Ibn Al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See (National Geographic Kids: Level 3)

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

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"An illuminating introduction to both a significant era in the history of science and one of its brightest stars." — Kirkus

"This book details the life of one of the most important men of the tenth century, whose name is nevertheless unfamiliar to most young readers... Captions contextualize the colorful images that dot the text; these images include paintings, photographs of artifacts, and maps celebrating the glory of the golden age of Islam. A glossary defines words to know and includes images to explain each term." — Booklist

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