjoyed reading about the philanthropic part of his life. I will be adding this book to my shelf to show kids that with enough determination and focus, they too can change the world.

[Lely Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational, informative read for both young children and those reading to the. The illustrations were fitting and the text was presented in a way that it could be understood by elementary readers with some minor explanations from an adult. The author also included resources in the back for adults who are reading the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Sasquatch Books and Little Bigfoot for providing me with an ARC.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I find Bill Gates a fascinating person, I found this book to be a little lackluster. There wasn't anything particularly outstanding or memorable...I felt a little bit like I'd just read an abbreviated Wikipedia entry.

[Earl]

Growing to Greatness is a new picture book biography series focused on Pacific Northwest trailblazers. This one focused on Bill Gates. I would have loved to read more about his philanthropy although the backmatter does delve into it further.

[Tina Izguerra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mentyka’s book was good but it hardly kept my attention, let alone that of my child. I think it was overall to much content. The illustrations were great though.

[Luella Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for middle school kids.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of absolutes in this story. Very few things are 0% or 100%. Cool timeline in the back.