Shining Star: Vera Rubin Discovers Dark Matter

by Suzanne Slade

Pioneering astronomer Vera Rubin discovers dark matter—the mysterious substance that makes up most of the universe—while confronting sexism, and paves the way for future women scientists in this engaging STEM/STEAM picture book biography.

From the moment she first looked out her window at the night sky, future astronomer Vera Rubin was star-struck. Her cosmic questions about stars, galaxies, and the universe gave Vera the drive to build her own telescope and earn multiple degrees in astronomy, despite an army of naysayers who thought women shouldn’t reach for the stars.

But Vera did reach for the stars. Studying spiral galaxies, she searched the skies all through the night, using telescopes in unheated observatories, some of which barred women until Vera insisted they let her in. And her studies revealed something evidence for the existence of dark matter, the most mysterious substance in the universe.

Today, scientists continue to build off of Vera’s groundbreaking work as they strive to better understand dark matter. A trailblazing scientist, Vera Rubin changed people’s understanding of both the universe and what a woman can do.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Biography, Childrens, Biography Memoir, History

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Sibert honoree author of more than 150 books for chlldren.

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about astronomy and how Vera's love of the stars lead to the discovery of dark matter and breaking into a male dominated field. The illustrations are such fun also.

[Mariann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I love how the picture book format made the biography of Vera Rubin accessible to all readers. I also specifically liked the direct quotes from Vera herself strewn throughout the books beautifully illustrated pages.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible, beautifully illustrated biography book about astronomer Vera Rubin and the discovery of dark matter. This is a great add to increase the female representation in your STEM bios.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Adriana Martinez Figueroa]

Thank you to PRH and Edelweiss for access to a digital e-ARC of this book!

[Le Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic intro biography and beautiful tribute to Vera! I enjoyed the artwork and loved the real quotes you included from her.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fascinating to read how Vera Rubin pursued her interests and discovered something so grand. The illustrations fit the subject and explain the matter quite well.

[Victoria B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A little heavy for younger (5U) readers but a solid read for young-to-mid elementary students.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
This picture book brings Vera Cooper Rubin to life and the challenging yet exciting times she lived in.