Description
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.
David E. McAdams is a storyteller, educator and lifelong explorer of ideas. With a career that spans decades in mathematics education and a deep love for writing, David has authored a wide array of books that blend learning with imagination. His work ranges from playful puzzle collections for young children to detailed 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 spent time teaching high school math and discovering a truth that would guide his work ever after: children learn best when they’re engaged, curious and having fun. Over time, he noticed a critical gap in math education—students were struggling not just with concepts, but with the language of math itself. That insight led him to create All Math Words Dictionary, a comprehensive and kid-friendly resource to strengthen math vocabulary and improve comprehension.
But David didn’t stop there. He began to write math-inspired books for young readers, books that delight as they teach. In One Penny, Two, a magical penny-doubling story unfolds with charm and wit. In What Is Bigger Than Anything?, children are introduced to the mind-stretching idea of infinity. His My Favorite Fractals and Geometric Nets Project Books invite children to explore patterns, numbers and geometry in tangible, joyful ways.
David’s books are often playful, poetic and themed with real-world wonder: dinosaurs, fairy tales, space, stuffed animals, hide-and-seek, even swing sets. Each story or puzzle is crafted not only to teach, but to spark imagination. His recent projects include a collection of hundreds of math puzzles for six-year-olds and a themed series that blends math with everything kids love: ice cream cones, treasure hunts, magic tricks and more.
His work has been translated into several languages, including Bengali, making his joyful approach to learning accessible to even more children around the world. Whether he’s counting stars or exploring the digits of Pi, David brings a deep sense of care and curiosity to every page.
Now retired from teaching, David enjoys gardening and the creative joy of writing. He continues to write daily, constantly dreaming up new ways to help children see the beauty of math, the power of language and the magic of asking, “What if?”
ISBN: 9798895417072
Publisher: Life is a Story Problem LLC
Number of Pages: 72
Dimensions: 6"x9"
Interior Pages: B&W
Binding:
Paperback (Perfect Binding)
Availability:
In Stock (Print on Demand)