Super Women

February 15, 2017
Inspiring profiles of six 20th-century trailblazers.Aside from "Shark Lady" Eugenie Clark and, thanks to attention inspired by recent histories and a film, NASA "computer" Katherine Coleman Johnson, Lawlor's subjects will likely be new to young readers. All were, as the author puts it, struck by "thunderbolts of discrimination" for being women and, in the cases of Clark (whose mother was Japanese) and Johnson (who was African-American), people "of color." Nevertheless, they persevered, made important discoveries in their varied fields, and, eventually at least, earned significant recognition. Photos and direct quotes appear but sparingly in the narratives, but readers will come away with some sense of each groundbreaker's character and private life to go with concise but lucid explanations of her contributions. If some of the obstacles they faced seem ridiculous to contemporary readers--in order to use the Mount Wilson Observatory in the mid-1950s, for instance, "quasar hunter" Eleanor Margaret Burbidge had to pose as her husband's assistant and could not use the dining hall or bathroom--even now no one will argue that the playing field has leveled for women in the sciences. A handful of new role models, along with light shed on just who made certain significant advances in astronomy, archaeology, biology, medicine, and plate tectonics. (bibliography) (Collective biography. 11-15)

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June 1, 2017

Gr 5 Up-This compilation of short biographies of six pioneering women scientists is a welcome and fascinating addition to STEM resources. Several of these women are lesser known, but some readers will recognize Katherine Coleman Johnson, the central subject of the hit movie Hidden Figures. All six women overcame great prejudice and bias in scientific fields such as aerospace, marine biology, oceanography, archaeology, astronomy, and medical research. The biographies are short but thorough and illustrated with black-and-white photographs of the scientists and their work. All the entries highlight the women's determination, dedication, strength, and passion. Almost all mention the impact of early support, demonstrating the power of affirming adults in the lives of children. The book also emphasizes the power of teamwork. These women endured insults, poor working conditions, condescension, and restricted access to equipment and information simply because of their gender. Put this in students' hands to inspire and encourage scientific pursuits. VERDICT This book hits the right notes-women, biography, and STEM-and does it excellently. Buy for school and public libraries.-Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2017
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* Eugenie Clark (ichthyologist), Marie Tharp (cartographer), Florence Hawley Ellis (anthropologist), Gertrude Elion (pharmacologist), Margaret Burbidge (astrophysicist), and Katherine Coleman Johnson (the mathematician recently popularized by Hidden Figures). What do these women have in common that qualify them as super women? They were trailblazers during the 1930s through 1960sa time when women were not acknowledged as career-oriented and not permitted to work alongside male coworkers. In spite of incessant discrimination and sexism, these women courageously pursued their scientific passions. Imagine being a highly trained astronomer who's forbidden to look through a state-of-the-art telescope, or an accomplished underwater cartographer who's not allowed to sail on research ships, writes Lawlor in the introduction. All because you happen to be a woman. Readers don't need to go far to sample the arresting storytelling. The first page about Clark describes, in breathtaking style, the time when the 59-year-old scientist abruptly decided to hitch a ride on a shark fin. This high-interest approach continues as Lawlor paints powerful portrayals of those who overcame barriers and refused to be labeled as quitters, forcing them to find creative ways to succeed in their careers. The book's design is sparse but punctuated with well-chosen black-and-white primary-source photos. The bravery and high achievements of these six women have been and continue to be an inspiration to young girls with big scientific dreams.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)