A picture book biography of Albert Einstein, listed for Grades 2-5 by the School Library Journal. The text is clear and well-written, in present tense. Back matter includes an author's note with further information on Einstein's work and a brief bibliography. The pictures illustrate Einstein's isolation in the physical world and give occasional glimpses into the expanse of his mental world. It was a bit disconcerting that, with few exceptions, everyone is pictured with their eyes either closed or almost closed. There might be some symbolism for this, but I think it's mainly a stylistic choice, as the author-illustrator's book on Edison is similar. Overall, a great historical introduction to Einstein's life. This would pair well with Jennifer Berne's "On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein", which introduces a wide range of Einstein's ideas. ( )

Odd Boy Out: Young Albert Einstein is a book about Albert Einstein. Specifically his childhood and young adulthood, showing the trials and tribulations he had to go through. This book covers an important aspect of being different, and how affects someone's life. Things like not fitting in with others, and having people form misconceptions about you. Or simply being bullied, and shows despite this one can be successful. Overall this book is uplifting and hopeful, a good read for any child. ( )

jB

I love that this book follows the aspects of Albert Einstein that are not widely known. It discusses all the ways that Albert was not like other boys and how school did not agree with him. And yet, he accomplished great things and is known world-wide. A great example for children and adults about accepting the unconventional. ( )

A witty tale about young Albert Einstein childhood. From the very start, Einstein was different from other kids, he was an unusually fat baby with a large head that sat quietly in the presence of others. Don Brown's approach in describing the life of Albert Einstein is simplistic and does not reveal enough about how he became a world renown scientist. There aren't many dates to help establish a timeline; only detailed illustrations of various tasks and hobbies of young Albert Einstein. It briefly mentions how well he performed in school (under certain circumstances) and his short-lived time in the Germany army before being allowed to rejoin his family in Italy. I was shocked to discover that Albert failed an entrance exam at Zurich college before trying again a year later. I also learned that he had a wife and kid. Albert went on to win a Nobel Peace Prize for his E=mc2 equation. ( )