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  • Published: 8 January 2019
  • ISBN: 9780735264816
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $16.99

Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge




This is the story behind Nikola Tesla, the man who helped pioneer modern electrical engineering. Part of the Great Idea Series of biographies for young readers.

Growing up in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla dreamed about harnessing the power of Niagara Falls. In 1884, he walked down the gangplank into the New York Harbor with four cents in his pocket, a book of poems, a drawing of a flying machine, and a letter of introduction to Thomas Edison, the "electrical wizard" of America. Upon meeting, Edison sent Tesla to fix the SS Oregon as a test and was so astounded that he offered Tesla a job at his factory.
Tesla and Edison had different views about electricity; Tesla wanted to develop an alternate current while Edison wanted to stick to the direct current system. Edison offered Tesla a large sum to make his direct current system more efficient, but when the work was done, Edison refused to pay. Tesla quit and when things were looking bleak, he met George Westinghouse, who also thought that alternating current was the way to light up America. He gave Tesla a job and in 1896, Tesla and Westinghouse built a generator at Niagara Falls that was able to send power as far as Buffalo, New York.

  • Published: 8 January 2019
  • ISBN: 9780735264816
  • Imprint: Tundra Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $16.99

About the author

Monica Kulling

Louisa May Alcott was born in 1832 in Pennsylvania and grew up in Concord, Massachusetts. She is best known for her books for children. The daughter of philosopher and reformer Amons Bronson Alcott, she was also a supporter of women's rights and an abolitionist. Family debts led her to write the autobiographical novel LITTLE WOMEN (1868). The book was a huge success, followed by LITTLE MEN, AN OLD-FASHIONED GIRL, and several other novels.

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Praise for Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge

PRAISE FOR Zap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge: "[Zap!] introduces one of science’s most electrifying stars, Nikola Tesla .... Young readers will come away with an appreciation of his genius.” - BooklistZap! Nikola Tesla Takes Charge is part of the truly outstanding 'Great Idea Series' and unreservedly recommended for elementary school and community library biographical picture book collections.” - Midwest Book Review "Zap! is an inspiring [story] of pursuing one's dreams and overcoming challenging obstacles." -- BookLoons Reviews (blog)