A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla

by Azadeh Westergaard, Júlia Sardà (Illustrator)

Born at the stroke of midnight during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla grew up to become one of the most important electrical inventors in the world. But before working with electricity, he was a child who loved playing with the animals on his family's farm in Serbia.

An inventor since childhood, Tesla's patents encompassed everything from radar and remote-control technology to wireless communications. But his greatest invention was the AC induction motor, which used alternating currents (AC) to distribute electricity and which remains the standard for electric distribution today. Tesla's love of animals also remained constant throughout his life and led to his anointment as the "Pigeon Charmer of New York" for his devotion to nature's original wireless messengers.

Exploring his groundbreaking inventions against the backdrop of his private life, A Life Electric introduces Nikola Tesla to young readers unlike ever before. Azadeh Westergaard's lyrical debut brings compassion and humanity to the legacy of the brilliant inventor, while the esteemed illustrator Júlia Sardà deftly brings him to life.

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

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Caroline]

As inventors go, I feel like Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell get all the attention, but Nikola Tesla was definitely no slouch. A Life Electric is a short picture-book biography of him, well suited for children with just a few sentences per page that get to the point by highlighting the most intriguing facts about this man.

Before starting the book, all I knew about Nikola Tesla was an odd quote attributed to him: "I loved that pigeon as a man loves a woman, and she loved me. As long as I had her, there was a purpose to my life." The book adds context to this: Tesla was obsessed with pigeons. In his later years, his love of them evolved into pigeon hoarding, and he welcomed them into his home, where they ate and drank from bowls he set out. The book is almost as much about his dedication to them as it is about his life-changing inventions.

A Life Electric shows how Tesla lived an eventful life punctuated by unexpected moments of epiphany that led him to invent what he did in some instances. Sadly, he died penniless and alone. Happily, he had his pigeon companions and the knowledge of all he'd done to improve quality of life. The overall feel of the book is warm and admiring, even poignant. I recommend it as a worthy introduction for children, but it does have a strong abbreviated feel and could have benefited from elaboration in the actual book, not just at the end in the additional biographical pages.

[Kathryn]

I found this surprisingly moving. I don't know enough about Tesla to know how complete it is as a biography* but I found it very powerful and felt that it presented a very compelling picture of Tesla's life and personality. It was really a bittersweet read, because he was such a genius yet suffered greatly, too. It shows that he worked hard, and studied hard, from a young age, trying (and sometimes failing) yet also that his most remarkable achievement was a "bolt from the blue" as he was strolling through a park reciting poetry with a friend then the solution to a scientific puzzle he'd been pondering for year came to him all of a sudden, "a detailed image appeared in Nikola's mind, of a motor sending electric currents along a wire -- forward then backward, forward the backward like the endless rush and receding sweep of the ocean tide. Nikola had discovered a new way to transmit electricity over long distances." Despite having contributed such an incredible discovery to the world that "were we to eliminate from our industrial world the results of Tesla's work, the wheels of industry would cease to turn" (said engineer B. A. Behrend upon Tesla's death) Nikola died penniless and alone (save for his beloved pigeons) in his hotel room. Years before, he had given away the rights to his invention to the businessman who had funded him but was then struggling financially -- apparently this businessman wasn't particularly ethical as Tesla then ended up with nothing. A life long friend of animals, he fed and cared for the pigeons of NYC and that helped take him back to the less troubled days of his youth. In a letter he sent a friend's daughter, he said, "I often visualize the events of my youth to find relief from great and dangerous mental strain." The book so poignantly conveys that great genius is not always simply a gift, it can be a burden. Honestly, the book might be a little heavy for some sensitive young children (probably better for second grade on up for the story proper and certainly substantial enough for upper elementary if reading the excellent Author's Note). I do heartily recommend it. The illustrations, while not really to my personal taste, really fit perfectly with the tone and scope of the story, and the back matter, including a detailed Author's Note with photographs and extensive list of sources, is outstanding.

*One reviewer (Cmeiss330) noted, "I only wish that they'd discussed Tesla's OCD because that means a lot to people who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder like myself. I was diagnosed as a kid and there were next to no books about people with the disorder so something like that would have worked so well as a mirror."

[Melki]

This is a short and sweet biography of Tesla that opts to concentrate on the aspects of his life that appeal most to children. In other words, more time is spent on his love of animals than on his time spent inventing. It's a very nice introduction to the man, and there is a list of sources for those eager to learn more.

The illustrations by Júlia Sardà are unusual, and quite eye-catching.

[Courtney]

I adored this book and the artwork was flawless. I only wish that they'd discussed Tesla's OCD because that means a lot to people who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder like myself. I was diagnosed as a kid and there were next to no books about people with the disorder so something like that would have worked so well as a mirror.

[Becky]

First sentence:

At the stroke of midnight on July 10, 1856, thunder clapped.
Lightning flashed.
And a baby was born.
"He'll be a child of the storm," his nurse said.
"No," his mother replied, "A child of light."
She did not know that her son, Nikola, would grow up to be both:
one of the most important electrical inventors in the world--
then and now.


Premise/plot: A Life Electric is a picture book biography of Nikola Tesla written in verse.

My thoughts: I really liked this picture book biography. I thought the verse was good. The author pulled in lots of interesting--fascinating--facts and tidbits. For example, while I knew some of his work with electricity, I did not know he was a pigeon lover. I knew that he had plenty of struggles throughout his life--but I didn't realize the depths of his struggles.

I found the illustrations to be unique, old-fashioned, dare I say charming? There's something very old-school vintage about them. If you are drawn to that, then these illustrations may draw you further into the text. Even if you're not--if that artistic style isn't your cup of tea--the text is compelling.

[Sherine]

Sublime début from the talented Azadeh. Gorgeous, tender prose and illustrations. Can’t wait to share this with all the 5 year olds I know. Brava Azi joon 🙌🏽

[Annina Luck Wildermuth]

Really well done straight ahead non-fiction picture book! I think the illustrations work very well too and reflect Tesla's heritage.

[Roben]

First - thank you to the publisher for a free copy of the book! I was very excited to receive it - I have always been a bit fascinated by Tesla and I really like the way the author (and the illustrator) tell his story. For example, I had no idea that Tesla's best friend (when he was a boy) was a cat named Macak (the magnificent Macak). And that Macak was an early inspiration for Tesla's fascination with electricity. When he was three, he stroked Macak and there were sparks. His father explained it was electricity. Nikola wondered "Is Nature a gigantic cat? If so, who strokes its back?"
Nikola was raised on a farm so he spent a lot of his time with animals. This was the foundation of a lifelong love of animals. In New York City, that love was bestowed on pigeons! The book also talks about his world changing inventions - especially with electricity. And how Westinghouse really did not play fair with Tesla.
It seems that many books present a caricature of Tesla as tempestuous and eccentric. But there is a lot more to him than that. And even though he died penniless and lone in 1943, he was mourned by thousands who recognized the impact of his brilliance.

As an adult, I was thankful for the lengthy biographical note at the end of the book which helped fill in details. I also enjoyed the amazing illustrations. The smoke from the chimney of the house, the ship, the city... the sheep. The pigeons. Júlia Sardà's illustrations really added to the book.

[Mary]

The currently popular electric car is named after Nikola Tesla. What did Tesla invent? Was he famous during his lifetime?
These questions are answered and many interesting details about Tesla's life are included in the main text, and also in the extensive back matter.
This excellent picture book biography is written in verse.
Illustrations are old-fashioned looking but attractive, reminding the reader that the subject of the book is from the past.
Use to supplement science units about electricity. Compare knowledge of Thomas Edison with facts about his contemporary Nikola Tesla.

[Joanna]

I read a lot of picture book biographies and find almost all of them so burdened with trite messages that when I find one that’s simply a compelling story of a person’s life and impact, I have to remember it. This one is also gorgeously illustrated with a mix of engineering diagrams and folk textile patterns and designs from Tesla’s native home is what’s now Croatia. Excellent back matter and bibliography too.

[Lynn]

Excellent picture book biography of Nikola Tesla. Westergaard does a wonderful job of explaining Tesla's pivotal invention of alternating current for a young audience.

Julia Sarda's illustrations are exceptional!

Extensive backmatter includes additional information on Tesla in an Author's Note and Sources.

[Laura Perdew]

A LIFE ELECTRIC is both lyrical and informative, connecting readers to Tesla’s curiosity, drive, and his humanity. This book is an important addition to children’s biographies, illuminating (pun intended) how our world is powered. Yet just as important, it is a story about perseverance, humility, and holding onto your passions.

[Theresa]

Easy reading with sepia toned illustrations.

Tesla was an active, curious boy, always wanting to know why and to try new things. But he grew up to work with Edison and Westinghouse and to invent an electric motor. But, due to financing he had to give away his patent and ended up poor. He spent his last years feeding and caring for the birds of New York as he did as a child.

[Susie]

Before the electric car popularized the name "Tesla" my daughter was somehow fascinated by him, and I really don't know why! This book is a nice overview with great illustrations, and I really appreciated the back matter. Somehow I still got the feeling that something was missing. I also wonder-- if Tesla was penniless, how did he have money to feed the pigeons and stay in the hotel?

[Maggie Schlieman]

This book is great for children as they are learning to pursue what they love when growing up. The pictures are simple but work well with the text. This book is creative and tells a true story of a man who followed his dreams, but should be careful with the people surrounding him, as they took his credit.

[angelofmine1974]

3 1/2 stars

Wonderful illustrations and a great story about Nikola Tesla. It shows how he grew up and how he learned to love electricity and inventions. His rife with Edison and Westinghouse. And finally his love of birds. Ending was sad and I'm glad to have read it and learned more about this enigmatic man.

[Dawn]

A delightful book for kids clearly telling the story of Nikola Tesla. A great way to combine our modern associations of Tesla and the man who lived over 100 years ago. The pictures are delightful and his story is told beautifully.

[Danielle Hammelef]

This is the first picture book biography I've read about this inventor and was surprised to learn about his love for animals. The backmatter was my favorite part of the book as it filled in the pieces of the book's text.

[Kathy]

Just because someone is a great inventor, doesn't mean they make good business decisions. Case in point: Nikola Tesla. The author does a good job of not making his sad ending too dispiriting for young readers. I also liked how the illustrator evoked turn-of-the-last-century art style in her art.

[Amy]

I really liked how the illustrations complemented what I envision is a Serbian folk art, the place where Tesla was from. This is a SUPER basic book about Nikola Tesla that I'd recommend to 2nd-4th graders who are interested in people or inventions.

[Jj]

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy.

[Jo Oehrlein]

Biography of Tesla from birth to death. Focuses on his well-roundedness academically, as well as what he did after his success as an inventor.

[Ashley Adams]

A Life Electric is a biography for children about famed inventor Nikola Tesla, his numerous inventions, and his eccentric affinity for pigeons later in life.

[Kate -MontglaneChess]

An absolutely beautiful introduction to Nikola Tesla. I love that non-fiction picture books for children are growing as a niche! The author's note sections are always a treat to read.

[Lisa]

Great introduction to Tesla. Loved the illustrations!

[K]

I don't usually love kid biographies, but this one is perfect.

[Leslie]

How sad but good to see he’s being recognized through this book.

[skcocnaH]

Wonderful book. But younger children find it boring.

[Darlene Ivy]

I didn't know much about Tesla and that's sad since his inventions have added so much to our lives. This birth to death story is a good introduction. A long author's note adds details.

[Jessica]

Lovely portrayal of Tesla, although I worry it lacks context for readers to understand the significance of his electrical inventions.