Trailblazer series Little Tiger ISBN 9781788952316 £6.99
This addition to the Trailblazer series is an important book both for KS2 and KS3 readers and is also a historical record for young readers of the future. The book charts the story of Stephen Hawking, starting with an introduction on Black Holes. Regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, his work on the origins and structure of the universe is covered in the early chapters. The book explains the ways he was able to limit the effect of motor neuron disease to allow him to answer questions about the universe that had puzzled scientists for years. There are sections on his book ‘A Brief History of Time’ and how his life as one of the most important and celebrated scientists of our time made him a global celebrity with his world famous computerised voice, his wisdom and his sense of humour.
This is a very well constructed and easy to read book with a very useful timeline, a page on further reading and websites, a glossary and an excellent index. This book will help children realise not only what an important scientist he was but also how he became a popular personality who managed to accomplish so much while living with such a severe physical disability. It should be read by all 10 to 13 year old children.
Paul Baker