Isaac Newton by Kathleen Krull

 This biography for middle-grade, part of Giants of Science series, brings a fascinating figure of a man who during his childhood doesn’t form any deep bonds. It has a reflection later in his life as one of the leading scientist of his time instead of collaborating with other scientist to further the progress of science, he leads a few feuds.

Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was abandoned by his widowed mother when she remarried. He was raised by grandparents. After the death of her second husband, the mother reunited with her son, but it didn't repair the damage Isaac felt. The isolation and abandonment damaged him emotionally.

At twelve, he was sent to Grammar School where he boarded with the apothecary. That was a stimulating place for young Newton, where he learned creating different concoctions. At school, he was a poor student at first, but got noticed for his strange inventions. Later, rising to be a top student.

Newton’s uncle recognized that Isaac was talented and fit more within the university environment rather than tending a farm as his mother wished. Thanks to his uncle, Newton continued his education at Cambridge University. Bored with the school curriculum, he studied on his own the works of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Descartes and others.

As it goes with those legendary figures, there is usually some legend attached to them. While napping in the orchard, an apple fell on his head, which led him to many questions and the conclusion of such force as gravity.

In 1667, he became a fellow at Trinity College. He continued what interested him the most – the experiments. He was reluctant to publish his experiments as he feared plagiarism and criticism. Nevertheless, he published his first scientific paper on light in 1672. He hated the criticism and whined about losing his privacy. His next publication was in 1704. By failing to engage with other scientists, perhaps he impended his own and other’s progress.

It was interesting to learn something about Newton besides him being a famous British mathematician. It is a sad and touching story of a boy who never received nurturing, but with the right mentorship he still achieved great things.

The black and white illustrations are just a few in this series, but they are amazing.

Published in 2006 by Viking Juvenile 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Having a mentor helps one in having a purposeful life.

Traits:

·         Cooperate with others for greater benefits

·         Keep learning new skills

·         Study the people who inspire you

"Time wasted rationalizing the mediocre, could be time used at creating the magnificent." - Jen Sincero

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

 

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” – Isaac Newton

 

“I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.” – Isaac Newton

 

“Truth is ever to be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.” – Isaac Newton

 

“Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.” – Isaac Newton

 

“Genius is patience.” – Isaac Newton

 

“My powers are ordinary. Only my application brings me success.” – Isaac Newton