Women in Science Who Changed the World

by Heidi Poelman, Angie Alape (Illustrator)

From the innovations of Janaki Ammal to the careful observations of Jane Goodall, Women in Science Who Changed the World  is a young child’s first introduction to the diverse, extraordinary women who used their brilliant minds to change the world of science forever. Simple text and adorable illustrations tell the contributions of eight Maria Sibylla Merian, Wang Zhenyi, Mary Anning, Marie Curie, Janaki Ammal, Katherine Johnson, Jane C. Wright, and Jane Goodall.  A quote from each scientist is included on each spread along with colorful, delightful artwork.

Genres: Childrens

16 pages, Board Book

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Heidi Poelman loves writing about inspiring people and ways to strengthen families. She is the author of several books for children, including the Little Heroes series, A is for Abinadi, A is for Adam, I Can Love Like Jesus, and Jesus Worked Miracles. She is also the author of The Two-Minute Secret to Staying in Love and A Mother's Greatest Gift. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). She lives in Utah with her best-friend husband and their four bright-eyed children. Learn more at www.heidipoelman.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this awesome board book! It spotlights women who were a huge influence in the science world. Some names I recognized like Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, and Katherine Johnson (thanks to the movie Hidden Figures), but others I was excited to learn about as well. They explored and made advances in the fields of entomology, astronomy, paleontology, botany, oncology, mathematics, conservation, physics, chemistry, and primatology. I appreciated the wide variety of fields covered, and the diversity of the many parts of the world and eras they came from. The book is perfect for a variety of ages- the introductory words are simple enough for very young learners, and the paragraphs explaining their work will be understood by older children. The quotes are inspirational, and there is a sense of celebration and encouragement for children to find joy in the world's mysteries and explore and problem solve as these women did.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[JAD AL-BJALY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed two other of Heidi Poelman's children's books, Little Heroes: Courageous People Who Changed the World and Little Heroes: Inventors Who Changed the World.

I was excited to have the chance to read and review her newest children's book, Women in Science Who Changed the World.

I have to express my awe at the beauty and detail of Angie Alape's illustrations, first of all. I love the colors and the thorough details on every page to help us get to know each woman, her interests, and her contributions to science. Even though these pictures were illustrations and not photographs, I felt like I could see inside each of these women's eyes to their dreams and desires to change the world.

The book itself was so interesting! I had heard of several of these women, but not all. It was cool to see women from different countries, backgrounds, and time periods and how they helped advance science through their curiosity and research.

I like how each woman got two pages. The first page included her name, title, a quote, and a fun fact. The second page included more details of each woman's story and how she helped advance science. I do wish that all of the entries included the country the woman was from (some did but others didn't), the time period she lived, and the definition of her title. The book seemed to progress through time, which is great. I just wish the exact years of life would have been stated.

I read the book to my 7-year-old daughter and then asked for her feedback. She said that through the book she saw how these women helped us know what we know now about science. She already knew some of the things that the women discovered and thought it was interesting how we didn’t always know those things, such as where butterflies come from or how lunar eclipses happen. 

All in all, I think this book is adorable, interesting, and a great addition to anybody's bookshelf, child or adult alike! I'm so glad I got to read it and will refer back to it, I'm sure!

[Louise Sattler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of Women in Science Who Changed the World and I simply believe this book should be on the shelves of every library to inspire children around the world. The stories are written for the average early reader with some advanced vocabulary. It would make for a great "read along" with teachers and students discussing the various women mentioned who made advancements in science. Furthermore, this title lends itself to deeper dives to learn more about the amazing women mentioned. Stories discussed women from around the globe and across the centuries.

This is a book that will be a child's and teacher's favorite. Inspirational at the very least.