Ibn Al-Haytham: The Man Who Discovered How We See (National Geographic Kids: Level 3)

Gr 2-4--This slim volume acquaints beginning readers with the life and times of Ibn al-Haytham (also known as Alhazen), an Arab scholar who was a key figure in the history and study of optics. Arranged in 10 short chapters, the book introduces readers to the golden age of Muslim civilization and al-Haytham's turbulent life and optical discoveries. Students will learn how he feigned madness to escape a bad-tempered caliph; spent 10 years under house arrest; made discoveries about light; invented an early version of the camera obscura; and developed the first example of the scientific method in The Book of Optics. Colorful images appear on every page: a mix of period paintings and drawings and modern-day photographs. "In His Words" and "That's a Fact" boxes are included throughout to reinforce main ideas. Definitions for new vocabulary words are highlighted in a "Words To Know" box. These same terms are also included in a picture glossary at the end of the narrative. A brief multiple-choice quiz will test readers' knowledge. Because this title is a part of the National Geographic Kids Super Reader program, children are offered the opportunity to go online to a dedicated website to earn rewards, play games, and more. VERDICT An accessible overview of a not often covered scholar; a useful addition for science collections.--Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA