National Geographic Readers: Ibn al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See (Readers Bios)

Romero, Libby

ISBN 10: 1426325010 ISBN 13: 9781426325014

Publisher: National Geographic Kids, 2016

Synopsis

Celebrated in a film featuring Omar Sharif in his final role, meet the scientist known as the "Father of Optics," Ibn al-Haytham!

During the golden age of science, knowledge, and invention in Muslim civilization -- also known as the "Dark Ages" in Western Europe -- this incredible scholar discovered how we see and set the stage for the methods we now know as the scientific process. Packed with beautiful and engaging photos, kids will learn all about this fascinating scientist. 

The level 3 text provides accessible, yet wide-ranging, information for independent readers. This book is a companion to the international educational campaign, "1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn al-Haytham," that includes interactive exhibits, workshops, live shows, and a 12-minute film starring Omar Sharif in his final film role before his death.

About this title

About the Author

Libby Romero was a journalist and a teacher before becoming an author. She has written teacher's guides, interactive whiteboards, and a variety of other materials for publishers such as National Geographic's Explorer magazine and the Smithsonian Institution's Tween Tribune. Romero is the author of dozens of books, including the National Geographic Reader biography Ibn al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See.

From School Library Journal

Gr 2–4—This slim volume acquaints beginning readers with the life and times of Ibn al-Haytham (also known as Alhazen), an Arab scholar who was a key figure in the history and study of optics. Arranged in 10 short chapters, the book introduces readers to the golden age of Muslim civilization and al-Haytham's turbulent life and optical discoveries. Students will learn how he feigned madness to escape a bad-tempered caliph; spent 10 years under house arrest; made discoveries about light; invented an early version of the camera obscura; and developed the first example of the scientific method in The Book of Optics. Colorful images appear on every page: a mix of period paintings and drawings and modern-day photographs. "In His Words" and "That's a Fact" boxes are included throughout to reinforce main ideas. Definitions for new vocabulary words are highlighted in a "Words To Know" box. These same terms are also included in a picture glossary at the end of the narrative. A brief multiple-choice quiz will test readers' knowledge. Because this title is a part of the National Geographic Kids Super Reader program, children are offered the opportunity to go online to a dedicated website to earn rewards, play games, and more. VERDICT An accessible overview of a not often covered scholar; a useful addition for science collections.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic Kids
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1426325010
• ISBN 13: 9781426325014
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 48