Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson - Hardcover

Krull, Kathleen; Brewer, Paul

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399550240 ISBN 13: 9780399550249

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, 2018

Synopsis

★ An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Year selection

A picture-book biography on science superstar Neil deGrasse Tyson, the groundbreaking American astrophysicist whose work has inspired a generation of young scientists and astronomers to reach for the stars! Perfect for STEM curricula and readers of all ages.

Young Neil deGrasse Tyson was starstruck when he first visited the sky theater at the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. He couldn't believe the crowded, glittering night sky at the planetarium was real--until a visit to the country years later revealed the impossible.

That discovery was like rocket fuel for Neil's passion about space. His quest for knowledge took him from the roof of his apartment building to a science expedition in northwest Africa, to a summer astronomy camp beneath a desert sky, and finally back home to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium, where it all began. Before long, Neil became America's favorite guide to the cosmos.

This story of how one boy's quest for knowledge about space leads him to become a star scientist is perfect for young readers who are fascinated by the universe, aspiring scientists, and the dreamer in all of us. It will ignite your own sense of wonder.

About this title

About the Author

Kathleen Krull is an award-winning author of a number of highly praised nonfiction books for children, including The Boy Who Invented TV and the Lives Of series. She lives in San Diego. For more, visit her on Facebook or at kathleenkrull.com.

Paul Brewer has collaborated with his wife, Kathleen Krull, on several books for children. He lives in San Diego. For more, visit him at paulbrewer.com.

Frank Morrison has illustrated more than twenty children's books, including the Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe Award winner Jazzy Miz Mozetta and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone. He lives in Atlanta.

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 3—This picture book biography of Neil deGrasse Tyson perfectly conveys his fascination with space and determination to study it. Authors Krull and Brewer trace his journey full circle from his first trip to the Hayden Planetarium to his current role as the planetarium's director. Morrison's illustrations show Neil's "starstruck" wonder, as well as his energy and enthusiasm. Spreads that feature Neil and the night sky showcase him in the perfect setting. The text is upbeat but honest about the challenges he overcame to reach his goal. Key events, such as viewing a solar eclipse aboard a floating laboratory, meeting Carl Sagan, and the uproar of reclassifying Pluto are included. The author's note gives more details about Neil's background, education, and family; there is also a list of sources. This title would work well in a unit on space or contemporary biographies. VERDICT A stellar biography for young readers who have their eyes on the stars. Highly recommended.—Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

About this edition

• Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0399550240
• ISBN 13: 9780399550249
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Morrison Frank