Zap!: Nikola Tesla Takes Charge    by Monica Kulling & Bill Slavin Order:  USA  Can Tundra, 2016 (2016) Hardcover     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Monica Kulling's Zap!: Nikola Tesla Takes Charge (illustrated by Bill Slavin) is one in a Great Idea series that includes Making Contact!: Marconi Goes Wireless, It's a Snap!: George Eastman's First Photograph and All Aboard!: Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine. We first see a young Nico making sparks fly as he strokes his beloved cat in Croatia. He learns six languages by the age of ten. In 1884, an older Nikola Tesla descends a gangplank into New York. Robbed on the ship he's penniless, but he does have a letter of introduction to electrical wizard Thomas Edison. He works for Edison for some time, but their visions diverge. Edison sees only direct current in the future while Tesla wants to develop a motor running on alternating current. George Westinghouse supports his work, but Edison warns people against it - 'who would light America?' As history knows, it was decided at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Tesla also harnessed the power of Niagara Falls and predicted robotics. His story in Zap! is an inspiring one of pursuing one's dreams and overcoming challenging obstacles. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews