Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity

by Karla Arenas Valenti

Meet Alan Turing. Famous mathematician, cryptographer, and...superhero!

This next book in the My Super Science Heroes series looks closely at key moments of Alan Turing‘s life that specifically highlight his astonishing superpower of curiosity, and how this power was critical to his ability to decode and solve important questions of his time (and in the process, lay the groundwork for artificial intelligence).

This series aims to highlight key traits and characteristics (super powers!) that all children embody, showing how those skills can play a meaningful role in helping people reach their dreams. As such, each trait is paired with a specific scientist who flexed that super power to great effect in their own life, in this case - the remarkable Alan Turing.

One sunny day in June 1912, a new super science hero was born. He hadn't figured out he was a super science hero; though everyone else around him was pretty sure about this early on. His name was Alan Turing.

Super Evil Nemesis decides to call on his minion Miss Enigma to confound and confuse Alan—but because of Alan's profound curiosity, he's not easy to defeat...

The minion in this book will speak in code (which will read like nonsense). As the story progresses, Alan will crack the code (and at the end of the book, a decryption key allows readers to decipher the code for themselves).

This is the AMAZING (mostly) true story of how Alan Turing used his superpower to change the world.

This series is scientifically vetted and supported by the Marie Curie Alumni Association, which promotes the worldwide advancement of knowledge.

Genres: Picture Books, Science, Biography, History, Childrens, Stem, Nonfiction

50 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Karla Arenas Valenti is the Pura Belpré award winning author of best selling middle grade novels, chapter books, and picture books.

Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.

Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy.

Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is a great way to learn about an incredible science hero!

This series is goofy but loads of fun! Evil monsters read about the famous heroes of science at the beginning, which always makes me chuckle and smile. It's a unique way to tell this story and I really like it! Alan Turing is going to do something that makes these monsters mad: create something amazing and innovate in a way the world has never seen before! Watching the monsters jump in and try to sabotage Alan but only help him is a fun way to learn about history. I truly think this series is a fun way to introduce some really important and incredible people to younger readers.

Three out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Tarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a unique handle on attempting to turn a biography-type picture book into a story about Alan Turing vs. a super-top-secret-agency that has a scheme to take over the world(!). So it's a little different kind of book than I expected, but I can still see the value in the way the story is formed, which allows kids to still get the facts of Alan Turing's life and inventions, with some added fun (Oh no, what are the minions going to do next to Alan?! How will he stop their antics now?!)

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.

[Erin Dealey]

A unique twist on a picture book bio about the super power of curiosity, how Alan Turing decoded the German secret messages during WWII, and became known as the "father" of theoretical computer science. Kids will not only like the colorful illustrations, I can see many trying to crack the codes--or create their own.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is a fictionalized biography of the famous mathematician and cryptanalyst and part of the My Super Science Heroes series. Due out 1st March 2021 from Sourcebook Kids, it's 50 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

I'm a pretty huge science nerd myself and really love good biographies for kids about scientists. This was such an odd treatment. I do understand that the author/publishers are trying to jazz up the presentation and make it more super-hero-y, but the final product does a distinct disservice to the pretty super-hero-y reality of Turing, his *immense* contribution to the war effort, and the efforts of the entire team at Bletchley Park.

Instead of being about Turing and the history of enigma and the war effort, it's fictionalized with an evil monster (Super Evil Nemesis) and his hench-monsters trying to Take Over The World (boo-hiss). With every hurdle, young Alan seems to sail effortlessly through (which is dangerous for young kids who take frustration for lack of talent with potentially disastrous results). Additionally the biography part of the book consists of young Alan being born, going to school, and suddenly being an adult. There's nothing about his life, really, apart from being born and going to school. I know there are a lot of aspects of Turing's life (and tragic death at the age of 41) which would be... challenging to include in an age-appropriate manner, but the author here has simply sidestepped the whole issue to the distinct detriment of the whole.

I will say that the art and illustration are top notch. There are some really captivating graphics, with sidebars and fun reader puzzles as well as lots of age-appropriate resources for further reading. The illustrations are colorful and full of small details which will fascinate and engage readers. It's unfortunately not, in my opinion, enough to counterbalance the really odd treatment.

Three stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of pulling in readers who already have an interest or curiosity about code-breaking and those who have never heard of Alan Turing. The super-hero/nemesis side plot and the captivating accompanying illustrations add an additional level to draw in some readers, while the story of Turing's life keeps other readers turning the pages. The decoding puzzles at the end would have delighted my own kids when they were younger, and provide a hands-on way to interact with the book.

[Johnell Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The super-hero scientist series is unique way to introduce young readers to different attributes that helped the scientists succeed. These attributes are attainable, and the super-heroes are human beings who exhibited, acquired, and worked at each attribute. It's a powerful way to introduce young readers to human heroes that they could actually become with attributes highlighted that can help them get there.

As I stated in my review of the Marie Curie version (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), this series reminds me to the Value Books I loved as a kid. I spent hours devouring the biographies of remarkable humans from that series. Yes they had imaginary/fictional animal side-kicks, but that's so much a part of what appealed to me as a child. The combination of facts with imagination was the prefect story for me. I'm so excited to see this coming back in this series. I love the magical/fantastical elements added into the discovery of what curiosity is, and how it helped Alan Turing become one of the most influential scientists in our history.

The code-breaking exercises and other activities in the back are extra bonuses. The non-fiction parts come through loud and clear and make for a very interesting biography.

Another great book in the series. I can't wait for the next one.

[M.O. Yuksel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun and unique biography of a famous scientist, Alan Turing. With vivid illustrations and clever and captivating text, the reader learns a lot of great information about the immense contributions Turing made to the world of science. The book also includes wonderful back matter full of activities, a glossary, and additional information.

[JaNay Brown-Wood]

This was an interesting book that juxtaposed non-fiction content about Alan Turing with a fictional storyline of monster-nemeses who tried to thwart Alan's genius. I appreciated the message of not giving up, regardless of how challenging a problem might seem or how large a nemesis might feel.

[Elizabeth Bedia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring story is perfect for all children, especially those budding computer scientists. This is book two in the My Super Science Heroes series, the story highlights Alan Turing’s curiosity, innovation, and enormous contribution to the field of computer science. His groundbreaking work led to him being deemed the father of computer science. Valenti’s clever and engaging text and Beghelli’s lively illustrations draw readers in and keep them fascinated until the last page. A wonderful story (and series) for those readers wanting to learn more about people who made immense contributions to the world of science.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd installment of the Super Science Heroes series relates the life of inventor Alan Turing, considered the father of Computer Science and Artifical Intelligence. The story is presented in graphic novel form, but the text still brims with wonderful words to build a child's vocabulary. I appreciate author Valenti's ability to make non-fiction read like fiction, and this series' underlying message of "persistence in all things" seems absolutely essential in educating children today. An important addition to private and public libraries alike.

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creative story with rich language, engaging characters, and an inspirational message! Alan Turning and the Power of Curiosity invites readers to explore the true life of a scientist who cracked codes, discovered patterns, and made sense of puzzling questions. A unique subplot features the nemesis who tries to confuse and deflate Alan Turning. This could spark interesting conversations about overcoming obstacles in the lives of readers. Backmatter is full of engaging activities on code-cracking and also includes a timeline of Alan Turning’s life. This book is ideal for kids with high power curiosity and for students studying STEM throughout history.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superhero science power to the rescue! Beghelli’s vibrant illustrations bring this story to life as Valenti takes young readers on an adventure. Get to know Alan Turing and his many accomplishments in this fun twist on a nonfiction biography. This book would make a great addition to all bookshelves!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like parts of this book. The illustrated timeline at the end is comprehensive, the book does tell about many of Turing's accomplishments, and the pages inviting children to figure out codes are excellent. However, personally, I like biographies for children that don't use devices such as a Super Evil Nemesis and minions named Ms. Enigma. In other words, as a children's librarian for twenty years, I like my biographies "straight up." There was enough drama in Mr. Turing's real life, for example, the race to crack Hitler's secret codes, without adding something artificial. This reflects my personal preference, while others may favor the cartoonish Evil Nemesis and the added drama.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is very weird. It's both a biography of Alan Turning, while at the same time there are monsters that are trying to defeat Turning. The entire point of the book is completely lost. There's more time spent on the monsters trying to defeat Turning that on telling the reader about the man and his history. This was a wasted read. I like the illustrations but nothing else.

[Derick Wilder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the My Super Science Heroes series introduces a new hero, Alan Turing, and a new superpower, his insatiable curiosity. Wrapping the true events in Alan’s amazing life in an exciting world where he must continually overcome Ms. Enigma provides the perfect blend of fact and fiction. And highlighting the results of Alan’s curiosity is a great way to nurture the same in readers. Karl Valenti’s text seamlessly blends nonfiction and fiction elements and makes complex concepts easy to understand for young readers, while Annalisa Beghelli’s vivid illustrations and rendering of Super Evil Nemesis and his minions really brings the story to life.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much!! Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is LOADED with facts, but you don't feel like it's solely a teaching tool or school library book because it's also loaded with FUN! It's fictionalized, yet there are enough pockets of non-fiction information that you learn about all the amazing inventions and serious, important contributions Alan Turing made to winning World War II. It's a remarkable book that will help children develop that same curiosity Alan had as a child, and the little creatures that sneak in and try to disrupt his experiments are absolutely adorable and add to the charm and mystique of this incredible man's story, told by gifted storyteller Karla Valenti.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in Karla Valenti's Super Science Heroes series. In an imaginative new take on the STEM biography, the Super Evil Nemesis plots against Alan Turing and the spread of knowledge. Through his minions, he tries to trip up Alan in every way imaginable. But, alas, anyone who knows the story of Alan Turing knows that he is a true Super Science Hero! The backmatter includes several decoding activities, a glossary, an Alan Turing timeline, and a scavenger hunt to find symbols hidden throughout the book. Everything about this book is designed to engage children and get them excited about Alan Turing and curiosity!

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity by Karla Valenti is a picturebook that combines fact and fiction. One sunny day in June 1912, a new super science hero was born. He hadn't figured out he was a super science hero; though everyone else around him was pretty sure about this early on. His name was Alan Turing. Super Evil Nemesis decides to call on his minion Ms. Deception to confound and confuse Alan—but because Alan likes working on puzzles, he's not easy to defeat. The minion in this book will speak in code (which will read like nonsense). As the story progresses, Alan will crack the code on Ms. D's enigma machine and be able to decipher her speech, which is how he befriends her. At the end of the book, we will provide a decryption key that allows the children to decipher what the minion is saying in earlier pages. This is the (mostly) true story of how Alan Turing had a superpower that helped him become a successful scientist. But, of course, the super power is really something we all have inside of us.

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity is a book that shares interesting information on the life and accomplishments of Alan Turning. His work in codes and artificial intelligence has had a great impart on the world. I thought the fictional and fun story about the nemesis trying to stop learning and curiosity is likely to capture and hold the attention of those that might have lost interest in a straight narrative.I thought the illustrations were very well done- and the hidden objects and code on the pages add an extra layer of interest. I also enjoyed that the book offers readers a chance to learn and use codes. I enjoyed the read and found it both interesting and engaging- and I think most readers will agree.

[Karen Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child, I loved cracking codes, and this book revived my curiosity for solving puzzles. This latest volume of My Super Science Heroes tells the story of how Alan Turing's endless curiosity led to a number of inventions. The nonfiction core is wrapped in a fun, fictional narrative involving Super Evil Nemesis and Ms. Enigma, and the cryptography element turns the story into an activity book. I imagine that this would be a great gift for a family with kids of different ages, because there's something in this book for all of them!

[Becky Shillington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book in Karla Valenti’s My Super Science Heroes series, young Alan Turing is born curious and full of promise, and Super Evil Nemesis sends his minion Ms. Enigma to squash that curiosity right away. But Alan’s curiosity is impossible to extinguish, and despite Ms. E.’s efforts, he grows up to become a scientist, cryptologist, and inventor who creates many fantastic and useful devices, including one that sends and receives secret messages during World War II. Told via a delightful narrative, this story full of fun facts will entertain young readers, introduce them to Turing's work, and illustrate how curiosity can inspire those with the aptitude to explore where it leads.

[Patricia Newman]

Alan Turing is a perfect example of the power of curiosity, and Karla Valenti does a wonderful job with his story. Valenti personifies the puzzles that challenge Turing throughout his life with a fictional monster called Nemesis. The illustrations are terrific -- detailed and colorful. I especially like the detail with which the illustrator Turing's Enigma Code Breaking Machine.

[Julie Rowan-Zoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of the Super Science Heroes Series fictionalizes Alan Turing, the mathematician famous for decoding secret messages during WWII, pitting his critical thinking skills and natural curiosity against a Super Evil Nemesis who is out to take over the world. A fresh way to introduce facts about a real scientist and how real skills could be applied in a made-up scenario.

I would have appreciated a backmatter reference to the tragedy that also made his story famous - the criminalization of his homosexuality at that time and the treatment that ultimately led to his untimely death.
UPDATE: Sourcebooks has agreed to edit future prints of the book to include a note on this tragic part of Alan's life.

[Stef Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have book for any STEM book shelf, Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity takes a unique approach in describing the historical and influential scientific discoveries of Alan Turing and how he used decoding to help end WWII. The book is jam-packed with what could be complicated information but is written (and illustrated) in a way for anyone to understand. I especially loved the keys at the end so you can make (or break!) your own codes. This read is perfect for any child (or adult) who loves sequences, patterns and coding.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the format of this book: a story within the story. This creative take on a picture book biography was engaging and introduced vocabulary words like "nemesis," "enigma," in a kid-friendly way. Paired with bright and vivid illustrations, this book presented science as a superpower while sharing the life and accomplishments of Alan Turing. The activities and backmatter at the end were impressive! Like Alan Turing, this book is genius!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting way to introduce kids to the life and work of a renown scientist! Facts and fiction are woven in to shake up the narrative with an imaginative approach to a picture book biography. Would make a nice addition to any school library.

[Becky Scharnhorst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this captivating biography of Alan Turing who is considered the father of computer science. This is the second book in the My Super Science Heroes series. If you want to introduce your kids to some famous scientists in a fun and unique way, then this is the series for you! I love the creative approach, the colorful illustrations, and all the facts that Karla Valenti seamlessly wove into the story, and then expanded upon in the backmatter. In addition, there are several code-breaking activities in the back that kids can decipher. How cool is that?

[Gonzalo A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book filled with puzzles and easter eggs. Was very fun to read

[Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think kids will get a kick out of this colorful and fun approach to learning about Alan Turing. I enjoyed the details and loved the colorful art.

[Michelle Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan Turing and the Power of Curiosity details the life of Alan Turing in the most creative and fun way. The illustrations are bold and colorful and perfectly match the tone and playful text. This picture book is full of facts and fascinating information about Alan Turing, and it delivers it in a style that is both unique and exciting for the reader. This book is sure to grab the reader’s attention starting on the very first page.

[Katie Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cool combination of fact and fancy! I loved the whimsical storyline of Ms. Enigma. What a creative way to write a biographical picture book!