Customer Reviews
wonderful book 
2008-07-25
This book is intriguing, combining fact with fiction, in a very interesting way.
After reading the story, my son reread the factual pages and looked at the photographs seriously, asking numerous questions. It opens up a new world of interesting science to young scientists.
Space, Adventure, Information! 2008-06-10
The story is about a boy named George and a girl named Annie. There is a very scientific computer called Cosmos. What happened was that Annie's father fell into a black hole and Cosmos and George tried to save him.
I think George's Secret Key to the Universe is a fabulous book because I like space and this book is all about space. This book is non-fiction and fiction book because half way through, there are real pictures of space and scientific information. The book is also full of adventures.
Steven Hawking is a famous scientist and he wrote this book with his daughter Lucy. I think if you like space, you will love this book.
(Review by Jeff)
Captivating 2008-05-31
My 3.5 year old son is completely hooked on this fabulous book! We're plowing through it in just a few nights and he doesn't want it to end. I was floored when after the first night of my husband reading it to him he ran up to me excitedly the next morning and said "Mama, I know how stars are birthed, wanna hear about it?" And proceeded to give me a very sweet and stunningly accurate lecture on the topic!
I wish there were more books like this out there -- smart, not sassy and rude, fun loving, and adventurous!
fabulous 2008-05-24
gave it as a gift to an very inquisitive 8-year old. he loved it!!!
Good story, worth buying 
2008-05-08
I purchased this for my 13 yr old astronomy prodigy, so this is really his review of the book. Story line: George is a child growing up in a house with very little technology. The neighbors next door are scientists that have a laptop super-computer that can open windows to the universe. George befriends the neighbors and travels around the universe learning about stars, planets, black holes, and all the wonders found in space.
"This book was very interesting to read. I spent one whole night reading it from cover to cover and it was able to keep my interest. It is one of a few novels with a basis of true science, being co-written by Stephen Hawking himself, an amazing physisist. I did not find the story to be at all predictable and I would recommend it to the 8-14 year old crowd."
My Son's Favorite Book 2008-04-09
Stephen Hawking, author of the multi-million copy bestselling
A Brief History of Time, and his daughter Lucy explain the universe to readers of all ages. George's parents, who have always been wary of technology, warn him about their new neighbors: Eric is a scientist and his daughter, Annie, seems to be following in his footsteps. But when George befriends them and Cosmos, their super-computer, he finds himself on a wildly fun adventure, while learning about physics, time, and the universe. With Cosmos's help, he can travel to other planets and a black hole. But what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Cosmos? George, Annie, and Eric aren't about to find out, and what ensues is a funny adventure that clearly explains the mysteries of science. Garry Parsons' energetic illustrations add humor and interest, and his scientific drawings add clarity; there are also eight 4-page full-color inserts of scientific photos.
Terrific for everyone, especially great for gifted kids 2008-03-18
I've been so impressed by this book, that it inspired me to write this, my first Amazon review!
Here's the thing. I have a son who is almost seven who happens to be obsessed with Stephen Hawking. I know. He sticks out in a crowd. After watching Errol Morris's documentary of Hawking (great, by the way) my son asked me to look the man up on the internet so that he can start firing off questions to him about the origin of the universe, the birth of stars, you name it. Apparently at his young age, he has already figured out that mom doesn't always know all the answers! We found his website with a link to "George's Secret Key To The Universe" on it and I made a deal with my son that after we read that book, if he still had questions, he could write Stephen Hawking a letter. I don't know if the man has ever recieved a fan letter from a first grader, but there is a first time for everything, right?
We have been reading the book practically every moment that we have time for the past several days and my son loves it! This is a great introductory book - but it is also great for kids with some background knowledge about blackholes, elementary particles, and the like. The story that goes along with all of the science is just right for my kiddo's maturity level and the science allows him to stretch a bit further and go off on rabbit trails at the library to do more research. All in all, a great book for any kid - but especially for science-obsessed gifted boys!
We are almost finished and are hoping that Stephen and Lucy are working on another adventure for George - my son is requesting one to explore inner-space next. Let's see George in the land of quarks and weak bosons (my son's new silly insult: you weak boson!).
Loved it!
Melisa
Good for All Ages 2008-03-13
We originally saw this book on the TODAY show when Al Roker suggested it as a good book for a Christmas gift. Our 8-year-old grandson is interested in so many things, we thought this would be perfect for him... and according to him, "it's great!" As a young reader, it has continued to keep his interest 4 months later!!
Enjoyable and educational for both adults and children 2008-03-13
This is one of those rare books that does a good job of combining fun and learning. It has all the ingredients of a typical children's story. The main character George is a misfit in school because his eco-friendly parents have no clue or don't care that the absence of a computer and tv at home spells social suicide among his peers. But friendly neighbors rescue George from school bullies and introduce him to the wonders of the universe while awakening his curiosity in physics and astronomy. I couldn't wait to find out what happens next and also appreciated the scientific facts included in alot of the pages which were quite accessible to non-science geeks.
Capture a Kids Imagination 2008-01-23
I bought this book to read to my 5 and 8 year old grandchildren. The 8 year old boy couldn't wait to have it read to him, so he read and read and read until he finished it. He is in 2nd grade,but an advanced reader. He LOVED it and was really into the science as well as the story. I highly recommend it for any child who reads at least 4th-5th grade level who is interested in "outer space". This book has real and accurate science within the context of a good kids' story.
