Double Stars: The Story of Caroline Herschel

Profiles in Science

by Padma Venkatraman

A young adult biography of British astronomer Caroline Herschel

176 pages, Library Binding

First published May 15, 2007

About the author

American author, Padma Venkatraman, has worked as chief scientist on oceanographic ships and spent time under the sea, directed a school, and lived in 5 countries. Her 5 novels, BORN BEHIND BARS, THE BRIDGE HOME, A TIME TO DANCE, ISLAND’S END and CLIMBING THE STAIRS, were released to multiple starred reviews (22 as of 8/30/21), and won numerous honors and awards (e.g. WNDB Walter Award 2020; SCBWI Golden Kite Award 2020; Paterson Prize; Julia Ward Howe Young Readers Award; South Asia Book Award; ALA, IRA Notable; Booklist, Kirkus, NYPL, Yalsa BBYA; CCBC choice; IBBY outstanding etc.). Her latest novel, BORN BEHIND BARS, a JLG selection, is available for order. She provides keynote addresses and commencement speeches, travels to international author festivals, serves on panels, does author visits and conducts workshops. Visit her at www.padmavenkatraman.com and follow her on twitter @padmatv or ig/fb venkatraman.padma

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Age of Wonder, I wanted to read more about Caroline Herschel and, well, this was the only book my local library had that centered on her. It’s more or less the same information about her as appeared in Age of Wonder, and I would highly recommend it for young girls. Think Jane Austen as a scientist to get an inkling of Miss Herschel’s wit and intelligence. Dubbed the Lady Astronomer in her day, she was the first woman in Europe to be paid for her work as a scientist. The book is the standard biography for the elementary-school set, but Caroline Herschel is worth reading about. Ten-year-old me is quite put out that there weren’t any biographies on her when I was a child. Quasi-recommended for adults; highly recommended for children.