Author/Illustrator: Lucy & Stephen Hawking with Christophe Galfard ; illustrated by Garry Parsons
Plot Summary: When George's pig escapes through the back fence, he discovers someone living in the old, abandoned house next door. He follows the pig in to the house and discovers and eccentric scientist, his imaginative daughter and a "talking" computer. In contrast to the Luddite home he shares with his own eccentric parents, George can't believe his good fortune. He learns that Eric, the Dad, is a scientist who has created the computer, Cosmos, so that he can travel through space. Through his own adventures with Eric, his daughter Annie, Cosmos, teachers, students and his own parents, George comes to learn about science, the Universe, technology, and friendships. He also learns to appreciate his parents.
Comments: An interesting mix between fantasy and fact, this book is appropriate for children fifth grade and up or younger, for those who have an interest in the the Universe and solar system. I thought this book did a good job of putting some of our contemporary issues in to perspective such as global warming and environmental issues in general. It also dealt with interpersonal issues including parental relationships, teachers, bullies, and good versus evil.
Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist who articulated his own ideas of the Universe in his bestselling book, A Brief History of Time. The second book in the series is titled, "George's Cosmic Treasure Hunt" and a third is forthcoming in 2010.
Extensions:
Click here for a detailed curriculum guide for this book including vocabulary, 26 discussion questions, 10 research-based activities, experiments and extensions.
Themes/keywords: universe fiction, outer space exploration fiction, inventions fiction
Age/Reading Level: Interest level - 3.6; ATOS - 5.6; Folllett - 6.5; Lexile - 850
Standards:
GPS: S6E1 Students will explore current scientific views of the universe and how those views evolved.
a. Relate the Nature of Science to the progression of basic historical scientific theories (geocentric and heliocentric) as they describe our solar system, and the Big Bang as it describes the formation
b. Describe the position of the solar system in the Milky Way galaxy and the universe.
c. Compare and contrast the planets in terms of
- Size relative to the earth
- Surface and atmospheric features
- Relative distance from the sun
- Ability to support life
e. Explain that gravity is the force that governs the motion in the solar system.
f. Describe the characteristics of comets, asteroids, and meteors.
Publisher's Info:Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York; 2007
ISBN-13: 978-1-41695-462-0
ISBN-10: 1-41695-462-7
Awards/Review Sources:
Publishers Weekly starred 10/01/07 | Booklist 12/01/07 |
| Horn Book 04/01/08 |
Genre/Dewey: Fiction
Websites:
Visit the website for the series.
Links as recommended on the series' website.
Notes for Booktalk:
Vocabulary: See vocabulary listed in the curriculum guide.
Comments