 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
George's Secret Key to the Universe
- By Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Stephen Hawking tale confuses fact and fiction.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's nothing objectionable here, and much to learn. But some kids may need help sorting facts from fiction -- on the fiction side, the authors have made the surprising choice to ignore the rules of science. Kids may be confused.
What's the story?
George, whose parents shun all technology (even light bulbs!) is thrilled to find that his new neighbors, Eric and his daughter, Annie, have the world's most advanced computer. Known as Cosmos, it can open doorways to space and other planets. But George's sinister teacher seems to have an unusual interest in finding out more.
Interspersed with the story are nonfiction sections with information about -- and photographs of -- planets, stars, and other celestial objects, including the author's latest theories about black holes.
Is it any good?
Stephen Hawking may be a genius at physics, but he has a lot to learn about children's books. GEORGE'S SECRET KEY TO THE UNIVERSE is an example of what you get when someone decides to write for children because, after all, how hard can it be? It also exemplifies the dangers of trying to combine teaching with storytelling: What you often end up with is a preachy, didactic story told in a condescending tone with stereotypical characters and a plot that doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
The nonfiction parts are fine: good information, clearly told, with some spectacular photos. But surprisingly, much of the fictional story isn't scientifically accurate. This might be forgivable in straight sci-fi or fantasy (though even there kids like to have things make sense), but in a book that purports to teach the basics of astronomy and physics, it's just confusing -- how are young readers to know what's true, what's theoretical, and what's just plain nonsense?
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the facts, fictions, and theories in the book. Which are which? How can you tell the difference? Why does the author mix them up? Also, why would a famous scientist like Stephen Hawking write a book like this? Why didn't he make the fiction part scientifically accurate, too?
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Kid, 12 years old
March 8, 2009
AGE
learn you planets... the fun way!
I just loved this book! I think it is a good book for children 7 to have read to them. Kids 8 and up can read it themselves. It is a very good way to learn the planets and other things about space!
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| Authors: | Lucy Hawking, Stephen Hawking |
| Illustrator: | Garry Parsons |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 297 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 8 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 8 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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