My Name Is Albert Einstein

Originally published in Spanish in 2004, My Name Is... Albert Einstein exemplifies the elements of good educational publishing: a lively, accurate text, suitable illustrations, and a manageable format. This first-person account of Einstein's life and work engages the young reader in an immediate way. For example, Einstein says, "I started to speak at three, `a little late for a genius', as some of my biographers would later remark." The content is age-appropriate, especially when dealing with Einstein's scientific theories as well as his problematic relationships to people. Einstein mentions his Jewish identity throughout the book, for example when he was a child bullied by older Gentile children or when he was asked to become the president of Israel. Cugota breezily discusses Einstein's work, and then reassures the reader not to worry if it seems too complicated. This is a welcome note, even for adults who are science-challenged! This book is kid friendly. The comic-strip-like illustrations by Gustavo Roldán enhance the text. A timeline helps to place Einstein's life in the context of world events. A bibliography and index are lacking--weaknesses in an otherwise welcome addition to the current flood of biographies about Albert Einstein. Ages 9-12. Reviewed by Anne Dublin