The Eclipse of 1919: How Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity Changed Our World

Gr 1-5–McCully brings her signature delicate illustrations in a combination of pen-and-ink and watercolors to convey Albert Einstein’s path to proving his theory of relativity—that all the elements of universe are relational. Her broad strokes cover Einstein’s early life, including his lackluster academic beginnings, through his initial wonderings about stars, and attempts to photograph and document movement of stars during an eclipse. World War I made his plan impossible in 1914, but during the total eclipse of 1919, he was finally able to prove his theory. Blending rigorous research, scientific explanation, and the backdrop of war, this tale is unique in its attention to her subject’s missteps and experimental failures along the journey to worldwide acclaim. Balancing watercolor-laden vignettes and white space with several striking spreads (including a dramatic two-page depiction of the eclipse’s total darkness), the art dances with movement and life, capturing both Einstein’s energy and his quirkiness while adding a lighthearted counterpart to the detailed text. Back matter includes a rich bibliography, author’s note, and explanation of an eclipse.