A Life Electric: The Story of Nikola Tesla

by Azadeh Westergaard (Author) Júlia Sardà (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A lyrical biography of the eccentric engineer and inventor Nikola Tesla

"An elegant and enlightening look at a man who brightened the whole world." -Booklist, starred review

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.

Select format:
Hardcover
$18.99

Kirkus

A fine introduction, handsomely illustrated.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5--Young Nikola Tesla was first fascinated by electricity when he stroked his cat and produced sparks. This led to a lifelong quest to solve mysteries of the natural world. Tesla was well educated, and the seed for his greatest scientific discovery--alternating current (AC)--evolved from a line of poetry dealing with forward and backward motion. This poetic image made him realize that current could also travel back and forth and thus provide electricity over long distances. After his method of illumination was used to light up the sky at the Chicago World's Fair, Tesla became known as the Wizard of Electricity. But his prominence was short-lived. His naivete resulted in financial downfall when his partner, George Westinghouse, experienced difficulties. And he suffered the consequences of a smear campaign led by his rival Thomas Edison. With spare language, Westergaard sensitively portrays the life of a gentle man whose moment of brilliance was bookended by his early love of nature and his later reclusive years in New York when he became a peculiar figure, devoted almost exclusively to feeding pigeons. Sardà's dark palette appropriately echoes the somber tone. Extensive back matter and excellent sourcing are included. VERDICT For both pleasure reading and report writing, this is a worthy introduction to a brilliant scientist whose contributions have often been overshadowed by the better-known Thomas Edison.--Gloria Koster, formerly at West Sch., New Canaan, CT

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

This picture book biography profiles Serbian luminary Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), "one of the most important electrical inventors in the world--then and now." Starting from childhood, the volume follows Tesla's burgeoning interest in animals, electricity, and edification, leading to his inventing the alternating current induction motor at age 26, subsequently emigrating to the U.S., and eventually securing the contract to illuminate the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Debut author Westergaard punctuates her account of Tesla's work with details about his life, such as his daily caretaking of pigeons into his old age, when he died "penniless and alone." Intricate digital art by Sardà evokes folktales, Tesla's Croatian heritage, and artwork of the time, with fine lines and a dusky color palette. A luminous resource. Back matter includes an author's note with more about Tesla's inventions and legacy, photos, and sources. Ages 5-9. (July)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"An elegant and enlightening look at a man who brightened the whole world." -Booklist, starred review

"A portrait of the remarkable inventor as inquisitive, clever, and kindhearted. A fine introduction, handsomely illustrated." -Kirkus Reviews

"For both pleasure reading and report writing, this is a worthy introduction to a brilliant scientist whose contributions have often been overshadowed by the better-known Thomas Edison." -School Library Journal
Azadeh Westergaard
Azadeh Westergaard received her BA from Harvard College and MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. A Life Electric is her picture book debut. The daughter of an electrical engineer and originally from Iran, she grew up in the United States and now lives in New York City with her husband and three boys. Visit her at ahwestergaard.com.

Júlia Sardà is an artist who has illustrated many books for children, including The Liszts by Kyo Maclear and Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey. Her work has been published around the world in many languages. She lives in Barcelona, Spain.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780593114605
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Viking Books for Young Readers
Publication date
July 27, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Science & Technology
JNF061010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Inventions
JNF051090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Electricity & Electronics
Library of Congress categories
Biographies
United States
Inventors
Tesla, Nikola
Electrical engineers
Serbian Americans

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!