This biography for middle grade is a great example for young minds that no matter what grades you have at school, you still can achieve great things. Grades shouldn’t be a defining part in their lives.
Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), from Prussia (Germany), was a curious child poking around in the garden with the beetles and flowers. His grades were mediocre at best. While he visited botanical gardens, he dreamed about faraway places. That came true when he met Georg Forster who sailed with the British explorer James Cook. Alexander started with places close to England. As soon as he was able to fulfill his dream he was off to Americas.
Right before that he met Aime Bonpland, a young French scientist, who was interested in the study of plants. He accompanied Humboldt on all his travels across Americas. Aime collected most of the 60,000 plant varieties they brought back to Europe. Despite that for most of the part, he remained in the shadow of the famous Baron von Humboldt.
At nearly sixty, Humboldt accepted an invitation of Russian Tsar to explore Russia. He hoped to do a quick detour to Himalaya Mountains, but quickly realized that the guides he was given were there to monitor him and to make sure he stayed on the fixed route.
Alexander’s childhood and schooling time are very brief. The message of him being someone who defied the odds is reinforced through his courageous exploration of Americas.
This biography’s main concentration is his voyage with Aime Bonpland. It sheds light on Bonpland. Their story chronicles the geography, climate, flora and fauna of the places they visited, and what experiences those places entailed. In Mexico City, they had a bit different experience, with cobbled streets and booming economy, they examined the life, work, and economy of the people.
This enjoyable story is filled with colorful illustrations which help young readers understand the context of the story.
(Intended audience MG 8-12 years)
Published in 2019 by Experiment
TRENDING INSPIRATION: School grades don’t defy a person. One can still achieve great things.
Traits:
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Be curious
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Dream big
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Be courageous
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Keep trying different things
"The world allows for many ways of being. If you don't succeed at one, you can try another." - Jordan B. Peterson
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