Marie Curie: A Brilliant Life

by Elizabeth MacLeod

As a poor student in Paris, Marie Curie piled clothes -- and furniture -- on top of herself to keep warm at night. But Marie went on to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize -- and also the first person to win this award twice. Marie Curie's discoveries in radiation changed the world. She became one of the most important women in science and her research is still important to scientists and doctors today. Radiation is used as a treatment for cancer and to produce electricity, kill organisms that spoil food and detect smoke in homes. This book in the Images of People and Places in History series introduces one of the most important women in science and her inspiring life.

Genres: Science, Biography, History, Nonfiction, School, Historical, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Elizabeth MacLeod was born on October 21 in Toronto. As a child Liz liked to read Nancy Drew and Anne of Green Gables books, swim, sing, dance, and hang out with her friends. Encouraged by her parents, she began writing stories and poetry for her own enjoyment at the age of 10, her favorite subjects being mad scientists and tyrants who threatened to take over the world.

Today Liz is inspired by almost anything--her friends, reading, and the funny, beautiful world around her. Her first job in publishing was at OWL magazine, and Liz credits editor Sylvia Funston as one of her mentors. Liz also names Valerie Wyatt, a writer and editor, as an important influence on her work, as well as a good friend.

An avid reader, Liz enjoyed digging up amazing facts and researching historic royals and their countries and customs for Royal Murder (2008). She encourages anyone with a desire to write to "just do it." Even if no one ever reads it, the joy that comes from expressing yourself through words is reward enough. Liz adds that writing takes practice, and with each day you are bound to improve.

Liz lives in Toronto with her husband, Paul, and their two cats, Smedley and Cosmo.

She enjoys keeping active, spending time with friends, music, theater, and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Liz plans to continue writing about a broad spectrum of topics in both fiction and non-fiction, and would like to work on more picture books in the future.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.- Marie Curie

Every time I read about Marie Curie I'm just astounded. She's just stunning. From her humble beginnings, to sneaking to the traveling school, to paying for her sister to go to college in France, and then earning enough money for herself - stunning.

A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting natural phenomena that impress him as though they were fairy tales. - Marie Curie

Marie and Pierre had a love story for the ages. How lovely would that be to find someone who cared about your passions as much as you did? I loved how they supported each other and Pierre never made Marie take a backseat to his career. They were equals in every sense.

Marie was the first woman to earn two Nobel Prizes and she and her daughter were the only mother/daughter pair to each win a Nobel Prize. Marie was so brilliant.

Loved the way this book was formatted. It was easy to read and look at. Great introduction for young readers.

[Krisanne Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

How cool was Marie Curie? Bless her heart, she had no idea that the radium she discovered and was experimenting with was killing her. This is a 32 page book, and I learned so much about her and her family in that short time. Awesome quick read to read while you are waiting for a table at a busy restaurant. That's what I did!

[MAReK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extra note: When Marie wanted to attend univeristy Poland was under Russian occupation. Right after gaining its independence in 1918 women in Poland have full rights (voting, studying etc.)

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fascinating life of a fascinating woman in 32 pages. Inspiring!

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and well organized with plenty of actual photos to accompany the textual information.

[Eliza Fitzgerald]

I decided to pick this biography for year 5. It's a very similar vibe to the one about Alexander Bell recommended by AO.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book on the life and work of Marie Curie. It has lots and lots of pictures, maps, narrative and fun facts. It is a long and possibly difficult read. At the end there is a timeline of her life. There is also a section of places you can go to learn more about her. And an index.

[Jazmen Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very interesting.You could learn so many things about somebody you never knew excisted.There are very interesting facts about here and her family.I would recommend this book to anybody who loves science.This book has many exciting facts.My favorite was the ending. It gave so many new facts i didnt know excisted.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great biography for kids with smaller text box throughout pages. Contains several illustrations and contains several aspects of Marie Curie's life.