All Charged Up!: Big Ideas That Changed the World #5

Greek mathematician Thales discovered electricity in 600 BCE, inspiring the invention of phones, light bulbs, and electric cars. All Charged Up! is a nonfiction graphic novel that highlights key inventors and breakthroughs, from the earliest discoveries to the Age of Electricity to today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Abrams

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Brown delves into the fascinating history of electricity in this captivating installment of the Big Ideas That Changed the World series.

Back in 600 BCE, the Greek mathematician Thales made an intriguing observation: when amber was rubbed with a cloth, it possessed the remarkable ability to attract lightweight objects such as feathers, straw, and leaves. Little did he know, he had stumbled upon the concept of an electric charge.

Over two thousand years later, another curious mind, inspired by the Greek word for amber (elektron), declared that the rubbed object possessed an invisible power: electricity. Since then, electricity has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the world in countless ways.

Narrated by Jagadish Chandra Bose, a Bengali pioneer in radio technology from the previous century, All Charged Up! is a captivating tale of relentless experimentation and accidental discovery. It explores the inspiring journey of human progress and the dramatic scientific rivalries that have shaped our understanding of electricity.

Packed with fascinating facts and colorful historical figures, this nonfiction graphic novel takes readers on a journey from the earliest discoveries to the Age of Electricity, encompassing key inventors and breakthroughs. From Musschenbroeks Leyden jar, which demonstrated the storage of electricity, to Benjamin Franklin's famous experiment using a kite as a lightning rod (although we recommend avoiding this at home!), to the intense competition between two Italian scientists that led to the invention of the first battery (which, in turn, inspired Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), and the legendary War of the Currents between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, this book offers a wealth of information.

Acclaimed author-illustrator Don Brown excels in breaking down complex concepts like atoms, current, and electromagnetism in a child-friendly and accessible manner. Through his illustrations, he vividly demonstrates how our world became plugged in and connected by electricity, leaving an indelible mark on our modern lives.

In conclusion, All Charged Up! is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of electricity and the incredible impact it has had on our world. Don Brown's masterful storytelling and captivating illustrations make this book an engaging and informative journey into the realm of scientific discovery.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 148 x 211 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419766732