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Meet nine amazing talents whose passions shone early. Every kid is good at something. But imagine being so passionate about it that grown-ups flock to see you in action. Wonder Kids explores the lives of nine young talents whose amazing abilities attracted widespread attention. Phillis Wheatlely, a black slave in colonial Boston, was 14 when her first poem was published. A young Stevie Wonder was wowing audiences with his harmonica solos at the age of 12. And silent-film star Buster Keaton was hurtling through the air on a vaudeville stage when he was only 3. Other child prodigies featured are: Maria Gaetana Agnesi, an Italian linguist fluent in seven languages by age 13(1718-1799) Clara Schumann, a German pianist who made her professional debut when she was 9 years old (1819-1896) Fanny Mendelssohn, a German composer whose work as a teen caught the ear of Queen Victoria (1805-1847) Dai Vernon, a Canadian child-magician who went on to become the only conjurer to fool Houdini (1894-1992) Wang Yani, a Chinese artist who began touring with her paintings of monkeys when she was just 4 years old (1975-present) Terence Tao, an Australian mathematician who attended university at age 9(1975-present). Compelling profiles tell the stories of how these young wonders' abilities were discovered and developed, and of how they used their gifts as they grew up. Complete with captivating photographs and links to their works, Wonder Kids is a true celebration of not-so-tiny talent.… (more)
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Charis Cotter answers these questions and more in Wonder Kids, a collection of nine short biographies of amazing children. The people she profiles range from Phillis Wheatley, a black slave who, at the age of fourteen had her first poem published to Stevie Wonder. Before the age of ten, Stevie had taught himself to play the harmonica by listening to the radio, not so unlike Clara Schumann, a 19th Century virtuoso piano player who began by imitating her father at the keyboard when she was just five. The story of how Terence Tao, one of the world's best mathmeticians is equally astounding. The earliest sign that an extraordinary mind was at work was when, at the tender age of two, the little boy began to solve math problems on the fridge door using magnetic numbers.
Each child's story is related in clear, interesting prose. Tid-bits about family life, school, and their developing talents draw readers into the lives of these extraordinary children. Colour photographs provide a further peek into their lives and careers. Paintings by Wang Yani (born in 1975 in southern China) done when most children are tackling kindergarten fingerpaints show a sophistication and grace that most adults would be delighted to accomplish. From Buster Keaton to Fanny Mendelssoh, Dai Vernon the magician and 18th Century polyglot, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, each story is intriguing and compelling and, sometimes, filled with drama. Children interested in learning more about the lives and accomplishments of those featured in this wonderful book are guided to websites, further reading, musical recordings, and suggested movies. The author's enthusiasm for her subject combine to do a fine job of celebrating the lives of nine remarkable youngsters.