Children's Nonfiction Historical
Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge
- Publisher
- Tundra
- Initial publish date
- Aug 2016
- Category
- Historical, General, Science & Technology
- Recommended Age
- 5 to 8
- Recommended Grade
- k to 3
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781770495227
- Publish Date
- Aug 2016
- List Price
- $19.99
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780735264816
- Publish Date
- Feb 2019
- List Price
- $9.50
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank into the New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the "electrical wizard" of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York.
About the authors
Monica Kulling is the author of over forty books for children, including the popular Great Idea series, stories of inventors. The third book in the series, In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up, was nominated for the 2012 Governor General’s Award for illustration and chosen as the 2012 Simon Wiesenthal Honor Book. In addition, Monica’s work has been nominated for numerous Silver Birch Express and Golden Oak awards. Her recent picture books include Lumpito and the Painter from Spain and Mister Dash and the Cupcake Calamity. Monica Kulling lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her at www.monicakulling.com.
Bill Slavin has illustrated over sixty books for children, including Stanley's Party, Stanley's Wild Ride, Stanley at Sea, Transformed and The Farm Team. He lives in Millbrook, Ontario, with his wife, their cat, two rabbits, five squirrels and a family of cardinals.
Editorial Reviews
PRAISE FOR Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge:
"[Zap!] introduces one of science’s most electrifying stars, Nikola Tesla .... Young readers will come away with an appreciation of his genius.” - Booklist
“Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge is part of the truly outstanding 'Great Idea Series' and unreservedly recommended for elementary school and community library biographical picture book collections.” - Midwest Book Review
"Zap! is an inspiring [story] of pursuing one's dreams and overcoming challenging obstacles." -- BookLoons Reviews (blog)
Other titles by Monica Kulling
Ruby's Hope
A Story of How the Famous “Migrant Mother” Photograph Became the Face of the Great Depression
Aunt Pearl
Dr. Jo
How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children
Mary Anning's Curiosity
To the Rescue! Garrett Morgan Underground
Great Ideas Series
Clean Sweep! Frank Zamboni's Ice Machine
Great Idea Series
Spic-and-Span!
Lillian Gilbreth's Wonder Kitchen
Happy Birthday, Alice Babette
Grant and Tillie Go Walking
