Graham, Ian. You Wouldn’t Want to be Sir Issac Newton.

Graham, Ian.  You Wouldn’t Want to be Sir Issac Newton.  Scholastic/Watts     2013  35p   $29.00  ISBN 978-0-531-25943-6      elm/ms  series: You Wouldn't Want to Be E-BN   

This is a most delightful and informative biography of Sir Isaac Newton from his birth and early school days through his death in 1727. Some of the less commonly known bits of information included are his dabbling into alchemy, his position with the British mint, and his apparently nasty personality.  What a fun book, and a great way to learn about such an historical, scientific figure. Here are some things I found I did not know about Sir Isaac Newton: he spent many of his formative years with his grandmother, having been left with her by his mother for a new husband; that he became involved with the Royal Mint; and that he was evidently a most obnoxious man.  Who knew?  The illustrations, with their associated quips and bits of information, accompany and enhance the associated text. Each double-page spread covers a specific aspect of Newton’s life or work, and includes not just the text and illustrations, but also a ‘Handy Hint” that can be read as a point to be remembered. While some of the “handy hints” are also a tad sarcastic, all are valid.  Lots of fun!  The book concludes with a glossary and an index.      The You Wouldn’t Want to Be series is now comprised of 37 titles.  Each one is engagingly illustrated and written and, while aimed at  elementary and middle-school students, would be fun reads for all ages.

Newton, Isaac, 1642-1727                                          --Lynn Fisher