Perfect for fans of STEM, this inspiring picture book biography tells
the extraordinary story of pioneering astronomer Maria Mitchell.
Maria longed to travel beyond her small island of Nantucket. But she
wasn't sure how. Her father taught her to look to the stars for
guidance. If you knew how to read them, he said, the stars could tell
you where you were, and where you needed to go. They spent hours
scanning the night sky together through a telescope on the roof. Maria
learned how to use astronomers' tools to measure and track time by the
stars. But what could she do with her skills? Then, one day, she heard
that a prize was being offered to the first person to find a new comet.
Could this be the opportunity she was waiting for?
This absorbing picture book biography by Laura Alary tells the
fascinating, though not well-known, story of a remarkable
nineteenth-century woman scientist and women's rights advocate. After
winning that prize for discovering a comet, Maria Mitchell would go on
to become the first professional female astronomer in the United States,
first female member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and
one of the first female college professors. Beautifully illustrated with
lovely textured artwork by Ellen Rooney, this is a well-told story with
a teachable STEM component, supporting both science and social studies
curriculums, that supports a growth mindset. It's also a wonderful guide
sure to inspire readers to find their own way in the world. It includes
backmatter that further describes Maria's impressive life and
achievements.
