Kids Books About JRR Tolkien

The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien

By Caroline McAlister, Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

John Ronald loved dragons. He liked to imagine dragons when he was alone, and with his friends, and especially when life got hard or sad. After his mother died and he had to live with a cold-hearted aunt, he looked for dragons. He searched for them at his boarding school. And when he fought in a Great War, he felt as if terrible, destructive dragons were everywhere. But he never actually found one, until one day, when he was a grown man but still very much a boy at heart, when he decided to create one of his own. John Ronald’s Dragons, a picture book biography by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, introduces the beloved creator of Middle Earth and author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to a new generation of children who see magic in the world around them. 4-8 years

Goodnight Hobbiton

By Steven Giesbrecht, Illustrated by Anika Loewen

With all the magic of that wondrous night when thirteen uninvited Dwarves visited Hobbiton, comes Goodnight Hobbiton. Relive that memorable night in the classic style of Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. This book is a parody and has not been prepared, approved, or authorized by the creators of Goodnight Moon or the Hobbit, their heirs or representatives. Baby-3 years

J.R.R. Tolkien (Little People, Big Dreams)

By Maria Isabel Vegara, Illustrated by Aaron Cushley

Little John experienced lots of change in his life from a young age. Moving from South Africa to a big city in England, he longed for the nature he grew up around. After the death of both of his parents, John found comfort in telling stories and building imaginary worlds with his friends. And he continued to tell stories for the rest of his life, creating epic tales of hobbits, dwarves, elves, and wizards as J. R. R. Tolkien. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the writer’s life. 6-8 years

J.R.R. Tolkien for Kids: His Life and Writings, with 21 Activities

By Simonetta Carr

J. R. R. Tolkien for Kids takes young readers through the exciting life of the man who created amazing new worlds and helps kids discover how he could see them. Explore the personal experiences and subjects that inspired Tolkien’s stories through hands-on activities, and learn how he influenced his contemporaries as well as later writers—like you! 9-12 years

• Make a Shadowy Dragon Come to Life
• Make a Batch of Marmalade
• Rewrite an Ancient Tale
• Invent a New Code
• Paint an Enchanted Forest
• Draw a Map for a Story
• Make Mushroom Toast
• Turn Your Friends into Heroes

Who Was J.R.R. Tolkien

By Pam Pollack & Meg Belviso, Illustrated by Jonathan Moore

Best known for his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien was born in British-occupied South Africa. His early life was full of action and adventure. Tolkien spent his childhood roaming the British countryside with his family and could read and write by age four. He was naturally gifted with languages and used this skill as a signals officer in World War I as well as in his fantasy writing. By creating alternate universes and inventing languages in his work he demonstrated that imaginary realms were not just for children. Fondly remembered as the “Father of High Fantasy,” Tolkien’s books have inspired blockbuster movies and legions of fans. 8-12 years

The Mythmakers:

The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien

A Graphic Novel

By John Hendrix 

Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II.

He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.

The Mythmakers also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. 12 and up

Painting Worder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

By Katie Wray Schon

Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea.

Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves. Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children.

Follow Pauline into some of the most beloved and prominent landscapes in all of children’s literature: the magical lands of J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. 7-10 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publisher. 

If you like this post, please consider sharing it. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Kids Books About C.S. Lewis, https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-about-c-s-lewis/

 

Kids Books About C.S. Lewis

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother

By Caroline McAlister, Illustrated by Jessica Lanan

Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack. He spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?

Years later, Jack began to think about what could be beyond that wardrobe, and about a girl named Lucy and her siblings. This picture book biography introduces the beloved creator of The Chronicles of Narnia to a new generation of children who see hidden magic in the world around them. 4-8 years

Through the Wardrobe: How C.S. Lewis Created Narnia

By Lina Maslo

As a child, Clive Staples Lewis
imagined many things . . .

heroic animals

and knights in armor

and a faraway land called Boxen.

He even thought of a new name for
himself—at four years old, he decided he was more of a Jack. As he grew up, though, Jack found that the real world was not as just as the one in his imagination. No magic could heal the sick or stop a war, and a bully’s words could pierce as sharply as a sword. So Jack withdrew into books and eventually became a well-known
author for adults.

But he never forgot the epic tales
of his boyhood, and one day a young girl’s question about an old family
wardrobe inspired him to write a children’s story about a world hidden beyond
its fur coats . . . a world of fauns and queens and a lion named Aslan. A world
of battles between good and evil, where people learned courage and love and
forgiveness. A magical realm called Narnia. 

And the books he would write about
this kingdom would change his life and that of children the world over.
Share this magical nonfiction picture book at home or in the classroom. 4-8 years

 

 

C.S. Lewis: The Boy Who Loved to Ask Big Questions

By Laura Caputo-Wickham, Illustrated by Keila Elm

C.S. Lewis was curious and creative from his earliest days, and this biography walks kids through both fun and formative questions he asked and where they led him. Kids will learn about his famous stories and his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as the suffering he faced when loved ones died and when he was injured in World War I. Most importantly, kids will hear how C.S. Lewis came to answer questions like “Why does God let bad things happen?” and “Is God even real?” 4-7 years

C.S Lewis: The Writer Who Found Joy

By Dan DeWitt, Illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski

The lion, the writer, and the search for joy. Not every author can write about theology, literature, and a talking lion and end up delighting readers for generations. But not every author is C.S. Lewis. This biographical picture book welcomes readers to get to know the man behind Aslan and the magical wardrobe and to experience the joy that fueled his imagination. 4-8 years

Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

By Katie Wray Schon

Just in time for the 75th anniversary (2025) of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe comes Painting Wonder, an enchanting picture book biography about the artist whose illustrations brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien to life.

Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea.

Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves. Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children. 7-10 years

C.S. Lewis: The Man Who Gave Us Narnia

By Renee Taft Meloche, Illustrated by Bryan Pollard

The lively imagination of young C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) – or Jack, as he liked to be called – took flight as he spent long hours reading books of magical lands and dreaming up new ones. Those vivid images never left Jack, even when he was faced with the early loss of his mother, the difficulty of boarding school, and the challenges of wartime service.

As a writer, a teacher, and a communicator of powerful Christian truths, the man who gave us Narnia continues to encourage readers around the world. Now Heroes for Young Readers makes C.S. Lewis’s remarkable story available in this picture book all ages will treasure. 8-12 years

C.S. Lewis Story For Kids: Once Upon a Time in Narnia

The Story Teller Who Taught the World to Believe

By Carla D. Murphy

What if imagination wasn’t just pretend, but a doorway to something real?

Before Narnia ever existed, there was a little boy named Jack Lewis who dreamed of magical lands, talking animals, and brave children who could change the world. Through laughter and heartbreak, war and wonder, Jack discovered that stories could heal hearts and open eyes to truth and beauty. This book brings his story to life for young readers, told with warmth, imagination, and timeless lessons about courage, kindness, and believing in the impossible. 7 and up

The Mythmakers:

The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

A Graphic Novel

By John Hendrix

Through narrative and comic panels, John Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II.

He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.

The Mythmakers also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. 12 and up

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like: Kids Books About J.R.R. Tolkien

 

Kids Books: John F. Kennedy

Jack’s Path to Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

John F. Kennedy was a popular and charismatic president beloved by many. But he didn’t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe, Jr. After Joe’s death, John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame physical pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. 6-9 years

Who Was John F. Kennedy

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jill Weber

John F. Kennedy fought and won his first battle at the age of two-and-a-half when sick with scarlet fever. He went on to save the lives of his PT-109 crewmen during WWII and become the 35th President of the United States. Although his presidency was cut short, our nation’s youngest elected leader left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. 8-12 years

JFK

By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by A. G. Ford

JFK tells how a little boy grew up to be president in a story about hope and courage and the power of words. It details John F. Kennedy’s childhood as well as his presidency and includes the Cuban missile crisis, the civil rights movement, the Camelot years, and a firsthand account of his assassination. 4-8 years

Pocket Bios: John F. Kennedy

By Al Berenger

John F. Kennedy was an incredibly popular American politician who served as 35th President of the United States from 1961 to 1963, during the Cold War. As president, he most notably supported the African American Civil Rights Movement, authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion on the southern coast of Cuba, and dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. His family was greatly admired around the world, and his tragic assassination in Dallas, Texas, had a lasting effect on the American psyche. 4-7 years

John F. Kennedy and the Stormy Sea

By Howard Goldsmith, Illustrated by Renne Benoit

When young Jack Kennedy’s little sister gets tired of playing, Jack suggests a a sail. Within moments Jack is steering the small chip toward Osterville to say hello to Captain Manley. Under darkening clouds the two children head back home — but they do not make it before a storm hits, threatening their lives. Is young Jack a good enough sailor to bring his sister home to safety? 6-7 years

A Time to Act: John F. Kennedy’s Big Speech

By Shana Corey, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

From prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackie Robinson to children and teenagers, it was the people speaking out and working for civil rights through sits-ins, freedom rides, and marches who led John F. Kennedy to take a stand. And with his June 11, 1963, civil rights address, he did.

This is the story of JFK—from his childhood to the events that led to his game-changing speech and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Corey and Christie offer a deeply human look at our country’s thirty-fifth president, underscoring how each one of us, no matter who we are, have the power to make a difference. 8 years+

Action Presidents: John F. Kennedy

By Fred Van Lente, Illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey

U.S. history comes to life like never before in this full-color graphic novel! We all know that John F. Kennedy was a World War II hero and a pro at giving speeches. But did you also know he survived shark-infested waters, suffered a case of mistaken identity, and once used a coconut to send a secret message? 8-12 years

John F. Kennedy the Brave

By Shelia Keenan, Illustrated by Chin Ko

When he was a young boy, John Fitzgerald Kennedy wondered about what happened in the world. He wanted to change the world when he grew up, and he did just that!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in John F. Kennedy’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical photographs at the back of book. Complete with a timeline, photographs, and little-known facts about the United States’ thirty-fifth president, the brave John F. Kennedy. 4-8 years

John F. Kennedy: A Photographic Sbtory of a Life

By Howard S. Kaplan

This DK biography tells the story of an incredible leader and legend, John F. Kennedy. It includes photographs, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects. 10 and up

Tragedy in Dallas: The Story of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

By Steven Otfinoski

In an immersive, exciting narrative nonfiction format, this powerful book follows a selection of people who experienced the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 9-12 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

Lincoln and Kennedy A Pair to Compare: https://barbaralowell.com/lincoln-and-kennedy

Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln

Books For Kids: George Washington https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-george-washington

Books For Kids: Thomas Jefferson https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-thomas-jefferson

Books For Kids: Franklin Roosevelt https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-franklin-roosevelt

 

 

Books For Kids: John Lewis

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis

By Jabari Asim, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

John wants to be a preacher when he grows up—a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm’s flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Includes an author’s note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and a U.S. congressman. 5-8 years

John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement

By Kathleen Benson, Illustrated by Benny Andrews

The son of an Alabama sharecropper, John Lewis experienced the injustice of segregation early in life. Inspired to action by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lewis joined with civil rights leaders who believed in fighting segregation peacefully. From Nashville, Tennessee, to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, Lewis was in the forefront of the major civil rights protests of the 1960s. In the face of physical attacks, he persevered with dignity and a devotion to nonviolence, helping southern black people gain the right to vote.

Lewis continued his commitment to human rights from his home base in the South straight to the nation’s capital. In 1986, Lewis was elected to represent Georgia in the United States Congress. This is a celebration of the life of a legend of American history. Lewis’s passionate belief in justice is a beacon for all who wish to make our country a better place. 8-11 years

The Story of John Lewis

By Tonya Leslie, Illustrated by Jerrard K. Polk

John Lewis was a civil rights leader and United States congressman who never stopped speaking for justice, equality, and peace. Before he marched with Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement, John was a thoughtful kid who loved learning but wasn’t able to go to a good school because of segregation. He wanted to make a difference in his community, so he organized peaceful protests to end segregation and fight for equal rights for Black Americans. Explore how John went from being a young farm boy to a famous activist, politician, and leader. 7-10 years

Because of You, John Lewis

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown

When young Tybre Faw discovers John Lewis and his heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for voting rights, Tybre is determined to meet him. Tybre’s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma, Alabama, where Lewis invites Tybre to join him in the annual memorial walk across the Bridge. And so begins a most amazing friendship! ​​​​​​​7-10 years

I am John Lewis

By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

This book spotlights John Lewis, known for his role in the Civil Rights Movement, his help organizing the March on Washington and the Selma Voting Rights March, and for his lifelong dedication to public service as a member of the House of Representatives. And John Lewis was never afraid to get in “good trouble.” This biography includes: A timeline of key events, photos, comic-book-style illustrations, and childhood moments. 5-9 years

John Lewis

By Denise Lewis Patrick, Illustrated by Steffi Walthall

When John Lewis was a teenager, he asked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown. From then on, John Lewis never stopped organizing, from Freedom Rides, to the marches in Selma and Washington, and more. He believed in getting into “good trouble” for good causes. He became a Civil Rights activist and a United States Representative. 6-8 years.

John Lewis

By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of civil rights activist John Lewis, in a simple, age-appropriate way. It will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years

March (Book One of Four) Graphic Novels

By John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell

Congressman John Lewis was an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence took him from an Alabama sharecropper’s farm to the halls of Congress. From a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington. And from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African-American president. 13 and up

John Lewis: Civil Rights Champion and Congressman

By Alisa Morretta

The history of the United States is filled with African American leaders who heroically fought for equality through words and deeds. These men and women sacrificed their safety and, in some cases, their lives for the cause.

One of the most courageous among them is John Lewis. He was on the front lines of this struggle for decades. From the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s to his work as a United States Congressman, Lewis fought for equality for all Americans.

This book uses photographs, sidebars, and primary sources to examine his greatest achievements, both historical and contemporary. It explores how his bravery and dedication to nonviolent direct action affected real change in the United States. 14 and up

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

You may like, Kids Books: Civil Rights Movement, https://www.barbaralowell.com/kids-books-civil-rights-movement 

Books For Kids: March on Washington, https://www.barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-march-on-washington

 

Books For Kids: Jesse Owens

Who Was Jesse Owens

By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

At the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics, track and field star Jesse Owens ran himself straight into international glory by winning four gold medals. But the life of Jesse Owens is much more than a sports story.

Born in rural Alabama under the oppressive Jim Crow laws, Owens’s family suffered many hardships. As a boy he worked several jobs: delivering groceries and working in a shoe repair shop to make ends meet. Owens defied the odds to become a sensational student athlete, eventually running track for Ohio State. He was chosen to compete in the Summer Olympics in Nazi Germany where Adolf Hitler was promoting the idea of “Aryan superiority.”  Owens’s winning streak at the games humiliated Hitler and crushed the myth of racial supremacy once and for all. 8-12 years

Jesse Owens: Fastest Man Alive

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

Jesse Owens grew up during the time of Jim Crow laws, but adversity didn’t stop him. After setting world records for track in high school and college, he won a slot on the 1936 U.S. Olympic team. That year, the Olympics were held in Nazi Germany, where Adolf Hitler believes the Games would prove to the world that people like him were superior to all others. But Jesse, a sharecropper’s son, would ultimately topple Hitler’s hopes, winning four gold medals and the hearts of millions to become known as the fastest man alive. 7-11 years

A Star Like Jesse Owens

By Nikki Shannon Smith, Illustrated by Lisa Manuzak Wiley

Matthew is a young African-American boy who dreams of becoming an Olympic runner like his hero, Jesse Owens. There’s one big problem, though Matthew has asthma, which makes it hard for him to run. When his journalist father is assigned to cover the 1936 Olympics in Germany, Matthew jumps at the chance tag along. He has never been out of Ohio before, let alone to Europe. Will Owens’s amazing Olympic victories inspire Matthew in his own chosen career? 8-11 years

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

By David A. Adler, Illustrated by Robert Casilla

Before Usain Bolt or Tyson Gay, Bob Beamon or Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens was perhaps the greatest and most famous athlete in track and field history. 

Jesse Owens was born on a farm to a large family with many siblings. His grandparents had been slaves, and his sharecropper parents were poor. But against all odds, Jesse went on to become one of the greatest athletes in history. He learned to run with such grace that people said he was a “floating wonder.”

After setting multiple world records as a college athlete, including three in less than an hour—”the greatest 45 minutes in sport”—Owens competed in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Adolf Hitler intended for the games to display Aryan superiority, but Jesse disrupted that plan. He became the first American track-and-field athlete to receive four Olympic gold medals and established his legacy as a hero in the face of prejudice. 4-8 years

Just Like Jesse Owens

By Andrew Young and Paul Young Shelton Illustrated by Gordon C. James

As a boy, Andrew Young learned a vital lesson from his parents when a local chapter of the Nazi party instigated racial unrest in their hometown of New Orleans in the 1930s. While Hitler’s teachings promoted White supremacy, Andrew’s father, told him that when dealing with the sickness of racism, “Don’t get mad, get smart.” To drive home this idea, Andrew Young Senior took his family to the local movie house to see a newsreel of track star Jesse Owens racing toward Olympic gold, showing the world that the best way to promote equality is to focus on the finish line. The teaching of his parents, and Jesse Owens’ example, would be the guiding principles that shaped Andrew’s beliefs in nonviolence and built his foundation as a civil rights leader and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The story is recalled by Paula Young Shelton, Andrew’s daughter. 6-8 years

Jesse Owens (Little People, Big Dreams)

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Anna Katharina Jansen

The youngest of ten children, Jesse grew up working in the cotton fields of Alabama. Discovered by his high school track and field coach, Jesse quickly rose to fame as an athlete. He went on to challenge racism on the world stage at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and made new world records. This book features extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the athlete and activist’s life. 4-7 years

Jesse Owens (You Should Meet)

By Laurie Calkhoven, Illustrated by Elizabeth Vukovic

Meet Jesse Owens, an African American runner who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin! What made his achievement even more memorable was that Adolph Hitler expected the Olympic Games to be a German showcase. In fact, he criticized the United States for even including black athletes on its Olympic roster. According to many reports, after Owens won his fourth gold medal, Hitler stormed out of the stadium. In 1936 Jesse Owens took a stand against racism and made history. 

A special section at the back of the book includes extras on subjects like history and math, plus an article filled with interesting facts about the Olympics. 6-8 years

Defying Hitler: Jesse Owens Olympic Trials

By Nel Yomtov, Illustrated by Eduardo Garcia

At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, the last thing Adolf Hitler expected was to see a black man compete and win. But Jesse Owens didn’t just win. He was dominant in the track and field events, winning four gold medals and helping to set a world record. Now readers can witness one of the most iconic moments in sports history. 8 and up

Olympic Gold 1936:

How the Image of Jesse Owens Crushed Hitler’s Evil Myth

By Michael Burgan

Jesse Owens’ gold-medal winning feats at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin struck a mighty propaganda blow against Adolf Hitler.  The Nazi leader had planned to use the German games as a showcase for supposed Aryan superiority.  Instead, there was American black athlete Owens on the podium being photographed by Hitler’s personal photographer, Heinrich Hoffmann. In addition, Owens would figure prominently in the groundbreaking film Olympia by Hitler’s favorite director Leni Riefenstahl.  Photos and film captured Owens’ stunning success and revealed how wrong Hitler was in his beliefs. 10-12 years

Jesse Owens: Athletes Who Made a Difference

By  Blake Hoena, Illustrated by David Shephard

In 1936, Adolf Hitler attempted to make the Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, a showcase of Nazi superiority with a new stadium and the first television broadcast of the Games. He didn’t account for African-American sprinter and long jumper James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens, who smashed records throughout his track and field career. 

Owens turned Hitler’s Olympic vision on its head by winning four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump. Along the way, he broke or equaled nine Olympic records and set three world records. In graphic nonfiction style, this biography takes readers from Owens’s early life to his historic athletic triumphs. 8-12 years

Jesse Owens: Amazing People Who Shaped the World

By James Buckley, Jr.

Jesse Owens is one of the most famous athletes of all time, winning an incredible four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games. But he faced discrimination throughout his athletic career. 

This biography charts the major events of Jesse’s life; from his childhood growing up on a farm in Alabama, to his family’s move to Ohio in search of better opportunities, to the beginning of his running career and his years as a world record-breaking student athlete, all the way to the Olympics and beyond. 8-11 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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Kids Books: George Washington Carver

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver

By Gene Barretta, Illustrated by Frank Morrison

When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.

Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.

A Weed is a Flower: The Life of George Washington Carver

By Aliki

Discover how George Washington Carver went from a slave to an innovator of agricultural science in this illustrated picture book. Born a slave, he went on to become the most prominent black scientist of the early twentieth century.

I Am George Washington Carver

By Brooke Vitale

With the help of inventor, painter, musician, and botanist George Washington Carver, Brad, Xavier, and Yadina come together to learn how to take care of the Earth.

Who Was George Washington Carver?

By Jim Gigliotti, Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi

Born in 1860s Missouri, nobody expected George Washington Carver to succeed. Slaves were not allowed to be educated. After the Civil War, Carver enrolled in classes and proved to be a star student. He became the first black student at Iowa State Agricultural College and later its first black professor. He went on to the Tuskegee Institute where he specialized in botany (the study of plants) and developed techniques to grow crops better. His work with vegetables, especially peanuts, made him famous and changed agriculture forever. He went on to develop nearly 100 household products and over 100 recipes using peanuts.

In the Garden with Dr. Carver

By Susan Grigsby, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell

Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grown-ups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including “chicken” made from peanuts.  Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby’s warm story shines new light on a Black scientist who was ahead of his time.

George Washington Carver: His Life and Discoveries with 21 Activities

By Peggy Thomas

George Washington Carver was a scientist, educator, artist, inventor, and humanitarian. Born into slavery during the Civil War, he later pursued an education and would become the first black graduate from Iowa Agricultural College. Carver then took a teaching position at the Tuskegee Institute, founded by Booker T. Washington. There, Carver taught poor Southern farmers how to nourish the soil, conserve resources, and feed their families. He also developed hundreds of new products from the sweet potato, peanut, and other crops, and his discoveries gained him a place in the national spotlight.

George Washington Carver National Geographic Reader

By Kitson Jazynka

Take a bite into the fascinating history of peanut butter and the man who invented it. Through leveled text and engaging photos, kids meet George Washington Carver and learn about his important work with peanuts and other plants. This level 1 reader is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow!

The Groundbreaking, Chance-Taking Life of George Washington Carver and Science and Invention

By Cheryl Harness

This is the inspiring story of a man who rose from slavery to worldwide fame as America’s Plant Doctor. Follow the action as Confederate raiders kidnap young Carver-along with his mother and siblings-and sell them to Arkansas slaveholders. Here, whooping cough threatens George’s life, yet the disease will be the key to his future. Unable to work in the fields, he spends his days studying plants. His desire for knowledge leads him to the rich farmlands of Iowa, where he becomes the first black student-and later the first black faculty member-at the state university.

Carver pioneers hundreds of new uses for plants and revolutionizes American agriculture by teaching farmers the value of rotating cotton with nitrogen-rich crops. Our hero dines at the White House, works with Henry Ford, and testifies to Congress. The book’s vivid illustrations are an invitation to step back in time and become an active participant in this compelling story. 

George Washington Carver: More Than “The Peanut Man”

By Janet Rodriquez, Illustrated by Subi Bosa

Born enslaved during the Civil War in Diamond, Missouri, George Washington Carver was an agricultural scientist and inventor. He promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. Among his many accomplishments, he developed more than 300 industrial and commercial products from peanuts. It is time to remember how George Washington Carver’s inventions and his contributions changed our society… and our world! 8-10 years

Masterminds: George Washington Carver

By Izzi Howell

George Washington Carver was born a slave, but became one of the most prominent scientists and inventors in U.S. history. As an agricultural scientist, Carver promoted the idea of growing peanuts and sweet potatoes to be used in over a hundred different ways. He also spent his time championing various efforts in agricultural education in the South. Masterminds readers how Carver, made massive contributions to his field and how his story and discoveries remain relevant today.

Fantastic Kids: George Washington Carver

By Michelle Jovin

George Washington Carver was born into slavery. No one thought much of him because he was sick and weak. He would spend his life proving them wrong. Learn more about the “Plant Doctor” turned “Peanut Man” and how he helped people across the United States. This biography includes a glossary and a table of contents to engage students in reading as they develop their comprehension and literacy skills. This book aligns with national and state standards and features TIME For Kids content to keep grade 2 students engaged in learning.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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Books For Kids: Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

When Stephen Hawking was a little boy, he used to stare up at the stars and wonder about the universe. Although he was never top of the class, his curiosity took him to the best universities in England, Oxford and Cambridge. It also led him to make one of the biggest scientific discoveries of the 20th century, Hawking radiation. This book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant physicist’s life. 4-7 years

Stay Curious: A Brief History of Stephen Hawking

By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Paul Brewer

As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read, stargaze, and figure out how things worked. He looked at the world and always asked, Why?

He never lost that curiosity, which led him to make groundbreaking discoveries about the universe as a young man. Even being diagnosed with ALS didn’t slow Stephen down. Those questions kept coming. As his body weakened, Stephen’s mind expanded allowing him to unlock secrets of the universe and become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

Stephen always approached life with courage, a sense of humor, and endless curiosity. His story will encourage readers to look at the world around them with new eyes. 4-8 years

Who Was Stephen Hawking?

By Jim Gigliotti, Illustrated by Gregory Copeland

Stephen Hawking was born exactly three hundred years after the death of the scientist Galileo, so maybe it was written in the stars that he would become a famous scientist in his own right. Although he was diagnosed with a neurological disease at age 21, Stephen did not let the illness define his life.

Known for his groundbreaking work in physics, and identified by his wheelchair and computerized voice system, Stephen continued his research until his death in 2018. He is best known for his black hole theories and his best-selling book A Brief History of Time. Stephen Hawking is an example of a person who had a great mind, but an even greater spirit. 8-12 years

Stephen Hawking: Cosmologist Who Gets a Big Bang Out of the Universe

By Mike Venezia

Meet renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. This book presents the life and work of the British physicist who overcame the challenges of ALS to become one of the foremost scientists of the twentieth century.

This book combines a mix of historical reproductions, photos, and cartoon-style illustrations that bring to life Stephen Hawking’s work and contributions. 6-10 years

All About Stephen Hawking

By Chris Edwards, Illustrated by Amber Calderon

As an Oxford student, Stephen Hawking never expected that people across the world would know his name, or that his hobby of stargazing would lead him to be one of the world’s greatest scientists. Stephen Hawking made cosmology, or the study of the universe, accessible to everyone. 

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of twenty-one, but didn’t let that stop him from receiving a graduate degree from Cambridge and going on to be an expert in the scientific origin of the universe and black holes. Hawking is best known for writing A Brief History of Time, which explained cosmology in non-scientific terms so that non-scientists could understand it. 10-12 years

The Living Einstein: The Stephen Hawking Story

By Dissected Lives

Despite his debilitating illness, Stephen Hawking found ways to share his knowledge of the universe. He was a bright man who was always hungry for knowledge. He experimented, studied and explored anything and everything from the physical world to the cosmos. Be inspired by his story. Learn from his discoveries. 8-12 years

Stephen Hawking: A Life Beyond Limits

By Alex Woolf

In 1974, Stephen Hawking shook the world of physics. His theory on black holes went against everything the science community accepted as fact. How did he make such revolutionary discoveries? From a childhood spent building model airplanes to recognition as one of the greatest scientists of his time, Stephen’s genius and endless curiosity powered his work. Find out how this boy who loved science became one of history’s greatest trailblazers! 8-13 years

The Extraordinary Life of Stephen Hawking

By Kate Scott, Illustrating by Ester Mols

Stephen Hawking was: a physicist, a cosmologist, an author and one of the cleverest people who ever lived. While studying at Oxford University, Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which meant that eventually he was completely paralyzed, and could only talk via a computer.

But that never held him back, and because of his work on time and space, he changed the way the world thinks about the universe.

Discover more about the life of a man who is known for his incredible contribution to science. 7-12 years

Little Guides to Great Lives: Stephen Hawkings

By Isabel Thomas, Illustrated by Marianna Madiz

Stephen Hawking was one of the world’s most renowned scientists and cosmologists. His ground–breaking research into black holes and the Big Bang has helped to explain the beginnings of our universe and his book A Brief History of Time has sold over 10 million copies. Diagnosed with a form of motor neuron disease when he was a young man, Stephen was inspired to achieve his goals as fast as possible. Through incredible determination and skill, he became a legendary scientist, a best–selling author, and the man that changed the way we think about the universe.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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Books For Kids: Neil Armstrong

Trailblazers: Neil Armstrong

By  Alex Woolf

Neil Armstrong become the first person to set foot on the moon. Long before that astonishing day in 1969, Armstrong was already dreaming of journeys above the clouds, visiting air shows and gaining his student pilot’s license at age sixteen. Find out how this flight-obsessed astronaut went on to take one of the most momentous steps in history. 8-10 years

Who Was the First Man on the Moon? Graphic Novel

By Nathan Page, Illustrated by Drew Shannon

From his childhood experiments to his first encounters with flight, explore the steps Neil Armstrong took in order to become the first person to land on the moon. A story of calculated risk, perseverance, and earth-defying reward, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the famous astronaut — brought to life by gripping narrative and full-color illustrations that fly off the page. 8-12 years

When Neil Armstrong Built a Wind Tunnel

by Mark Andrew Weakland, Illustrated by Luciano Lozano

Astronaut Neil Armstrong couldn’t be held down by Earth’s gravity. As the first person to step foot on the moon, Neil took the U.S. space program to new heights. But before that, he had a humble boyhood of cutting lawns, cleaning ovens, washing airplanes and plenty of adventures, including building a wind tunnel in his parents’ basement! This playful story shows young readers that the sky’s not the limit for their own dreams. 6-8 years

One Giant Leap: The Story of Neil Armstrong

By Don Brown

As a young boy, Neil Armstrong had a recurring dream in which he held his breath and floated high above the people, houses, and cars. He spent his free time reading stacks of flying magazines, building model airplanes, and staring through his homemade telescope mounted on the roof of his neighbor’s garage. As a teenager, Neil became obsessed with the idea of flight, working odd jobs to pay for flying lessons at a nearby airport. He earned his student pilot’s license on his sixteenth birthday.

Who knew that this shy boy, who also loved books and music, would become the first person to set foot on the moon. This is the inspiring story of one boy’s dream – a dream of flying that landed him more than 200,000 miles away from his home on earth. 4-7 years

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

By Roberta Edwards

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a “giant leap for mankind.” This Eagle Scout built his own model planes and grew up to become first a test pilot for experimental aircraft and then an astronaut, the first to walk on the moon. Over 80 black-and-white illustrations bring Armstrong’s story to life. 8-12 years

I am Neil Armstrong

By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

This fun biography focuses on the traits that made Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, great — traits that kids can aspire to. I am Neil Armstrong tells the story of one of America’s icons in a lively, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers and that includes his childhood influences. At the back is a timeline and photos. 5-8 years

Neil Armstrong One Giant Leap for Mankind

By Tara Dixon-Engel Illustrated by Mike Jackson

Neil Armstrong was America’s rocket man, the first person to set foot on the moon and turn science fiction into amazing reality. Award-winning authors Tara Dixon-Engel and Mike Jackson tell the fascinating story of how Armstrong went where no one had gone before, leaving his mark on the powdery surface of another world.

Even at an age when other boys were just learning to drive, Neil was training to reach the skies. He went on to study aeronautical engineering, win medals as a fighter pilot, try out the X-15 experimental rocket plane, and become one of the elite few chosen to be a NASA astronaut…where he took the test pilot’s credo of “higher, faster and farther” to thrilling heights. 10 and up

Pocket Bios: Neil Armstrong

By Al Berenger

Neil Armstrong is an American astronaut most famous for being the first person to walk on the moon: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Before enrolling in the NASA Astronaut Corps in 1962, Armstrong was an officer in the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War. Follow this extraordinary man’s life and accomplishments, from childhood to space and back again. 4-7 years

Take a Giant Leap Neil Armstrong

By Peter and Connie Roop

This Scholastic Chapter Book is a biography of Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon and tells what he was like as a young boy.

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publisher.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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Books For Kids: Wright Brothers

Who Were the Wright Brothers?

By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Tim Foley

As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical.  As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success. They worked with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on.  As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher! 8-12 years

Science Comics: Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared

Benjamin A. Wilgus, Illustrated by Molly Brooks

Follow the famous aviators from their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, to the fields of North Carolina where they were to make their famous flights. In an era of dirigibles and hot air balloons, the Wright Brothers were among the first innovators of heavier than air flight.

But in the hotly competitive international race toward flight, Orville and Wilbur were up against a lot more than bad weather. Mechanical failures, lack of information, and even other aviators complicated the Wright Brothers’ journey. Though they weren’t as wealthy as their European counterparts, their impressive achievements demanded attention on the international stage. Thanks to their carefully recorded experiments and a healthy dash of bravery, the Wright Brothers’ flying machines took off. 9-13 years

Wright Brothers: Inventors Whose Ideas Really Took Flight

By Mike Venezia

Meet the Wright Brothers! Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Inventors and Scientists series combines a mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos, and cartoon-style illustrations. These bring to life the work and contributions of renowned scientists and inventors. 8-10 years

The Wright Sister: Katharine Wright and her Famous Brothers

By Richard Maurer

Not many people know that the Wright brothers had a sister, Katharine Wright. She supported her high-flying, inventor brothers through their aviation triumphs and struggles. This is her story.

On a chilly December day in 1903, a young woman came home from her teaching job in Dayton, Ohio, to find a telegram waiting for her. The woman was Katharine Wright. The telegram, from her brother Orville, announced the first successful airplane flight in history.  Richard Maurer tells Katharine’s story. Smart and well-educated, she was both confidant and caregiver to her bachelor brothers. She managed many of their affairs, traveling with them on frequent trips to demonstrate and promote their invention. She cared for them when they were sick from disease and injury. In doing so, she gave up her ambitions as a teacher and her early hopes of marriage. 10 years and up

The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane

By Russell Freedman

This is a narrative account of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s story. They had little formal schooling but a knack for solving problems. The book chronicles their lives from their early mechanical work on toys and bicycles through the development of several flyers. The Wright Brothers follows the siblings through their achievements—not only the first powered, sustained, controlled airplane flight, but the numerous improvements and enhancements. 10 years and up

The Wright Brothers For Kids: They Invented the Airplane, 21 Activities Exploring Science and the History of Flight

By Mary Kay Carson

This activity book tells the true story of how two bicycle-making brothers from Ohio, with no more than high-school educations, accomplished a feat that forever changed the world. At a time when most people still hadn’t ridden in an automobile, Wilbur and Orville Wright built the first powered, heavier-than-air flying machine.

Woven throughout the story of the two brothers are activities that highlight their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities as they overcame many obstacles to achieve controlled flight. 9 years and up

First Flight: The Wright Brothers DK Reader

By Leslie Garrett

In this DK Level 4 Reader, follow the story of brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright as they plan and build a flying machine!

Photographs combine with illustrations and age-appropriate stories to capture a child’s interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge. 8-12 years

The Wright Brothers First Flight: A Fly on the Wall History

By Thomas Kingsley Troupe, Illustrated by Jomike Tejido

From a sandy North Carolina dune to mid air … Two cartoon flies join readers as they follow Orville and Wilbur Wright on their quest for flight. This book provides a blend of facts and fun while telling the story of a great moment in American and aviation history. 6-8 years

Pete the Cat and The Wright Brothers (I Can Read Level 1)

By Kimberly and James Dean

When Pete the Cat learns that the Wright brothers’ flying machine can’t fly without the wind, he has an idea. What if it didn’t need wind to fly? Together, the cats invent the perfect solution. Pete may even get the chance to fly! This early reader includes an author’s note about the real life Wright brothers and the true story of the first flight. 4-8 years

The Story of the Wright Brothers

By Annette Whipple

The Wright brothers were the first people ever to build and fly an airplane, doing what many people at the time didn’t think was possible. Before they made history with their airplane, Wilbur and Orville were curious kids who loved learning about the world around them and how it worked. They fell in love with the idea of flying and taught themselves everything they needed to know to make their dream come true.

Explore how the Wright brothers went from young boys growing up in Ohio to world-famous inventors, aviators, and businessmen. How will their hard work and big imaginations inspire you?

The Story of the Wright Brothers includes:

  • Lasting change―Learn about how the Wright brothers’ inventions changed how we live today.

  • Helpful glossary―Find definitions for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book.

  • Visual timeline―Watch the Wright brothers progress from curious kids to famous flyers. 7-10 years

The Wright Brothers: Nose Diving into History

By Ben Thompson

A hilarious nonfiction look at two of history’s most epic “failures”: the Wright brothers, whose countless crashes ultimately led to groundbreaking success.

Although Orville and Wilbur Wright are celebrated today as heroes for their revolutionary contributions to science and engineering―they are acknowledged as the first men to successfully achieve powered, piloted flight―their success was hard-earned. (Spoiler alert: there were a lot of nosedives involved.) In fact, it took the self-taught engineers years of work and dozens of crashes before they managed a single twelve-second flight! 8-12 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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Books For Kids: Nikola Tesla

Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World  

By Elizabeth Rusch, Illustrated by Oliver Dominguez

Here is the story of the ambitious young man who brought life-changing ideas to America, despite the obstructive efforts of his hero-turned-rival, Thomas Edison. From using alternating current to light up the Chicago World’s Fair to harnessing Niagara Falls to electrify New York City and beyond, Nikola Tesla was a revolutionary ahead of his time.

Elizabeth Rusch sheds light on this extraordinary figure, while fine artist Oliver Dominguez brings his life and inventions to vivid color. Back matter includes additional information about Tesla, scientific notes and explanations, source notes, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading. 8-12 years

A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla

By Azadeh Westergaard, Illustrated by Júlia Sardà

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. 5-9 years

Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes the Charge

By Monica Kulling, Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank onto New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the “electrical wizard” of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.

Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity. Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York. 5-8 years

Who Was Nikola Tesla?

By Jim Giglotti, Illustrated by John Hinderliter

When Nikola Tesla arrived in the United States in 1884, he didn’t have much money, but he did have a letter of introduction to renowned inventor Thomas Edison. The working relationship between the two men was short lived. The two scientist-inventors became harsh competitors. One of the most influential scientists of all time, Nikola Tesla is celebrated for his experiments in electricity, X-rays, remote controls, and wireless communications. His invention of the Tesla coil was instrumental in the development of radio technology. 8-12 years

Bright Dreams: The Brilliant Ideas of Nikola Tesla

By Tracy Dockray

Young Nikola Tesla got a shock when he rubbed his cat’s fur. That small spark lit his imagination forever. Covering his early years to his eventual success in the world of electricity, Bright Dreams showcases Tesla’s incredible journey of discovery and perseverance. Author-illustrator Tracy Dockray conveys Tesla’s busy and imaginative world with collage-style artwork and informative sidebars. 8-11 years

A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla

By Azadeh Westergaard, Illustrated by Júlia Sardá

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. 5-9 years 

Nicola Tesla (Little People, Big Dreams)

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Illustrated by Alexander Mostov

Since he was a young boy growing up in the Austrian Empire, Nikola was fascinated by science and numbers. His teachers knew he had a brilliant mind, but Nikola’s irregular routines and fondness for playing cards meant that he was kicked out of school before he could finish his exams. After working for a spell at the Budapest Telephone Exchange, where he made several clever innovations to their electrical systems, he managed to get a job with Edison Machine Works in the United States, in New York.

In the U.S., Tesla’s inquisitive nature and ingenious mind spurred him on to keep exploring electricity, and he came up with several groundbreaking inventions during this time, including breakthroughs in alternating current and wireless remote controls. By the end of his life, the brilliant inventor had more than 300 patents for original and unique inventions, and had advanced scientific thought by a generation. 6-8 years

Nikola Tesla For Kids: His Life, Ideas and Inventions

with 21 Activities

By Amy M. O’Quinn

Nikola Tesla was a physicist, scientist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive; some considered him to be somewhat of a “mad” scientist. But in reality, he was a visionary. Many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality.

He was the first to successfully use rotating magnetic fields to create an AC (alternating current) electrical power supply system and induction motor. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio ahead of Marconi. Among other things, he developed the Tesla coil, an oscillator, generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He helped design the world’s first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. This is the story of his life and ideas, complete with a timeline, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments. 9 and up.

Inventor, Engineer, and Physicist Nikola Tesla

By Katie Marsico

Have you ever tried to invent something? As a child, Nikola Tesla saw a picture of a waterfall and imagined an invention that would turn the water’s energy into electricity. Later, he invented a waterwheel which turned water power into usable energy. As a young adult, Tesla spent his spare time experimenting with electrical equipment. He worked for inventor Thomas Edison, improving power plants and machines that ran on direct current electricity. But Tesla believed electrical distribution could be better. He went on to invent alternating current electricity, which would allow people to distribute electricity over long distances. Learn how Tesla’s work eventually made turning on electrical devices as easy as flipping a switch! 7-11 years

Nicola Tesla Lights the World

By Fiona Jacobson

Young readers will explore the life and work of Nikola Tesla, one the brightest inventors in history in this biography aligned to third grade Common Core Standards. 7-9 years

The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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