Elizabeth MacLeaod does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to Albert Einstein not only as a famous scientist, but as a person. The book has many illustrations and pictures of Einstein and tells us a lot of personal information, such as: the way he would stop on the way to work and play ball with children, his difficulties in school as a young child, his difficulties in college as a young adult, his unsuccessful family life as an adult, and his passions other than science.
It was fascinating to learn that this scientific genius was apt to join in water pistol fights with children as he walked to work. He walked to work because he considered automobiles too complicated. The picture of Einstein sticking out his tongue on the first page erases any pre-conceived notion that Einstein may have been all work and no play.
As a child, Einstein struggled with the strict atmosphere in the school he attended. He didn't like to answer questions-he liked to answer them. Academically, school was a breeze for Einstein, however, he didn't care much for the social aspects.
When Einstein began college he would often skip lectures because he found them boring. He didn't listen to his professors when he was in class; and this lead to blowing up one of his experiments and needing stitches in his hand.
Einstein married in 1902. The couple had three children, but the first was put up for adoption because the child was born before they were married. Einstein's marriage did not last because he spent long hours studying physics and was often unaware of what was going on around him. Einstein then married his cousin.
This book also speaks in great detail about the discoveries Einstein made during his life time that have had such a great impact on science. These accomplishments are listed in chronological order.