Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd

Reach for this book when your curious, introspective child seems more fascinated by hidden worlds and solitary projects than by fitting in. This is not the standard biography of Isaac Newton focused on gravity and apples. Instead, it delves into his lonely, difficult childhood and his secret, lifelong obsession with alchemy: the mystical and chemical quest to find the Philosopher's Stone. The story highlights themes of intense curiosity, resilience in the face of being misunderstood, and the loneliness that can accompany a brilliant, unconventional mind. It's a perfect fit for thoughtful readers aged 10-14, humanizing a genius and celebrating the power of a secret, passionate pursuit of knowledge.