Electrical Wizard: Candlewick Biographies

Praise

This is a lively introduction to the life of an important figure in technology, someone whose ideas are still at the center of today’s world. … An engaging volume that will encourage both budding scientists and anyone intrigued by the creative process.
—Kirkus Reviews

[T]his may be the first time readers have met Tesla, and this portrait gives them a solid appreciation for his talents and achievements.
—Booklist

Stylized illustrations … show the drama of the man: formally dressed, showcasing his ideas at the Chicago World’s Fair; harnessing the hydroelectric power of Niagara Falls with a giant generator; and basking in the lights of Broadway after turning them on. The back matter is particularly strong, including an essay covering Tesla’s other ideas and accomplishments; diagrams and notes that explain his scientific processes; a biographical piece about Edison, emphasizing his infamous mean streak; documentation; a bibliography; and a sophisticated recommended reading list.
—The Horn Book

Rusch combines noteworthy vocabulary with engaging writing to produce a comprehensive yet compelling biography students will enjoy.
—Library Media Connection

Dominguez’s gouache and acrylic illustrations include impressive panoramas of the World’s Fair and Niagara Falls… …[L]ibraries should consider purchasing the book for its clear biographical details reinforced by scientific explanations.
—School Library Journal

Dominguez’s mixed-media paintings ably set the historical scenes for several of Tesla’s milestone encounters, and his technical diagrams in the back matter are genuinely helpful.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

[A] compelling biography… Told from Tesla’s point of view, readers will root for Tesla to win the contract to light up the Chicago World’s Fair… The text and back matter, filled with clear scientific notes on electricity, will lead readers to seek out additional information on this fascinating subject.
—Shelf Awareness for Readers