Think Like a Genius
Inspiring Tales of Mathematicians and Scientists
By David E. McAdams
What makes a person a genius? Is it being the smartest, or the most curious? Is it solving problems, or perhaps never giving up on them?
Think Like a Genius is a delightful collection of short, engaging biographies that brings to life the stories of mathematicians and scientists from across time and around the world. Specially written for tweens, this book highlights the real traits that make people brilliant: perseverance, creativity, kindness, courage, imagination, and a deep desire to understand the world.
Inside, you'll meet:
- Tycho Brahe, who measured the stars with stunning precision-without a telescope
- Sophie Germain, who secretly studied math when girls weren't allowed to
- Paul Erdős, who traveled the world with nothing but a suitcase full of ideas
- Rachel Carson, who spoke up for the Earth with honesty and responsibility
- Nikola Tesla, who imagined the impossible-and then made it real
...and many more remarkable minds whose lives still shine today.
Each story ends with thoughtful questions to spark family conversation or classroom discussion, helping children connect with these great thinkers and discover the genius within themselves.
Why You'll Love This Book✅ Perfect for readers ages 9-12
✅ Fun, fast biographies that are easy to read aloud
✅ Encourages character development and curiosity
✅ A wonderful companion to science and math learning
✅ Ideal for homeschooling, classroom enrichment, and bedtime inspiration
Think Like a Genius is more than just a biography book. It's a guide to thinking boldly, wondering deeply, and growing a mind and heart, making ready to make the world better.
McAdams, David E.: - David E. McAdams is a storyteller, an educator, and a lifelong explorer of ideas. With a career spanning decades in mathematics education and a deep love of writing, David has authored a wide range of books that blend learning with imagination. His work ranges from playful puzzle collections for very young children to deeper explorations of mathematical constants, vocabulary guides, and interactive learning resources, all designed to open doors to discovery.
David's journey began in the classroom, where he taught high school math and discovered a truth that would guide his work forever:
Children learn best when they are involved, curious, and having fun. Over time, he noticed a major gap in math education. Students were struggling not only with the concepts, but also with the language of mathematics itself. This insight led him to create the
All Math Words Dictionary, a broad, kid-friendly resource to strengthen math vocabulary and improve understanding. But David did not stop there. He began writing math-inspired books for young readers, books that entertain while they teach. In
One Penny, Two, a charming and clever story comes to life about a penny that doubles every day. In
What Is Bigger Than Anything?, children are introduced to the wondrous idea of infinity. His books
My Favorite Fractals and
Geometric Nets Project Books invite children to explore patterns, numbers, and geometry in clear and joyful ways. Often fun and sometimes a bit poetic, David's books are filled with the wonder of the real world: dinosaurs, fairy tales, outer space, simple toys, hide-and-seek, and even playground swings. Each story or puzzle is created not only to teach, but also to spark imagination. His recent projects include a collection of hundreds of math puzzles for six-year-olds, and a themed series that connects math to everything children love: ice cream cones, treasure hunts, magic tricks, and much more. His work has been translated into many languages, including Maltese, allowing even more children around the world to enjoy his joyful approach to learning. Whether he is counting stars or exploring the digits of pi, David brings warmth and curiosity to every page. Now retired from teaching, David spends his time gardening and enjoying the creative joy of writing. He still writes every day, always dreaming up new ways to help children see the beauty of mathematics, the power of language, and the magic of the question, "What if...?"
