Dare to Dream: Picture Book Biographies about Women Scientists
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Joy Fleishhacker -- School Library Journal, 03/28/2007
LOVE, D. Anne. Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia. illus. by Pam Paparone. Holiday House. 2006. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1621-9.
MCCULLY, Emily Arnold. Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor. illus. by author. Farrar. 2006. Tr $16. ISBN 978-0-374-34810-6.
MANNIS, Celeste Davidson. Julia Morgan Built a Castle. illus. by Miles Hyman. Viking. 2006. RTE $17.99. 978-0-670-05964-5.
EHRLICH, Amy. Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson. illus. by Wendell Minor. Harcourt. 2003. RTE $16. 978-0-15-216227-6.
Gr 1-5–Celebrate Women's History Month with these inviting picture books about four groundbreaking female scientists who defied the social attitudes of their times, encountered obstacles and persevered, and dared to dream big, while passionately pursing their interests and sharing their enthusiasm with others. These brief yet informative biographies are enhanced with vibrant illustrations that add detail to the texts, create a strong sense of time and place, and reflect each woman's character. The combination of lively, storylike narrative and engaging visual images make these offerings ideal for sharing aloud with classes or for independent reading.
In Of Numbers and Stars, Love transports students to fourth-century C.E. Alexandria to introduce an extraordinary thinker. Unlike most girls at the time, Hypatia was educated by her father, a university professor who taught her everything from rowing a boat and fishing to philosophy and mathematics. She eventually became an influential scholar and beloved teacher, a "symbol of learned women for centuries to come." The soft-hued artwork incorporates ancient Greek and Egyptian motifs to evoke Hypatia's world, while the lyrical text highlights her accomplishments and zeal for learning.
Born in Maine in 1838, Mattie Knight took a more hands-on approach to life. McCully describes the inventor's childhood, her knack for thinking up and building gadgets, her creation of a paper-bag-making machine, and her clash with a ruthless idea-stealing competitor. The fast-paced narrative, sparkling watercolors, and precise mechanical sketches tell the story of this "Lady Einstein" and convey her confidence and determination.
Mannis introduces early-20th-century architect Julia Morgan, describing formative moments during her childhood, her studies at home in California and in Paris, her success in a male-dominated profession, and her most demanding undertaking—the design and construction of William Randolph Hearst's spectacular castle, San Simeon. The bold artwork, painted in light-infused shades of peach and pink, is filled with architectural forms, lending insight to Morgan's artistic vision.
Beginning with Rachel's childhood discovery of a fossil in 1912, Ehrlich encapsulates pivotal moments in Carson's life, painting a vivid, often poetic portrait of this dedicated biologist that emphasizes her love of nature and her commitment to preserve and protect the environment. Painterly illustrations show Carson through the years and glowingly depict the Maine woods she loved so dearly.
These accessible biographies tell intriguing stories and make great tools for encouraging further research about these individuals, launching discussions about the role of women in history and inspiring students to contemplate their own passions and future professions.
