Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry
You are made of stardust. Every atom in your body was forged in the belly of an ancient star that exploded billions of years ago. If that doesn't blow your mind, just wait, because this book is packed with secrets about the universe that will leave you speechless.
In this young readers' adaptation of his #1 New York Times bestselling guide to the cosmos, celebrated astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the biggest mysteries of space and time into bite-sized pieces that are actually fun to read. From the explosive beginning of the Big Bang to the invisible forces of dark matter and dark energy, no corner of the cosmos is left unexplored. Tyson's signature humor and wit make even the trickiest topics feel like an adventure.
Packed with full-color photos, stunning infographics, and extra explanations crafted by co-author Gregory Mone, this book makes mind-bending concepts click. You'll discover the difference between a star and a supernova, learn what quarks and leptons are, and even find out how we might communicate with aliens.
Whether you're a budding scientist or just wildly curious, this 192-page journey will spark a cosmic perspective you'll carry for a lifetime. Perfect for readers ages 9 and up.
Interesting Facts
Adapted From a Bestseller: This young readers edition is an adaptation of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s number one New York Times bestselling book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, which was originally published in 2017 for adult audiences.
Co-Author Collaboration: Gregory Mone, who co-authored the Jack and the Geniuses series with Bill Nye, adapted the original text specifically for younger readers, adding extra explanations to make complex concepts accessible.
Full-Color Enhancement: The young readers edition includes full-color photos, infographics, and additional visual elements that aren’t in the adult version, transforming dense astrophysics into eye-catching, digestible content.
Reading Rainbow Connection: The audiobook is narrated by LeVar Burton, the beloved host of Reading Rainbow and Star Trek’s Geordi La Forge, bringing his signature warmth and enthusiasm to cosmic concepts.
Royal Recognition: The book was shortlisted for the prestigious Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize in 2020, with judge Cressida Cowell praising its brilliant opening sentence and imaginative yet comprehensible approach.
Compact But Complete: At just 176 pages, this book manages to cover everything from the Big Bang to black holes, from quarks to quantum mechanics, proving that cosmic knowledge doesn’t require an encyclopedia.
Bite-Sized Universe: The book breaks down the fundamental rules and unknowns of our universe into what multiple sources describe as “bite-sized pieces,” making astrophysics feel less like homework and more like fascinating storytelling.
Humor Meets Science: Tyson’s characteristic wit and humor are woven throughout, with reviewers noting that even the glossary at the end is entertaining listening in LeVar Burton’s capable hands.
Richard Dawkins Approved: The original adult version received praise from evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, who called it a “lovely book” with a last chapter “worthy of Carl Sagan himself,” high praise that carries over to this adaptation.
Quotes
“Astrophysics teaches us that we’re not the center of the world.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“Personally, I am quite comfortable with chemicals. My favorite stars, as well as my best friends, are all made of them.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“Gravity is a marvelous force, but a troubling one.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The universe is under no obligation to make sense to us.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The cosmic perspective opens our minds to extraordinary ideas but does not leave them so open that our brains spill out, making us susceptible to believing anything we’re told.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The cosmic perspective shows us that the very atoms and particles that make up our bodies are spread across the universe itself, making us one and the same.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The cosmic perspective helps us to see beyond our circumstances, allowing us to realize that life is about more than money, popularity, clothes, sports, or even grades.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The cosmic perspective enables us to grasp, in the same thought, the large and the small, from a universe that began in a space far tinier than the period at the end of this sentence to one that is now many billions of light-years across.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“But really we are one with the rest of nature, fitting neither above nor below, but within.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The cosmic perspective is humble.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“The Coma cluster is also what we call a “relaxed” system. Please resist the image of a group of galaxies kicking back and listening to smooth jazz.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
“We can almost see back to the very beginning of the universe.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson
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