Review

George and the Big Bang

Common Sense Media says

Odd mix of cartoony space exploits and cutting-edge science.
Age
10
Quality
 
  • Educational value4
    George and the Big Bang contains an impressive amount of nonfiction material about the latest theories regarding quantum mechanics, time travel and the origin of the universe. Because the plot deals directly with the Large Hadron Collider and the search for the Higgs boson (the so-called God particle), the book will be especially relevant in light of recent scientific discoveries.
  • Positive messages5
    George and the Big Bang promotes the importance of the scientific method: of making observations, forming hypotheses, performing replicable experiments and building rational conclusions. The authors emphasize that, even though there many mysteries about how the universe works, humankind probably has the capability to solve them eventually.
  • Positive role models4
    George, his friend Alice, and her new friend Vincent all exhibit bravery and ingenuity as they attempt to rescue Alice's missing father. George is somewhat impulsive, however, and his willingness to jump through a portal and explore the Moon on his own would be alarming, if the sci-fi portions of this book weren't so cartoonish.
  • Violence2
    The threat of a bomb explosion hangs over the second half of the book, but it is not treated in a particularly realistic or scary fashion. One of the young characters subdues the villain with a single karate chop.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language1
    The acronym of the villainous organization in George and the Big Bang, is TOERAG, a joke likely to be lost on readers in the United States who are unfamiliar with the now-obscure British insult.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that George and the Big Bang is an odd mix of goofy sci-fi adventures and nonfiction essays by famed British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and his author daughter, Lucy Hawking, that address the latest theories about time travel, quantum mechanics, and the origins of the universe. The youngest readers aren't likely to glean much from the mind-bending essays, while the older ones may find George's exploits too cartoony. Not much violence -- one kid subdues the villain with a single karate chop, and the threat of a bomb explosion hangs over the second half of the book.

This review of George and the Big Bang was written by

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.

Earthling!

(by Mark Fearing)

Wacky space adventure for sci-fi comics fans.
AGE
8
 

A Confusion of Princes

(by Garth Nix)

Exciting space adventure morphs into clever coming-of-ager.
AGE
13
 

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Hitchhiker's Guide Series, Book 1

(by Douglas Adams)
The acme of British science-fiction humor.
AGE
11