Think Like a Genius!: Inspiring Tales of Mathematicians and Scientists

by David E. Mcadams

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632707833
Publisher:	Life is a Story Problem, LLC
Publication date:	05/16/2025
Pages:	74
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.15(d)

About the Author

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?”