Edison gets all the attention when it comes to the history of electricity, so I was delighted to find this vividly drawn picture book of the life of Nikola Tesla.

This biography tells the story of Tesla and how he grew up, this made him challenge electricity and power through college and his career. The style of writing in this book starts with his birth but keys us into it having to do with lighting and electricity. The illustrations gave insight to better understand the plot. Although this was a biography it could be for many ages and grade levels to understand his life. I would pair this biography with one of Thomas Edison to teach biographies. I could also pair this book with the rap battle of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla and teach the kids about their contributions through an engaging video. I could teach these people in history and or science when discussing currents and electricity. In history, we would talk about simple or complex machines and how water powered systems and alternating electricity helped make power to power the world, and show how even today we still use these contributions. ( )

A biography of Nikola Tesla and how he pioneered modern day electrical engineering. He is still a known name and students would be interested in learning about his past and important events in his life. I think this would be a good example of a biography for students as well as we could make a chart about what else we want to know about him and research more about his life. ( )

Nikola Tesla was entranced by electricity from a young age. When he pet his cat, its fur sparked; he "wondered what other magic he could perform." He made a wooden wheel spin in a stream,this became his inspiration for creating power with Niagara Falls when he was older. In college, Nikola began thinking about how to create an alternating current. The solution came to him in a flash in Paris, and he knew one person who would be interested in his ideas: Thomas Edison. However, Edison wasn't willing to explore this new method with Tesla, and instead became his biggest rival. The pinnacle of their competition was the World Fair. Tesla was offered the task of illuminating the entire fair, and succeeded using alternating currents. Tesla never forgot about his goal of creating electricity with Niagara Falls. After two years of work, he was able to put his generator to the test and light was able to be brought to Buffalo, New York, a twenty-two mile distance. This book teaches about a scientific topic in the context of a story which makes it interesting even to students who aren't interested in electricity. It would be a great way to tie in science topics with reading. The book included more information in the back of the book about Tesla, he and Edison's rivalry, and scientific notes. ( )

Bringing to light one of the biggest rivalries in history: Tesela and Edison, this biography illuminates the payoff for perseverance and tenacity. ( )