I, Galileo

A fine picture book biography of Galileo, but despite the first-person narration I didn't feel a real connection with this "father of modern science". I'd recommend Peter Sis's Starry Messenger instead.

PS: The Catholic Church didn't admit that Galileo was right and he shouldn't have been

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imprisoned until 1992?! Yikes!

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I loved the illustrations in this book. they were very colorful and beautiful which enhanced the story for the reader. I really like how the author presents the biography that is accessible and interesting to young readers. It shows them the importance of a great scientist in an enjoyable way.

I, Galileo is another great book about having students ask questions and seeking answers. Galileo’s ambition in this story is a great story for young children. One section that I really liked was that the father told Galileo that a person should be allowed to ask questions and seek the truth.

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Written as a first person account, this book allows the students to relate with a person who has experienced great sorrow after triumph. Although I am not sure we want to convey the message that academia leads to ending in jail, I believe that there are great lessons to be taken as a whole.

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Handsomely desgined and illustrated, and a good introduction to Galileo but I'm not crazy about a first-person narration by Galileo for a biography.

Ages 8-12

I, Galileo follows the inventive scientist from childhood to his old age spent under house arrest in Arcetri. The action focuses on Galileo proving that the earth circles the sun through telescopic observations, and the Church’s condemnation of him for this truth. Though told in first

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person, the narrative simply details the main events of Galileo’s life in order, as would a traditional biography.

Christensen’s jewel toned and informative illustrations begin on the end papers, with a Renaissance style map highlighting important cities in Galileo’s life. Galileo’s telescope, pendulum, and geometric military compass all receive illustrative attention. Illustrations of the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system aid readers in understanding these concepts.

Additional material in back will assuage lingering doubts teachers or parents may have about this narrative biography. Christensen lists Galileo's major inventions, discoveries, and experiments for easy reference. She also provides a chronology of important events, a glossary of terms, and websites for further reading. Sources are given in a bibliography.

The book ties in with units on the scientific method as it emphasizes the need to make observations and provide evidence for one’s claims. Galileo’s imprisonment for speaking the truth will spark discussion on censorship. Keep a telescope handy when reading, as children will likely want to try Galileo’s famous invention for themselves. Recommended.

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Summary: This book is especially interesting because it is told in first-person by Galileo himself. He is telling the story from prison because after he challenged the Catholic Church with his findings, he was imprisoned for quite awhile. The first page shows how universe used to be structurally

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thought of. Galileo explains his findings and how he challenged that structure. At the very end of the book, readers are told that he was finally pardoned in 1992 by the Catholic Church, which if you ask me, is a pardon that was long overdue.
Genre: Picture Book
Review: I love the deep blues that fill the pages to represent the universe. The picture that particularly caught my eye was where Galileo was sitting alone with the light shining down on him. It really made me think about how difficult it must have been for him to be told he was wrong on something that is scientific. This is a great read because it can tell students the story of Galileo from Galileo himself.

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I learn so much more about history and science when I read children's illustrated information books. I had heard of Galileo and his inventions, but did not know all of the fine details until after finishing this book. I liked that the author chose to write the book in first person point of view as

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if Galileo himself is telling the story. It makes it easier for the reader to connect to Galileo. The book also includes maps, chronology, Galileo's experiments, Galileo's inventions and improvements, Galileo's astronomic discoveries, a glossary and bibliography. Lots of useful, non-fiction information that can be used for research or to accompany a lesson.

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I, Galileo’s subtle tone creates a fun, friendly approach to a biography; particularly appealing to a younger audience. The author not only includes his contributions to modern society, but important life experiences and characteristics which furnished his discoveries. I appreciated how

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Christensen emphasized on Galileo’s attempts to remain truthful. The first person narration of this text creates an entertaining aspect to an informational piece. This is a great learning tool!

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This picture book is a biography of Galileo Galilei. He talks about everything that he has accomplished: experiments, inventions, improvements, and discoveries. During his time, Galileo was not well liked for questioning the beliefs that the Catholic Church upheld. Eventually, he is imprisoned in

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his own house for life.
I enjoyed this book because it brings up new information about the great Galileo and it'll be a great book to share among 5th graders when they will be learning more about science and how much of an impact Galileo was to the world of science.
This is a informational book

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This book is told in the point of view of Galileo Galilei as he goes through his life and his inventions. It mentioned his success in studying the stars and the sky and relates it back to our world today in the preface as we imagine a world without the discoveries that Galileo contributed.
I liked

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reading this story, because it explains in a simplistic view all of Galileo’s accomplishments in the realm of astronomy. The story is easy to follow and it is written in a way that is easy for students to understand. The pictures are also very well done and colorful.
Extension Ideas:
1) I can conduct one of Galileo’s experiments, with the incline planes in the classroom settings.
2) Students can complete worksheets on Galileo’s life and inventions.

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Bonnie Christensen’s book, “I, Galileo,” is a wonderful picture book that I really liked reading. The purpose of this book is to introduce the reader to Galileo, the famous Italian physicist, mathematician, engineer, astronomer, and philosopher. The story’s purpose is also to teach the

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reader about Galileo’s journey that led to his incredibly important contributions to today’s world. In order to fulfill these purposes, the author uses literary elements, such as point of view, word choice, timeline and sequencing, and references.
A vast majority of books that teach about famous scientists or contributors are told from the third person point of view, but this story is written in the first person. Throughout the story, Galileo recounts his story to the reader, using his own thoughts and emotions, which allows the reader to deeply connect to Galileo’s character and his story, due to its more informal nature. The author also writes Galileo’s story using as simple vocabulary as possible. The science contributions made by Galileo, along with science information in general, can often times be difficult to understand and comprehend if the reader is unfamiliar with complex science jargon. In order help the reader follow along and understand the story, the simpler language was used. In cases where more complex terms had to be used, the reader is able to look at the glossary, located at the end of the book, to help him or her understand the story. The story’s first person point of view, word choice, and glossary really make it simple for the reader to follow the story and understand the significant contributions made by Galileo, which is the main purpose of this story.
Another literary device, used by the author, that I found to be crucial in conveying the story’s purpose was the timeline or the sequence of events in the story. For example, the story begins with a preface detailing what life was like before, during, and after Galileo’s contributions. This aids the reader in creating a mental image of what Galileo’s life was like, which helps foster connections between the reader and Galileo’s character. Moreover, rather than telling the story as if it is currently happening, Galileo is retelling his life’s story to the reader, which I believe makes the story much more personal and draws the reader in, fully engaging him or her in Galileo’s story. In connection with this, I also feel that the author’s use of references, such as a chronology page, a list of Galileo’s experiments, inventions, and improvements, and a list of Galileo’s astronomic discoveries genuinely aids in fulfilling the story’s purpose. Through a short story, it can be challenging to include every important detail of a person’s life, or effectively depict how someone, in this case Galileo, changed our world through their life’s work. This story, on the other hand, does a fantastic job introducing the reader to some of the most famously recognized contributions made by Galileo; although, I think the author’s decision to include the references is what really puts it all into perspective and contributes to the overall purpose of this story.
Bonnie Christensen’s story, “I, Galileo,” is captivating and legitimately makes learning about one of history’s most important contributors fun and easy. I believe that the purpose of this story, which is to introduce the reader to the famous Galileo and to teach the reader about how he made contributions that have changed the world forever, was successfully and effortlessly accomplished through the author’s use of literary elements, such as point of view, word choice, timeline and sequencing, and references. This skillfully, well-written book is exceptionally easy to become engaged in and remain interested to learn about the world famous, Galileo.

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I enjoyed reading this book for many reasons. First, I liked how the book was set up. For example, it was set up as a first person narrative that is narrated by Galileo as he reflects back on his life. I liked this because it draws the reader right into the story and lets you imagine what it must

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have been like for him. Second, the illustrations in the book are captivating and perfect for the book. For example, the first two pages of the book are covered with dark blues that made Galileo's red robe and the yellow moon stand out. I think the overall message of the book is to inform readers about Galileo's life and to never give up on learning.

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An excellent biographical picture book. Children will be able to follow some of the more complex topics because of the lovely diagrams that are included.