A scientist who was a hero

“Galileo: Astronomer and Physicist”

Paul Hightower

In the 17th century, people accepted Aristotle’s theory that the Earth was the center of the universe. They believed that the sun, the moon and all the planets orbited the Earth. The Catholic Church said that anyone who believed otherwise would be punished. Galileo believed that things should be proved before they were accepted.

He completed an invention, the telescope, and became famous. With his invention he found that the Earth was not the center of the universe.

The church claimed that he was making a joke of the pope, so Galileo was sentenced to house arrest for the rest of his life.

After three and a half centuries, the church reopened its files and admitted Galileo was right and the church had been wrong. The crimes of Galileo were erased.

Galileo was a smart, ambitious and logical man. He stood strong in what he believed in. I think he was a genius, and it was a shame that people were too scared to listen to him and that he was appreciated only after he died.

Galileo was one of the greatest scientists in the world.

Reviewed by George, 4th Grade

Fremont Elementary

Glendale

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“Dolphins at Daybreak”

Mary Pope Osborne

The main characters are in a mini sub in the ocean. They get scared because an octopus wraps all eight legs around the sub. This book doesn’t have much action, but it is cool. I like the story because the book is about dolphins and I am interested in dolphins. My favorite part is when Sukie and Sam, the dolphins, take Annie and Jack, the kids, back to the treehouse.

I learned that I should not take something that is not mine. You’ll find out the rest when you read the book.

Reviewed by Natalie, 8

Los Feliz Elementary

Los Angeles

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“The Happy Prince”

Oscar Wilde

The happy prince and the swallow help all the poor people in the town. The swallow plucks out the prince’s sapphire eye and flies away in the night to a poor woman’s house so she can trade the sapphire for money to comfort her sickly son. To find out what happens next, you can go to the school library.

Reviewed by Emony, 14

Dorris Place Elementary

Los Angeles

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“Quidditch Through the Ages”

Kennilworthy Whisp

One of Harry Potter’s favorite sports is Quidditch. Quidditch is a game played by witches and wizards. If you’re interested in Quidditch, you should read this book. It tells you the rules of Quidditch, how it originated and much more. I enjoyed this book, and maybe you will, too.

Reviewed by Jeffrey, 10

Ivanhoe Elementary

Los Angeles

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