Wonder Women of Science

December 1, 2020
Grades 5-8 *Starred Review* While traditional collective biographies celebrate luminaries from the past, this book introduces 12 women who are actively engaged in STEM fields. Coauthor (and rocket scientist) Fletcher contributes a preface telling how, as an 11-year-old Black child growing up in a small Georgia town, she decided to become an aerospace engineer. The 12 intriguing chapters that follow introduce women such as a Brazilian wildlife ecologist working to save the tapir, an engineer researching ways to improve nuclear security, and a statistician working to end human trafficking. Following each chapter is a section clearly explaining a concept relevant to that discussion, such as nuclear fusion vs. nuclear fission or the differing uses of quantitative and qualitative research studies. Based on interviews with the 12 women, the text includes lengthy quotes, which add a personal tone to each chapter. Occasionally too many asides to the reader disrupt the flow of the writing, but as a whole, it's quite engaging. The color illustrations include some snapshots of these "wonder women" as kids and a creative, full-page portrait of each as an adult, accompanied by visual elements suggestive of her field. In this unusually appealing guide to STEM career pathways, students will find inspiration, motivation, and useful information in equal measure.

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January 15, 2021
Brief, inspiring biographies of 12 female scientists are accompanied by interesting information on an array of scientific topics. Aerospace engineer Fletcher and novelist Rue combine forces to craft an engaging series of biographies of current female scientists working in a variety of fields. Each biography begins with a "Fact File" that includes birthplace, education, current position, and honors the subject has received. Comport's full-page portraits are complemented by snapshots of the subjects in childhood. The narrative includes information about each woman's field, what sparked her career choice, a note of advice to her childhood self, suggestions to guide STEM-focused readers, and finally, "Words To Live By"--a few last pithy bits of advice. The women run the gamut, including a forestry engineer, a computer science engineer, and a paleoclimatologist. Each chapter is followed by a couple of pages of additional science background related to the woman's work. A slightly flippant, breezy, and amusing writing style makes this an easy and engaging read. Each biography includes plenty of information about the scientist's childhood experiences, making it that much more pertinent for young readers; women of color are well represented. Altogether, it offers an invaluable and highly plausible road map from youthful ambition to future success. Outstanding backmatter rounds out this excellent presentation. A fine choice for inspiring future scientists. (glossary, tips on success in STEM, further reading, index) (Collective biography. 10-14)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 7 Up-Whether it's designing new suits for NASA, working on video game systems, or tracking an endangered species, the women profiled in this title are rockstars in their field. The 12 easy-to-read biographies detail the careers and accomplishments of each woman. Each short section features a fact file, introduction, information on what inspired the woman, her eureka moment, a note to self, a message to readers, and words to live by. Those spotlighted are from various cultures and backgrounds, such as Davina Durgana, an Indian American woman from Dix Hills, NY, who is an award-winning international human rights statistician. An illustrated portrait of the scientist is featured at the start of each entry, with photos throughout. After each section, additional information enhances readers' comprehension of the topics discussed. Chapters provide a basic overview of each woman but are not intimidating in length. This collection can spark readers to follow their passion. VERDICT Great for those looking to expand their STEM biographies and collected biography sections.-Amanda Borgia, Uniondale P.L., NY

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