Common Sense Media Review
Captivating bio of famous scientist, disability advocate.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Opening with a starry scene, I AM STEPHEN HAWKING follows a curious young boy from childhood to his career as a celebrated scientist, and reveals his ALS diagnosis and challenges along the way. In vivid illustrations from small frames to full pages, young readers will find lots of interesting details to explore. As the young scientist follows his curiosity and experiences the growing challenges of his physical disability, he finds support in his parents, teachers, wife, friends, and community. Ultimately, he overcomes limitations in his life with limitless curiosity and imagination.
Is It Any Good?
Another engaging book in the Ordinary People Change the World series, this little picture biography packs a lot about Stephen Hawking's life and accomplishments into a petite book. Without shying away from big topics like black holes and a grim diagnosis, child-friendly text and pictures offer poignant conversation starters for families about the cosmos, disability, and the ways this historic individual changed the world of science. Celebrating the quality of curiosity, this story will inspire children to ask their own big questions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Stephen's discovery about black holes in I Am Stephen Hawking. What did he discover? Have you ever seen a picture of a black hole? Can you imagine traveling through space the way Stephen Hawking imagines?
Stephen's parents and teacher encouraged his curiosity and questions, even if they didn't have the answers. How important do you think it is to ask questions? What is a question you have about the world you live in?
In the book, it says "real intelligence means you're willing to admit you may be wrong." Have you (or someone you know) admitted when you might be wrong? Has curiosity led you to new discoveries?
Stephen and his family liked to read books. Whole bookshelves covered their walls. What are some other books you have enjoyed reading or would like to read?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Christopher Eliopoulos
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Rocky Pond Books
- Publication date : September 17, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books
- Last updated : April 19, 2026
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