Scientists Who Changed History

December 1, 2019

Gr 6 Up-The mark of a true scientist, according to the writers of this collective biography, is the ability to evaluate and revise previously held truths. The individuals profiled here, from Thales and Hypatia to Jane Goodall and Tim Berners-Lee, are among some of the most accomplished and significant voices in the history of science. Organized chronologically into seven sections, beginning with "The Dawn of Science" (650 BCE-1450) and ending with "Theories of Everything" (1950 to the present), the book features sidebars on each subject, noting major milestones and, at times, including quotes or miscellaneous facts. A directory at the end of each section spotlights 13 additional scientists from the era. Male scientists comprise the majority of profiles, though female scientists crop up more frequently in the later sections. The writing is lucid and the design eye-catching, with frequent photographs, drawings, and reproductions. VERDICT This highly illustrated collective biography is bound to make research about scientists engaging and illuminating.-Jeanette Lambert, formerly at Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2019
This comprehensively researched and beautifully designed reference work contains profiles of over 80 scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and inventors whose work changed the world. Each profile is between 1-4 easily digested pages that cover essential information. What differentiates this work from similar ones is its scope and inclusivity. It covers history from approximately 650 BCE through the present and includes figures from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the modern Americas. Effort has been made to include many women, too often overlooked by historians for their contributions to science. A broad scope of scientific fields are represented: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, technology, geology, oceanography. All the giants are here: Archimedes, Galileo, Newton, Curie, Einstein, Turing, Goodall. Alongside them are lesser known but equally impressive people: Zhang Heng, Al-Khwarizmi, Hildegard of Bingen, Ant�nio Egas Moniz, Tu Youyou. Profiles are organized based on historical era to highlight the progression of scientific thought and discovery. At the end of each section is a directory of other individuals from the era, each accompanied by a paragraph of basic information. This is an excellent resource to both browse and to serve as a launch pad for further research. Appropriate for middle school and up.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)