George’s Secret Key |
George is a restless child. His parents are well-meaning, but oppressively strict environmentalists. They are so anti-technology, that they won’t even let George have a computer. One day George’s pet pig gets out, leading him to meet his strange next door neighbor Annie.
Annie’s father, Eric, is a scientist, who invites George to join the Order of Scientific Inquiry for the Good of Humanity, and learn about the amazing Universe surrounding him through the most powerful computer in the world, Cosmos, which can open portals in time and space to anywhere in the charted galaxy.
But first George must take The scientist’s Oath:
I swear to use my scientific knowledge for the good of Humanity. I promise never to harm any person in my search for enlightenment.
I shall be courageous and careful in my quest for greater knowledge about the mysteries that surround us. I shall not use scientific knowledge for my own personal gain or give it to those who seek to destroy the wonderful planet on which we live.
If I break this oath, may the beauty and wonder of the Universe forever remain hidden from me.
Annie and George take a ride on a comet through the solar system, where they find both danger and enlightenment in this extremely well-told tale that has many twists and turns, villains and heroes, all told with scientific accuracy only one of the world’s leading physicists can provide.
Lucy & Stephen Hawking have written a Hard Science Fiction children’s book, and it’s awesome. I highly recommend it.
I managed to pick up a copy autographed by Lucy Hawking at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum a few weeks back:
Lucy Hawking’s Autograph |