Stay Curious!: A Brief History of Stephen Hawking

by Kathleen Krull, Paul Brewer, Boris Kulikov (Illustrator)

Overview

A picture-book biography about science superstar Stephen Hawking, whose visionary mind revolutionized our concept of reality and whose struggle with ALS inspired millions. Perfect for parents and teachers looking to instill curiosity and a love for STEM.

As a young boy, Stephen Hawking loved to read, stargaze, and figure out how things worked. He looked at the world and always asked, Why?

He never lost that curiosity, which led him to make groundbreaking discoveries about the universe as a young man. Even being diagnosed with ALS didn't slow Stephen down. Those questions kept coming. As his body weakened, Stephen's mind expanded—allowing him to unlock secrets of the universe and become one of the most famous scientists of all time.

Stephen always approached life with courage, a sense of humor, and endless curiosity. His story will encourage readers to look at the world around them with new eyes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399550287
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	09/22/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	147,269
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.30(d)
Lexile:	AD940L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Kathleen Krull is an award-winning author of a number of highly praised nonfiction books for children, including The Boy Who Invented TV, Starstuck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson, and the Lives Of series. She lives in San Diego. For more, visit her on Facebook or at kathleenkrull.com.

Paul Brewer has collaborated with his wife, Kathleen Krull, on several books for children. He lives in San Diego. For more, visit him at paulbrewer.com.

Boris Kulikov has illustrated many picture books, including Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille by Jen Bryant, Barnum's Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern, Sandy's Circus: A Story About Alexander Calder by Tanya Lee Stone, and Max'sWords by Kate Banks. Six Dots received the 2017 Schneider Family Book Award. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. For more, visit him at boriskulikov.com.

Editorial Reviews

09/01/2020

K-Gr 4—A stargazer from childhood, Stephen Hawking built a rudimentary computer with some friends before he entered Oxford University at age 17. Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at 21 and told he had only a few years left, he defied the odds and lived until the age of 76. As he gradually lost physical mobility and the use of his voice, he remained intellectually curious and driven, determined to share his ideas. His surprising best seller, A Brief History of Time, brought him worldwide attention. Krull and Brewer also provide glimpses into Hawking's personal life as well as snapshots of his self-deprecating humor and his love of celebrations and adventures, including experiencing weightlessness at the Kennedy Space Center. Kulikov's illustrations feature recurring motifs of expansive night skies and black holes. In the most poignant spread, Hawking stares at a phonograph record on a turntable as he sinks into depression, having been told he had only two years to live. Most people and scenery appear as tan shapes in contrast to the full-color images of Hawking. Pair this book with Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson, written by Krull and Brewer and illustrated by Frank Morrison. VERDICT A fine choice for STEM and picture book biography collections.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State Univ. Lib., Mankato

School Library Journal

2020-05-17
A glance at the life of English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking

Growing up in a bookish family, Stephen was always asking questions. At 12, he pondered the origin of the universe. At 17, he attended Oxford University, where he began losing control of his body. At 21, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neuromuscular disease, and given two years to live. Though his condition deteriorated, eventually requiring him to use a wheelchair and an augmentative communication device, he defied his grim prognosis by decades. In 1974, his discovery that black holes leaked radiation earned him international acclaim and led him to write the bestselling A Brief History of Time. Active and inquisitive until his death at 76, he researched life on other planets and advocated for disability rights. Kulikov’s scratchy illustrations cleverly acknowledge Hawking’s research, turning such everyday objects as a spinning LP and spilled tea into eye-catching black holes. However, the authors’ lack of specificity blurs Hawking’s accomplishments; for instance, his “important university job once held by genius scientist Isaac Newton”—Cambridge University’s prestigious Lucasian Professor of Mathematics position—is unnamed. Such down-to-earth details as Hawking’s family, humor, and penchant for parties are unfortunately eclipsed by cloying disability clichés declaring him “a triumphant life force, almost otherworldly,” whose brilliant mind was “trapped within his powerless body.” Kulikov depicts a seemingly all-white cast.

Though well-meaning, this vague profile doesn't quite capture either Hawking's groundbreaking career or his full humanity. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 6-8)

Kirkus Reviews

"Krull and Brewer’s text pulls readers in with fascinating information, memorable anecdotes, and (from the subtitle on) appropriate humor. Kulikov’s mixed-media illustrations are multifaceted and inventive, containing visual references that are sometimes clever, sometimes powerful." -The Horn Book, Starred Review

"This biography highlights Hawking’s childhood, his creativity, his curiosity about the world, and his sense of fun and humor. Readers will enjoy this lively, fun biography." -Booklist

"A fine choice for STEM and picture book biography collections." -School Library Journal

From the Publisher