The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity: A Tale of the Genius Ramanujan by Amy Alznauer, illustrated by Danial Miyares. Candlewick, 2020. 9780763690489
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
What did you like about the book? This is an excellent picture book biography of the math genius Ramanujan as a child. I really love how the author (who is herself a mathematician) described Ramanujan’s differences as a child, in that he looked at all knowledge with the “zeal of an explorer.” It shows how he was an original thinker, although he was deemed an under-performing student in elementary school. She makes his curiosity about the patterns and properties of numbers exciting to read about. Miyares’ lovely ink art beautifully evokes Ramanujan’s childhood in India and the imaginative way in which he interpreted numbers and, especially, the concept of infinity. This is an inspiring look at the mind of a young genius.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? For youngsters, ages 5-8, who love non fiction, especially about numbers. Great as an introduction to topics beyond elementary arithmetic in math.
Who should buy this book? Elementary school and public libraries
Where would you shelve it ? Biography
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: April 27, 2020
Youth Services Book Review 
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