A Quantum Life (Adapted for Young Adults)

My Unlikely Journey from the Street to the Stars

By: Hakeem Oluseyi, Joshua Horwitz

Narrated by: Hakeem Oluseyi

Renowned American astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi (born James Plummer) pens a gripping, gritty coming-of-age memoir, from young boy to graduate-school student, that will resonate with teenagers, especially those of color, who are facing many choices and obstacles as they navigate their young adult lives.

He was born James Plummer and grew up in poor neighborhoods where gangs were common. What set him apart were his love of the starlit sky and the mysteries of science and his off-the-charts IQ.

Despite the constant upheaval and turbulence of his home life, James devoured books, conducted science experiments, and taught himself computer programming, winning a state science fair with his project modeling Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. His thirst for knowledge would be his guiding star even when destructive habits—a crack cocaine addiction in college and graduate school—nearly derailed his dream of becoming a research physicist. Although at times he self-sabotaged his life and found the struggle nearly unbearable, he persevered and ultimately became a renowned astrophysicist, changing his name to Hakeem Oluseyi to honor his ancestors.

This honest, compelling memoir will inspire readers to reach for their own dreams.

Critic reviews

★ "This absorbing, suspenseful memoir....will keep readers riveted." —Booklist, starred review

“Unflinchingly honest; a memoir in which young readers can find useful lessons.” —Kirkus Reviews

"By celebrating a Black academic in the STEM field, this scientist’s memoir envisions a place for anyone who has a dream that the possibility is there to achieve it." —School Library Journal