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Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge
Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank into the New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the "electrical wizard" of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2016
About the author
Monica Kulling
76 books64 followersMonica Kulling was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She received a BA in creative writing from the University of Victoria. Monica Kulling has published twenty-six fiction and nonfiction books for children, including picture books, poetry, and biographies. She is best known for introducing biography to children just learning to read and has written about Harriet Tubman, Houdini, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Amelia Earhart among others. Monica Kulling lives in Toronto, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 12, 2016
I received this book as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to LT and the Publisher!
I read this to my two kids at bedtime, who are 10 and 6.5 years old. On the whole, we really enjoyed it! The art is really fantastic and the level was just right for entertaining both of them - it doesn't feel dumbed down at all for kids. It gives a great overview to Tesla's life in an engaging way.
However, we all wished that there was a little more "meat" to this - we wanted more! The ending felt a bit abrupt and we wondered what else Tesla had done. I understand it's a kids' picture book, but at the level it's written at, it feels like it could have been a bit longer and have been more successful.
The only other quibble I have is the cover. For a book with such great illustrations, the cover (beige?! really!?!) is sooooo bland. I know it's part of the Great Ideas Series, and I get that some uniformity for the books might be desirable. But honestly, even though we should never judge a book by its cover, the truth is we do. And if I had seen this on my library's or bookstore's bookshelf, I probably would have passed right over it because the cover is so completely forgettable. Come on, publishers! Such great art to choose from, please put some on the cover more prominently!
I read this to my two kids at bedtime, who are 10 and 6.5 years old. On the whole, we really enjoyed it! The art is really fantastic and the level was just right for entertaining both of them - it doesn't feel dumbed down at all for kids. It gives a great overview to Tesla's life in an engaging way.
However, we all wished that there was a little more "meat" to this - we wanted more! The ending felt a bit abrupt and we wondered what else Tesla had done. I understand it's a kids' picture book, but at the level it's written at, it feels like it could have been a bit longer and have been more successful.
The only other quibble I have is the cover. For a book with such great illustrations, the cover (beige?! really!?!) is sooooo bland. I know it's part of the Great Ideas Series, and I get that some uniformity for the books might be desirable. But honestly, even though we should never judge a book by its cover, the truth is we do. And if I had seen this on my library's or bookstore's bookshelf, I probably would have passed right over it because the cover is so completely forgettable. Come on, publishers! Such great art to choose from, please put some on the cover more prominently!
August 7, 2016
'Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge' by Monica Kulling with illustrations by Bill Slavin is a picture book telling part of the story of Nikola Tesla.
We learn that Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia, and came to America with only 4 cents in his pocket. He came hoping to work for Thomas Edison and he gets a job fixing the motor on a ship called the SS Oregon. We also learn of the rival thoughts about electricity, alternating and direct current. Tesla was a champion of alternating and Edison had already invested a lot in direct, so he set out to sabotage Tesla's ideas. Tesla eventually gets to fulfill a promise he made to his father when he builds a generator at Niagra Falls with George Westinghouse.
And then then book kind of abruptly ends. It's a review copy, so I thought that might be why, but the page count matches what Amazon shows. Before that abrupt ending, I found it completely engaging and I loved the art, but the ending left me feeling like I got thrown out of the story. If nothing else, this book successfully attempts to show a different side of Tesla and Edison.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
We learn that Nikola Tesla was born in Smiljan, Croatia, and came to America with only 4 cents in his pocket. He came hoping to work for Thomas Edison and he gets a job fixing the motor on a ship called the SS Oregon. We also learn of the rival thoughts about electricity, alternating and direct current. Tesla was a champion of alternating and Edison had already invested a lot in direct, so he set out to sabotage Tesla's ideas. Tesla eventually gets to fulfill a promise he made to his father when he builds a generator at Niagra Falls with George Westinghouse.
And then then book kind of abruptly ends. It's a review copy, so I thought that might be why, but the page count matches what Amazon shows. Before that abrupt ending, I found it completely engaging and I loved the art, but the ending left me feeling like I got thrown out of the story. If nothing else, this book successfully attempts to show a different side of Tesla and Edison.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
April 27, 2016
A fine work of fact, beautifully illustrated, and lightly chronicling the life and work of Nikola Tesla.
This is a brief overview of his life, starting with a dash about his life in Croatia and his arrival in New York. It covers his work with Thomas Edison, including, but not focusing on, his ill treatment by Edison, and then working with George Westinghouse. His patents and accomplishments are also mentioned.
The book ends rather abruptly, as if the final few pages had to be cut for space, which is really a shame because it would be a better book for having a little more information at the end, and then a less ambiguous ending.
The illustrations perfectly suit the time period and the tone of the book. Masterfully done. In fact, I enjoyed the art so much, that I searched for other books illustrated by Bill Slavin. (We own about a dozen titles.)
This is a factual and well-illustrated introduction to Nikola Tesla for children, and should encourage them to learn more about him and his achievements. I find him very fascinating, and feel rather that he is at times maligned and portrayed as a horrible person in the USA. This book was refreshing, as it focused factually on his work. Will definitely request for our library's collection.
**eARC Netgalley**
This is a brief overview of his life, starting with a dash about his life in Croatia and his arrival in New York. It covers his work with Thomas Edison, including, but not focusing on, his ill treatment by Edison, and then working with George Westinghouse. His patents and accomplishments are also mentioned.
The book ends rather abruptly, as if the final few pages had to be cut for space, which is really a shame because it would be a better book for having a little more information at the end, and then a less ambiguous ending.
The illustrations perfectly suit the time period and the tone of the book. Masterfully done. In fact, I enjoyed the art so much, that I searched for other books illustrated by Bill Slavin. (We own about a dozen titles.)
This is a factual and well-illustrated introduction to Nikola Tesla for children, and should encourage them to learn more about him and his achievements. I find him very fascinating, and feel rather that he is at times maligned and portrayed as a horrible person in the USA. This book was refreshing, as it focused factually on his work. Will definitely request for our library's collection.
**eARC Netgalley**
August 4, 2016
This is a very interesting and good early biography for children about a virtually unknown figure in history. Nikola Tesla played a major role in the electrification of America. His inventions are now being credited to him and he is being recognized for his contribution.
We know about Thomas Edison. We've heard about Westinghouse. But I'd never heard about Tesla and how he helped shape the way electricity was utilized.
This story takes the reader from Tesler's beginnings in Croatia to his immigration to America. His employment by Edison and later his going on to work with Westinghouse and shape the use of electricity from DC current to AC current. Thomas Edison is recounted as being unpleasant to work with.
The illustrations are simply wonderful. Entertaining in design and they capture the essence of the period in which the story of Nikola Tesla took place.
I highly recommend this book for biographic collections for elementary grade students. It is written in a manner that will make reading biographies fun.
Disclosure: I won this book in a little contest.
We know about Thomas Edison. We've heard about Westinghouse. But I'd never heard about Tesla and how he helped shape the way electricity was utilized.
This story takes the reader from Tesler's beginnings in Croatia to his immigration to America. His employment by Edison and later his going on to work with Westinghouse and shape the use of electricity from DC current to AC current. Thomas Edison is recounted as being unpleasant to work with.
The illustrations are simply wonderful. Entertaining in design and they capture the essence of the period in which the story of Nikola Tesla took place.
I highly recommend this book for biographic collections for elementary grade students. It is written in a manner that will make reading biographies fun.
Disclosure: I won this book in a little contest.
April 28, 2016
We owe Nikola Tesla a lot, and this delightful introduction to his life and work is a great way to introduce children to his works and a bit of what he did.
It is also a good book in that it doesn't gloss over what Edison did to him. (Edison was a bit of a prick, and he is the reason that Hollywood exists, but that is another story).
The book felt as though it had more to say and ended much to quickly. It would be great if there was a second book about more of his life.
I knew about Alternating Current, but did not know he designed a radio controlled boat. How cool is that?
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
It is also a good book in that it doesn't gloss over what Edison did to him. (Edison was a bit of a prick, and he is the reason that Hollywood exists, but that is another story).
The book felt as though it had more to say and ended much to quickly. It would be great if there was a second book about more of his life.
I knew about Alternating Current, but did not know he designed a radio controlled boat. How cool is that?
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
The Great Ideas series is a fantastic way to introduce the figures of STEM history to children. This one is no exception. Kids can learn about Nikola Tesla in a way that is easy to understand and relate to. Recommended!
March 31, 2017
Fantastic biography. We loved the story and figure Tesla is who they named the electric car after.
April 29, 2017
Engaging, but hard to know how if the quotes are direct without references. I'd still say it's more biographical than historical fiction.
November 2, 2022
This book tells of Nikola Tesla's main life events, daily focusing on he and Thomas Edison and their relationship. It talks about the struggles Tesla had when he came to America to work with Edison, who eventually betrays him and Tesla is put through a lot of struggles as a result of this. This is another good book to use on a unit about electricity.
August 12, 2023
The ending is too abrupt and there is no back matter. For more of what we picked up the book for, we need to go elsewhere. A good place to start is here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/war-c....
Energy.gov, The War of the Currents: AC vs. DC Power.
Energy.gov, The War of the Currents: AC vs. DC Power.
September 1, 2019
Awesome information and specific details in this one, which acts as a more accessible complement to Electric Wizard, another Nikola Tesla biography. Hopefully some day our children will be taught his story in all schools instead of that butthead Thomas Edison's.
August 27, 2023
Read to give myself an overview of Tesla’s life since I don’t know a ton about him, himself. It was a good primer for me and I learned a lot of details I didn’t know - I didn’t even know where he was born! Looking forward to learning more in other books too.
October 5, 2017
Yay Tesla!
Boo Edison!
Boo Edison!
January 2, 2018
An excellent telling of Tesla's life and works, the saga and ingenuity.
A very worthy read from the wonderful "Great Idea Series."
A very worthy read from the wonderful "Great Idea Series."
December 13, 2019
Short scenes from Tesla's life showing his abilities, interests, and the conflict with Edison.
Want to read
April 18, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 19, 2022
Me gustaron mucho la ilustraciones y aprender sobre la vida de Tesla y las maldades de Edison.
Recomiendo.
Recomiendo.
September 12, 2016
Interesting story, and good illustrations, but even for a kids book, this seemed very abrupt. I would have liked one or two more pages to fill in a few more details at the end of the book.
July 30, 2016
Nikola was overlooked for so long, but today we have several children's books celebrating his accomplishments & struggles, such as "Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World" by Elizabeth Rusch, and fiction chapter books such as the "Nick and Tesla" series by Bob Pflugfelder.
"Zap" is an informative, accessible introduction to the conflict between he and Edison. The narrative text helps readers understand this small part of the development of the modern use of electricity without overwhelming them with details.
The author states "In 1898, no one knew what radio waves were or how they might be used from a distance." My husband, an electronics expert, says there were lots of experiments done by many different people prior to 1898, and they did understand what they were dealing with. The general public, however, was unaware of this work. There were a few other minor misleading statements about direct and alternating current and the movement of voltage, but overall, this is a great addition to the "Great Ideas Series."
"Zap" is an informative, accessible introduction to the conflict between he and Edison. The narrative text helps readers understand this small part of the development of the modern use of electricity without overwhelming them with details.
The author states "In 1898, no one knew what radio waves were or how they might be used from a distance." My husband, an electronics expert, says there were lots of experiments done by many different people prior to 1898, and they did understand what they were dealing with. The general public, however, was unaware of this work. There were a few other minor misleading statements about direct and alternating current and the movement of voltage, but overall, this is a great addition to the "Great Ideas Series."
April 27, 2016
Tesla seems to be quickly going from overlooked inventor to THE MAN. His contributions to electrical inventions are being recognized, and there’s even a car company that bears his name.
This simple book gives a basic background into who Tesla was and what his contributions were.
There’s not a lot to say about the book, it’s fairly brief and is definitely an introduction for young children. It does paint Thomas Edison in rather a bad light, but is historically accurate.
The illustrations add to the storytelling without taking focus away from the narrative.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Thomas Edison isn’t very nice.
Who Might Like This Book:
Children interested in electricity and inventions.
This review also posted at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
This simple book gives a basic background into who Tesla was and what his contributions were.
There’s not a lot to say about the book, it’s fairly brief and is definitely an introduction for young children. It does paint Thomas Edison in rather a bad light, but is historically accurate.
The illustrations add to the storytelling without taking focus away from the narrative.
Possible Objectionable Material:
Thomas Edison isn’t very nice.
Who Might Like This Book:
Children interested in electricity and inventions.
This review also posted at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
May 8, 2016
A reasonable fist at giving a primer to the biography and science of quite a complex person's ideas. It looks good and gives some sense of the life and times of Nikola Tesla and his work, but nothing about the consequence even gets a look-in, meaning this doesn't go nearly far enough to explain to the very young reader it's aimed at why they should be interested in the man in the first place. He does this, that and the other and you have to find out for yourself about the current state of alternating/direct current, and it equally leaves you hanging in the air about his prototype robotics. More needed!
June 28, 2016
A unique and informative book about the journey of Nikola Tesla and how he came to be who he is known as today. I appreciated how this book simultaneously informed and educated the reader. The illustrations provided went very well with the information being given and made sure the readers attention remained captivated within the book. A wonderful way for a child or student to begin learning about Nikola Tesla's background.
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August 7, 2016
This is the story of how Nikola Tesla put his theory of alternating current up against Thomas Edison’s belief in direct current and proved to the world that it was not only more efficient but safe. A new book in the Great Idea Series this easy-to-read picture book would appeal to young inventors ages seven to nine.
July 29, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews