696 The Horn Book Magazine
job of explaining Einstein’s revolutionary theories (special relativity,
E=mc2, general relativity, etc.), four of which he churned out in 1905, his
“miracle year.” Krull lingers just enough over his childhood and school-
ing to give readers time to connect with young Einstein, the kid nick-
named “the dopey one” and the “big bore” who would ultimately “give
science a whole new way of looking at reality, at the relationship
between matter, motion, time, space, and energy.” As in the other books
in the series, Krull steers clear of hero worship, matter-of-factly describ-
ing Einstein’s relationships with his children and the women in his
life, who could never compete with science for his attention. Popping
up every few chapters, Kulikov’s pen-and-ink illustrations capture
Einstein’s curiosity and imagination—and his unforgettable finger-
in-a-light-socket hairstyle. Sources and index (unseen) are appended.
tanya d. auger
Betsy Maestro A New Nation: The United States, 1783–1815;
illus. by Giulio Maestro
64 pp. Collins/HarperCollins 9/09 isbn 978-0-688-16015-9 $17.99 g
Library edition isbn 978-0-688-16016-6 $18.89
(Intermediate)
Continuing their chronological picture book history of the United States
that began with The Discovery of the Americas, the Maestros take on the
complicated years of nation consolidation and growth between 1783 and
1815. Summarizing and simplifying for the intended audience, Betsy
Maestro explains how the newly independent American states learned
to work together, becoming a country able to govern and support itself
and defend its borders even as it extended its territory and attempted to
keep its balance in the ongoing conflict between England and France.
Smooth writing is complemented by Giulio Maestro’s detailed illustra-
tions, maps, and occasional full-page backgrounds. Sailing ships and
battles get special attention,