Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo (Trail Blazers)

¡°When we consider the magnitude and extent of his discoveries and their influence on the progress of science and of industry, there is no honour too great to pay to the memory of Faraday, one of the greatest scientific discoverers of all time¡±.~ Physicist Ernst RutherfordMichael Faraday (1791-1867) was an extraordinary scientist. His work in the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry laid the foundation for much of what we experience in our daily lives today. Faraday built the first motor, the first generator and the first transformer. His work with electricity was truly spectacular.In addition to his discoveries regarding electricity, Michael Faraday liquified chlorine, discovered nanoparticles, was involved in the building of many lighthouses, and worked for mine safety. Faraday began his life poor and uneducated, and found his passion for science through the books he would read as a bookbinder¡¯s apprentice. His experience of living outside the elite scientific community, and his love for Christ, gave him a heart for the average person.Throughout his scientific career, Faraday gave scientific lectures ¨C complete with experiments ¨C to help the layperson understand science. He even created lectures specifically for children. Later in his life, Faraday championed the idea of providing quality education for children from all levels of society.Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo by Derick Bingham (Christian Focus Publications) tells the story of Michael Faraday for children aged 8-14. This school year, our family is studying the 1800¡äs, so I scheduled Spiritual Dynamo during the week we learned about the Industrial Revolution. We love history, and we love studying events and time periods. We also love studying God¡¯s people and the way He works through their lives and obedience to impact His world.For my boys, it was exciting to read about a scientist who served the Lord. Generally, our Christian biographies revolve around theologians and missionaries. It¡¯s really interesting to read about the way God works in other vocations and areas of life as well. Michael Faraday was not a missionary, but his discoveries and work improved the everyday lives of common people. My children both commented on the fact that they loved reading about a scientist.I¡¯m a fan of Christian Focus Publications¡¯ Trailblazers series for middle grade children. At the present moment, they have 33 biographies available. We own nearly every one, and we¡¯ve read about half of them. Through reading about the lives of men and women who loved Christ, and who dedicated their lives to His service, my boys and I have all been inspired to follow Him in our own lives. It¡¯s truly amazing to see the way God works through the lives of ordinary individuals.The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!Psalm 16:3I want to thank Christian Focus Publications for supplying an ebook copy of Michael Faraday: Spiritual Dynamo in exchange for my honest opinion. To be really honest, I don¡¯t care for ebooks, and I already had a copy of Spiritual Dynamo. I just really liked the book, I love the Trailblazers series, and I was excited to be a part of their ¡®Trailblazers Book Review Extravaganza¡¯. Check it out!~ Danika Cooley[...]

I really wanted to like this. It jumps writing perspective a lot and it is distracting. We made it through 2 or 3 chapters.

Loved this book. Had never heard of Michael Farraday, so was great to discover his contribution to science and his story. Bought this to inspire my 10 year old son who loves science.

Amazing story