Think Smart, Be Fearless: A Biography of Bill Gates (Growing to Greatness)

by Sharon Mentyka

Vivien Mildenberger (Illustrator)

How do fearless ideas begin? Travel along with young Bill Gates on his life's journey full of curiosity, discovery, hard work, and most important, fearlessness--the inability to see limits. The book invites young readers to pursue their passions and awaken a sense of ambition and responsibility for others as they grow.

Think Smart, Be Fearless tells the inspiring story of Bill Gates, one of America's most fascinating entrepreneurs, starting from his early years as a precocious, inquisitive child who faced challenges fitting in with his classmates. Young Bill, known as Trey in his family, was a bit of a troublemaker, bored at school and prone to acting out. That all changed in high school with his discovery of the early world of computers. His instincts immediately told him that computers were the future. With the support of his family, who encouraged him to think smart and be fearless, Bill grew to become a technology visionary, who changed the way everyday people interact with computers, and a philanthropist whose inability to see limits is working to reduce poverty and improve global health worldwide.

Complete with back matter that includes a more in-depth look into Bill Gates's life, a timeline of significant events in his life and in computer science, and a glossary for inquisitive kids.

• ISBN10: 1632171767
• ISBN13: 9781632171764
• Publish Date: 15 October 2019
• Publish Status: Active
• Out of Print: 31 December 2021
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Sasquatch Books
• Imprint: Little Bigfoot
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 48
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9781632171764

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Think Smart, Be Fearless is a biography of Bill Gates aimed at younger readers. Written by Sharon Mentyka and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, it's 48 pages. Due out 15th Oct 2019 from Sasquatch on their Little Bigfoot imprint, it'll be available in hardcover format.

I enjoyed the whimsical illustrations. So much of Bill Gates' public persona and recognition is tied up in his adult life with Microsoft and I'd always seen him as a very intense and intimidating person. These illustrations of his youth and early adulthood are sweetly naive and accessible. For such a short book, there is a surprising amount of detail.

20% of the content is used on Bill & Melinda Gates' foundation and charitable works and their admirable work with disadvantaged people (especially children) around the world. It's refreshing to see people in positions of great wealth and power giving back to make the world a better place for everyone. There's also a glossary and illustrated timeline included at the back of the book.

Well written and beautifully illustrated. This would make a superlative library book selection or gift for a young reader.

Four stars.

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