Nikola Tesla for Kids

Nikola Tesla was a physicist, scientist, electrical engineer, and world-renowned inventor whose accomplishments faded into oblivion after his death in 1943. Tesla was undeniably eccentric and compulsive; some considered him to be somewhat of a “mad” scientist. But in reality, he was a visionary. Many of his ideas and inventions that were deemed impossible during his lifetime have since become reality. He was the first to successfully use rotating magnetic fields to create an AC (alternating current) electrical power supply system and induction motor. He is now acknowledged to have invented the radio ahead of Marconi. Among other things, he developed the Tesla coil, an oscillator, generators, fluorescent tubes, neon lights, and a small remote-controlled boat. He helped design the world’s first hydroelectric plant at Niagara Falls. Nikola Tesla for Kids is the story of Nikola Tesla’s life and ideas, complete with a time line, 21 hands-on activities, and additional resources to better understand his many accomplishments.

“...a winning tribute to a scientific dreamer who was both a man of his times and, often, well ahead of them.”  —Kirkus Reviews

“ ...a natural fit for any school library or classroom.” —Foreword Reviews

"It's very highly recommended." —Midwest Book Review

“This is a definite 5 star book. Perfect for book reports, STEM classes, and independent reading.” —Devoted Mommy of 3

“A useful addition to a library serving middle grade students who enjoy biographies, science, and scientific activities.” —School Library Journal Online

"Offered so much in terms of science and STEM learning." —Inspired by Savannah

"An outstanding supplement to school materials for older kids." —Rhapsody in Books

"Amy M. O’Quinn, who crafted a spectacular nonfiction book on Marie Curie, brings her impeccable research skills to a biography of inventor Nikola Tesla. Both the brilliant, eccentric man the fields in which he worked are complex, but O’Quinn brings them to life through photographs, fascinating drawings, and a host of resources, including experiments young inventors can try on their own. While this is a perfect choice for elementary and middle school readers who wish to go beyond a picture book biography, adults whose knowledge of Tesla is confined to spotting a shiny new car on the highway will find much to appreciate in this well-crafted, timely portrait. Highly recommended." —Deborah Hopkinson, award-winning author of Who Was Charles Darwin?, The Great Trouble, and more

Amy M. O’Quinn is a former teacher and the author of Marie Curie for Kids, as well as a freelance writer who has contributed to many educational publications, including Jack and Jill, Learning Through History, Guideposts for Kids, Highlights for Children, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Homeschooling Today, and others.