Insane Inventors tells the stories of many Scientists, some famous and some barely ever mentioned. I feel like this book is very informative and interesting compared to other books like it. This book would be better for older children ages 10 to adulthood. I give it five stars.

Human curiosity not only advances the frontiers of science, but also develops the desire to know about other people’s lives.  This book combines both (sort of) by giving readers a glimpse into the eccentricities of some individuals who have challenged and expanded scientific understanding.

The book is divided into three part titled “Don’t Try This at Home”, “Anything for Science”, and “Strange Days of Science”.  The classifications and criteria used to differentiate chapters in one section from another seem arbitrary.  The first chapter serves as an introduction highlighting the absurdity of risking one’s life for testing one’s invention or augmenting scientific understanding.  Each section contains about half a dozen chapters, and most chapters profile a main personality.  While the primary focus is on their eccentricities, there is (of course) acknowledgment of their scientific contributions.  Virtually all luminaries are from the pre-modern and modern era, and there are none from outside the Western World.  The last two chapters of each section describe experiments that readers can try with everyday objects.

This book is clearly aimed at middle school students.  Its size, illustrations and narrative do not make it intimidating for that age group.  While the book does have its shortcomings, for the price, readability, illustrations and extensive bibliography, it is recommended for middle school students (and curious adults).  I received a review copy of the book.