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Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World
Profiles of six amazing women who defied prejudice to succeed in the sciences using genius, ambition, and perseverance! Laurie Lawlor deftly paints portraits of each of these pioneers who refused to take no for an answer, pursuing their passions through fieldwork, observations, laboratories and research vessels in the face of sexism. Lawlor tells the stories of Eugenie Clark, an ichthyologist who swam with sharks; Marie Tharp, a cartographer who mapped the ocean floor; Katherine Coleman Johnson, a mathematician who calculated trajectories for NASA flights; Florence Hawley Ellis, an anthropologist of Pueblo cultures who pioneered tree-ring dating; Gertrude Elion, a pharmacologist who developed treatments for leukemia and AIDS; and Margaret Burbidge, an astrophysicist who formulated a theory of quasars.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2017
7 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Lawlor
54 books26 followersLaurie Lawlor grew up in a family enamored with the theater. Along with her five brothers and sisters she spent summers in a summer stock repertory company in a small mountain town in Colorado that was run by their mother (costumer, cook, accountant, and resident psychiatrist) and their father (artistic director).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 7, 2017
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor tells of wonderful women that stand out in this world of men and stand out BIG! All the women are amazing in their field but when I was growing up I couldn't get enough of Genie Clark! I would read all about her adventures in kid's books and in magazines. I adored her and her accomplishments and still do. All these women deserve a great deal of respect for all they have done! Thanks NetGalley for sharing this knowledge and great book with me.
April 23, 2017
I really appreciate literature that highlights the achievements of women, especially women of color. This book focuses on six scientists from modern history: Eugenie Clark (ichthyologist), Katherine Coleman Johnson (mathematician for NASA), Gertrude Elion (pharmacologist & inventor of treatments for leukemia and AIDS), Marie Tharp (underwater cartographer), Florence Hawley Ellis (anthropologist & creator of tree ring dating, and Margaret Burbidge (astrophysicist who theorized quasars).
Each mini-biography is written with an interesting introductory scene of their most important achievement then gives a brief explanation of their lives. This is a longer read, but the women and fields of study are captivating. It’s incredible to think of how many women were able to move into scientific fields only because of WWII and the “Rosy the Riveter” era of letting women into the work force. I almost wish that this book would have focused in a little bit more on some of that background history. Also, the vocabulary is rather elevated with very few context clues or explanations, so if a younger student was reading this, they would need a lot of help. I think this would be a great read for an advanced 5th grade or middle school student. I enjoyed this and learned a lot.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Each mini-biography is written with an interesting introductory scene of their most important achievement then gives a brief explanation of their lives. This is a longer read, but the women and fields of study are captivating. It’s incredible to think of how many women were able to move into scientific fields only because of WWII and the “Rosy the Riveter” era of letting women into the work force. I almost wish that this book would have focused in a little bit more on some of that background history. Also, the vocabulary is rather elevated with very few context clues or explanations, so if a younger student was reading this, they would need a lot of help. I think this would be a great read for an advanced 5th grade or middle school student. I enjoyed this and learned a lot.
I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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December 31, 2017A marine biologist who discovered the first effective shark repellent; a biochemist who shares the honor of being one of only five women in the 87 years of its history to win a Nobel Prize in science or physiology; a “computer” by the name of Katherine Johnson whose name is now recognizable, thanks to the book and film “Hidden Figures”. Get to know the life and work of these women, along with three other scientists. A recommended read for young children, whether for a school assignment or just to broaden their awareness. Remarkable not only in what they’ve accomplished, but how for many this was done at a time when women in the field were rare, especially women of color. - Sara Z.
August 2, 2019
Written for a teen audience, this is a well done set of vignettes about scientific women I mostly hadn't heard of before.
June 2, 2017
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor profiles six amazing women who defied prejudice to succeed in the sciences using genius, ambition, and perseverance. Each of these pioneers refused to take no for an answer, pursuing their passions through fieldwork, observations, laboratories and research vessels in the face of sexism. Lawlor tells the stories of Eugenie Clark, an ichthyologist who swam with sharks; Marie Tharp, a cartographer who mapped the ocean floor; Katherine Coleman Johnson, a mathematician who calculated trajectories for NASA flights; Florence Hawley Ellis, an anthropologist of Pueblo cultures who pioneered tree-ring dating; Gertrude Elion, a pharmacologist who developed treatments for leukemia and AIDS; and Margaret Burbidge, an astrophysicist who formulated a theory of quasars.
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World is all about women that have stood out in scientific fields that are still male dominated, and stood out in very important ways. The chosen women are nicely varied, and their stories are important. The hows and whys of each of these women fighting for their place in their fields of choice, and the factors that hindered or helped their progress. I would have liked more of the background history for some of this, but still found the shared information to be interesting and important. I think each of the biographies was long enough to give a good grasp of the woman described, but none were so long or ponderous that it would lose the attention of the children that this book is marketed toward. I did find some of the vocabulary to be a little advanced for some of the younger readers that might be interested in the subject matter, with few context clues to help them figure it out, but I almost expect this in any text dealing with scientists or science history. However, to counter this- if readers take a moment there is a wonderful glossary in the back of the book the help them. I just know must of the students I work with are not likely to check for that glossary on their own.
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World is a nice selection of brief biographies of a few of the talented female scientists that have made important contributions over the years. While not a perfect text, it is a good start and can inspire young scientists and start conversations about what has, and has not, changed over the years.
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World is all about women that have stood out in scientific fields that are still male dominated, and stood out in very important ways. The chosen women are nicely varied, and their stories are important. The hows and whys of each of these women fighting for their place in their fields of choice, and the factors that hindered or helped their progress. I would have liked more of the background history for some of this, but still found the shared information to be interesting and important. I think each of the biographies was long enough to give a good grasp of the woman described, but none were so long or ponderous that it would lose the attention of the children that this book is marketed toward. I did find some of the vocabulary to be a little advanced for some of the younger readers that might be interested in the subject matter, with few context clues to help them figure it out, but I almost expect this in any text dealing with scientists or science history. However, to counter this- if readers take a moment there is a wonderful glossary in the back of the book the help them. I just know must of the students I work with are not likely to check for that glossary on their own.
Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World is a nice selection of brief biographies of a few of the talented female scientists that have made important contributions over the years. While not a perfect text, it is a good start and can inspire young scientists and start conversations about what has, and has not, changed over the years.
September 4, 2017
Cross posted from reviewer's personal GoodReads account:
Lawlor, Laurie Super Women : Six Scientists Who Changed the World, NON-FICTION. 58 pgs. Holiday House, 2017. $17.95. Content: G.
These mini-biographies would work nicely as a springboard in a career unit or a biography unit, however, although it is short it is not simple. The vocabulary is often challenging (inauspicious, heresy, inferiority), and while a glossary is included, it confines itself to scientific terms. It’s a larger format book, more the size of a picture book, but this was not used to the reader’s advantage as the photographs are neither colorful nor large. The format of the book makes it appear it is for a younger audience, but the layout and difficulty targets an older reader. Not sure where to put this - Middle School perhaps, but probably not as an independent read.
MS - OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Lawlor, Laurie Super Women : Six Scientists Who Changed the World, NON-FICTION. 58 pgs. Holiday House, 2017. $17.95. Content: G.
These mini-biographies would work nicely as a springboard in a career unit or a biography unit, however, although it is short it is not simple. The vocabulary is often challenging (inauspicious, heresy, inferiority), and while a glossary is included, it confines itself to scientific terms. It’s a larger format book, more the size of a picture book, but this was not used to the reader’s advantage as the photographs are neither colorful nor large. The format of the book makes it appear it is for a younger audience, but the layout and difficulty targets an older reader. Not sure where to put this - Middle School perhaps, but probably not as an independent read.
MS - OPTIONAL Lisa Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is an important book that needed to be written and read. It tells the story of six little known women pioneers in science. It's important that their stories are told and that girls are actively encouraged to pursue STEM careers. I really enjoyed the piece on Florence Hawley Ellis an archaeologist who pioneered dendrology (I am training to be an archaeologist!).
It is marketed at children but I would say that the use of scientific terms may make this a little hard for children to read, but there is a glossary included.
This is an important book that needed to be written and read. It tells the story of six little known women pioneers in science. It's important that their stories are told and that girls are actively encouraged to pursue STEM careers. I really enjoyed the piece on Florence Hawley Ellis an archaeologist who pioneered dendrology (I am training to be an archaeologist!).
It is marketed at children but I would say that the use of scientific terms may make this a little hard for children to read, but there is a glossary included.
August 14, 2017
I am very impressed by all six of the women included in this book. I had heard of Eugenie Clark and Katherine Johnson, but the others were to me. Each of these women had to work around the system that would have kept them from their chosen careers due to their gender, and sometimes their race, too. If you are someone who gets frustrated by stories of inequity and prejudice, then you may need to do some deep breathing while you read Super Women. Eugenie Clark was held for questioning by the FBI due to her Japanese ancestry and lost her place on a research trip to the Philippines because of it. Katherine Johnson and other African American computers had to eat in a segregated dining room at NACA. Gertrude Elion's applications to graduate school were turned down because she was a woman. Marie Tharp wasn't even allowed on ocean research vessels because she was female. Margaret Burbidge had to pretend to be her husband's research assistant to get access to Mount Wilson Observatory (although she wasn't allowed to use the restroom while she was there). And Florence Hawley Ellis had to fight against the belief that archaeology was men's work and too hot and dirty for women.
It's hard to imagine how they managed to keep their composure and accomplish all they did despite all the obstacles that were placed in their paths. Author Laurie Lawlor details the route that each woman took to make their incredible contribution to science - in drug research, zoology, research mathematics, astronomy, archaeology, and cartography. Quotes from the women, archival photos, and other background information bring their careers and personalities to life for readers. Back matter includes a glossary, source notes, index, and photo credits. A welcome addition to biographies of famous scientists.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
It's hard to imagine how they managed to keep their composure and accomplish all they did despite all the obstacles that were placed in their paths. Author Laurie Lawlor details the route that each woman took to make their incredible contribution to science - in drug research, zoology, research mathematics, astronomy, archaeology, and cartography. Quotes from the women, archival photos, and other background information bring their careers and personalities to life for readers. Back matter includes a glossary, source notes, index, and photo credits. A welcome addition to biographies of famous scientists.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
June 11, 2017
The six scientists who are featured in this collection of mini biographies are: Eugenie Clark - a zoologist who specialized in sea life and discovered the first effective shark repellent; Gertrude Elion - a chemist who was a pioneer in drug development and even won a Nobel Prize; Katherine Coleman Johnson who worked as a computer for the space program and was instrumental in many of the early space flights being successful; Marie Tharp who mapped the ocean floor; Florence Hawley Ellis an archaeologist, anthropologist and ethnologist who studied the ancient inhabitants of North America; and Eleanor Margaret Burbidge - an astronomer who was a pioneer in her field and developed equipment that could record a quasar.
These mini-biographies would work nicely as a springboard in a career unit or a biography unit, however, although it is short it is not simple. The vocabulary is often challenging (inauspicious, heresy, inferiority), and while a glossary is included, it confines itself to scientific terms. It’s a larger format book, more the size of a picture book, but this was not used to the reader’s advantage as the photographs are neither colorful nor large. The format of the book makes it appear it is for a younger audience, but the layout and difficulty targets an older reader. Not sure where to put this - Middle School perhaps, but probably not as an independent read.
These mini-biographies would work nicely as a springboard in a career unit or a biography unit, however, although it is short it is not simple. The vocabulary is often challenging (inauspicious, heresy, inferiority), and while a glossary is included, it confines itself to scientific terms. It’s a larger format book, more the size of a picture book, but this was not used to the reader’s advantage as the photographs are neither colorful nor large. The format of the book makes it appear it is for a younger audience, but the layout and difficulty targets an older reader. Not sure where to put this - Middle School perhaps, but probably not as an independent read.
May 31, 2017
What do an ichthyologist, a cartographer, a mathematician, and anthropologist, and a pharmacologist have in common? In this book, they share the fact that they are women. Further, some of them are women of color, a double-whammy in the world of science. But none of them let these facts hold them back.
I found this book fascinating, engrossing, and completely engaging. I loved how the author painted these women as real women with real desires facing real challenges of discrimination. From not even being hired because a woman in the work environment would be too “distracting” to be excluded from meetings because a woman couldn’t possible understand what was being discussed, each of these women met the challenges and proved that women can indeed think and solve huge problems. Each one overcame huge obstacles to become exceptional.
This book is rated as ages 8-12, grades 3-7, but even high schooler and college women would benefit from reading it. It would be a great springboard to further research or simply a pleasant inspirational read. I plan on getting this book for my own teen daughters, even though neither of them are scientifically inclined. I feel that the inspirational value alone is completely worth it!
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
I found this book fascinating, engrossing, and completely engaging. I loved how the author painted these women as real women with real desires facing real challenges of discrimination. From not even being hired because a woman in the work environment would be too “distracting” to be excluded from meetings because a woman couldn’t possible understand what was being discussed, each of these women met the challenges and proved that women can indeed think and solve huge problems. Each one overcame huge obstacles to become exceptional.
This book is rated as ages 8-12, grades 3-7, but even high schooler and college women would benefit from reading it. It would be a great springboard to further research or simply a pleasant inspirational read. I plan on getting this book for my own teen daughters, even though neither of them are scientifically inclined. I feel that the inspirational value alone is completely worth it!
I gratefully received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 21, 2017
Six short biographies (about ten pages each) of ground-breaking women of science are presented. All were born in the first two decades of the twentieth century between 1906 and 1922. Though they represent widely differing fields and accomplishments, all overcame gender-based obstacles to have a career as a woman scientist at that time. They are: Katherine Coleman Johnson (NASA mathematician), Eugenie Clark (underwater research), Gertrude Elion (Nobel Prize for pharmaceutical research), Marie Tharp (first cartographer to map the ocean floor), Florence Hawley Ellis (archaeologist), and Eleanor Margaret Burbidge (astronomer). It is unfortunate that the captions on the photographs were written in script so small as to be almost illegible. Also, books with all black and white photos like this one tend to be a tough sell. It is a shame because Lawlor writes in such an engaging way. She provides anecdotes about situations the women faced in their male-dominated fields, such as women astronomers who were denied access to specialized telescopes so that “male astronomers would not be bothered by wives or families,” and ultimately, she has written a book that could inspire a new generation of young scientists.
June 30, 2017
In this book, Lawlor presents six stories of women whose drive for discovery led them tounprecedented success in scientific fields – ranging from anthropology to astronomy – that wereunwelcoming to women. Part biography, part history of science, each chapter uses the curiosityof the scientist as its focal point, drawing in readers with the force of each scientist’s personalityand keeping them with details of the discoveries she made. This well-researched book providescitations for its quotes and information, rendering it a useful catalyst for further reading bybudding scientists. Each chapter devotes some attention to the discrimination these scientistsfaced for their gender and, in some cases, their non-white ethnicity. However, each chapter alsomentions the determination with which the scientists responded to discrimination and helpfulmentors who encouraged them in their careers. Though the book is primarily aimed at girls,anyone interested in the history of science may enjoy this book.
May 15, 2017
6 women scientists that made great discoveries and have made a huge impact on the world (whether we knew about them or not) - and not one of them is Marie Curie! 1) Katherine Coleman Johnson (made famous by the Hidden Figures movie): mathematician for NASA, 2) Eugenie Clark: aka The Shark Lady, ichthyologist and underwater explorer, 3) Gertrude Elion: won a Nobel prize for her discoveries in medicine, 4) Marie Tharp: created accurate and beautiful maps of the ocean floor, 5) Florence Hawley Ellis: archeologist and anthropologist of SW United States, 6) Eleanor Margaret Burbidge: astronomer who discovered new information about galaxies and quasars.
*One woman is Japanese-American and one is African-American, another bonus for diversity.
*One woman is Japanese-American and one is African-American, another bonus for diversity.
May 18, 2017
I really liked this book, about six women I knew nothing about. They were pioneers in their fields as scientists and as women. Each section is a great introduction to each woman and her work. The one criticism I have it that the pictures of Katherine Coleman Johnson are in black and white, as are all the photos, but it's not obvious she's a black woman. She was facing even more barriers because she was black as well as a woman.
June 16, 2017
4.5 stars // Even though this book was a good bit above a five year old's reading and comprehension level, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with Willow. I LOVED the message it sends - to work hard, fight, and never give up on your dreams. The women in this book were nothing short of amazing and inspiring and I think it's so important to show kids that gender and race should never limit or determine one's potential.
October 19, 2017
Super Women is about extraordinary women who left their footprints in History. We learn how these women were instrumental in many things we now appreciate.
Super Women is a great reminder of what women can accomplish if they stick to their plan and not wait for opportunities to fall in their laps but to be courageous and make their own opportunities.
Super Women was an inspiring read.
Super Women is a great reminder of what women can accomplish if they stick to their plan and not wait for opportunities to fall in their laps but to be courageous and make their own opportunities.
Super Women was an inspiring read.
May 23, 2018
I’m glad I took this opportunity to learn about the lives and work of these incredible female scientists. I think that my tastes requires a longer story with more for me to connect to emotionally. However, this would make for a quick, informative read for anyone interested in women’s rights and science.
August 22, 2023
For a middle and high school targeted audience I appreciate the bibliography and endnotes included in the book. I learned a lot about women I didn't even know about and new things about women I had heard of!
July 3, 2017
Excellent biography source about six women I did not know much about. Inspiring.
November 19, 2017
Always good to read inspirational profiles of strong, talented women who persevered and succeeded in spite of obstacles along the way. Women strong!
November 16, 2020
Excellent!
Want to read
April 1, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
May 21, 2017
** I received an uneditied proof of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Super Women by Laurie Lawlor shares biographies of six female scientists, whose discoveries have had an immeasurable impact on the world, but due to their gender, have been forgotten by history.
This book includes biographies about Shark expert Eugenie Clark, Medical researcher Gertrude Elion and NASA ‘computer’ Katherine Coleman Johnson.
Why did I pick this book up?
I have a number of older students who have a great interest in science.
I also enjoy reading about lesser known historical figures, especially women. The title was also intriguing.
Did I enjoy it?
I did! The biographies were long enough that I got a good understanding of each of the women without being overwhelmed. It was written with an engaging narrative, which made me feel like I really understood what each woman went through and read more like fiction than fact.
How could I use it in my teaching?
I have already recommended this book to my students, due to the scientific information they can learn from the book and allow them to encounter the discrimination faced by women just for pursuing their passions and interests.
Did I learn something?
So much. Not just about the work that the women did and how important they are to the scientific world, but also the struggle they faced just being women in their field. I cannot believe women were turned away from scholarships and doctorates because they were a woman and it was expected they would soon be off to get married and have children.
Did it have good representation?
Yes. The book included a black woman, (and the double discrimination of being both black and a woman was highlighted in the text), a Japanese American woman (again, the book mentions the added discrimination she faced as a mixed race woman in America after Pearl Harbour) and a Mexican woman.
Anything else?
The glossary at the back of the book was so helpful. I didn’t do so well in Science whilst at school so that really helped understand some of the more scientific terms.
This book is also so well researched, the sources at the end and quotes are amazing.
Super Women by Laurie Lawlor shares biographies of six female scientists, whose discoveries have had an immeasurable impact on the world, but due to their gender, have been forgotten by history.
This book includes biographies about Shark expert Eugenie Clark, Medical researcher Gertrude Elion and NASA ‘computer’ Katherine Coleman Johnson.
Why did I pick this book up?
I have a number of older students who have a great interest in science.
I also enjoy reading about lesser known historical figures, especially women. The title was also intriguing.
Did I enjoy it?
I did! The biographies were long enough that I got a good understanding of each of the women without being overwhelmed. It was written with an engaging narrative, which made me feel like I really understood what each woman went through and read more like fiction than fact.
How could I use it in my teaching?
I have already recommended this book to my students, due to the scientific information they can learn from the book and allow them to encounter the discrimination faced by women just for pursuing their passions and interests.
Did I learn something?
So much. Not just about the work that the women did and how important they are to the scientific world, but also the struggle they faced just being women in their field. I cannot believe women were turned away from scholarships and doctorates because they were a woman and it was expected they would soon be off to get married and have children.
Did it have good representation?
Yes. The book included a black woman, (and the double discrimination of being both black and a woman was highlighted in the text), a Japanese American woman (again, the book mentions the added discrimination she faced as a mixed race woman in America after Pearl Harbour) and a Mexican woman.
Anything else?
The glossary at the back of the book was so helpful. I didn’t do so well in Science whilst at school so that really helped understand some of the more scientific terms.
This book is also so well researched, the sources at the end and quotes are amazing.
April 1, 2018
Laurie Lawlor writes the most interesting books about nonfiction topics! In this time of women's issues and the need to honor women throughout history, she shares the biographic stories about six scientists who changed the world. These women all faced sexism and achieved success even when they were discriminated against in their lives. Included are a scuba diver scientist, a Nobel Prize winner for physiology/medicine, a mathematician, geologist, astronomer, and an archeologist. This fascinating book will hold the attention of students, ages 12 and up. The photographs, glossary, source information, and index add to the validity of the author's extensive research.
March 27, 2017
These six women have fascinating life-stories, but unfortunately this book is not particularly well written.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
April 22, 2017
Brief, engaging introductions that will hopefully encourage readers to dig deeper into the lives and achievements of these remarkable women.
April 27, 2017
Wow! With clear, crisp and compelling text the author draws readers into the lives of six exceptional women who had to fight for their place in the sun. Eugenie Clark, Gertrude Elion, Katherine Coleman Johnson, Marie Tharp, Florence Hawley Ellis, and Eleanor Margaret Burbidge are givens star treatment here in individual chapters. Readers learn about their youth and upbringing, their education, challenges they faced both in their work and as women in their male-dominated fields. Racial discrimination could also be a factor. Yet the sheer fortitude of these scientists, in refusing to give up their dreams and conform, paved the way for other women. This is fascinating, and the book merits a place in all secondary and public libraries.
April 30, 2017
'Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World' by Laurie Lawlor is a book for middle school readers that gives short biographies on six amazing women.
Included in the book are the bios of Eugenie Clark, who swam with sharks, and Katherine Coleman Johnson, one of the human computers at NASA, whose story was told as part of the recent film Hidden Figures. Marie Tharp mapped the ocean floor, Florence Hawley Ellis was an archaeologist and anthropologist of Pueblo cultures. Gertrude Elion worked on treatments for leukemia and AIDS and won the Nobel Prize. Margaret Burbidge was an astrophysicist in an era when women weren't even allowed to use some of the larger observatories.
It becomes apparent that these are women who overcame adversity. Many also benefitted from World War II, when women of their skills were suddenly given opportunities. Many of them had trouble working in their field or even getting in to the classes they needed. All of them made significant findings in their field.
I've read a few books on S.T.E.M. and many of them feel a bit uninspired. This is the sort of thing that could inspire a young person to look to these fields and see the people who have gone on before them.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Included in the book are the bios of Eugenie Clark, who swam with sharks, and Katherine Coleman Johnson, one of the human computers at NASA, whose story was told as part of the recent film Hidden Figures. Marie Tharp mapped the ocean floor, Florence Hawley Ellis was an archaeologist and anthropologist of Pueblo cultures. Gertrude Elion worked on treatments for leukemia and AIDS and won the Nobel Prize. Margaret Burbidge was an astrophysicist in an era when women weren't even allowed to use some of the larger observatories.
It becomes apparent that these are women who overcame adversity. Many also benefitted from World War II, when women of their skills were suddenly given opportunities. Many of them had trouble working in their field or even getting in to the classes they needed. All of them made significant findings in their field.
I've read a few books on S.T.E.M. and many of them feel a bit uninspired. This is the sort of thing that could inspire a young person to look to these fields and see the people who have gone on before them.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
May 1, 2017
All six of the scientists featured here were ground breakers in their fields as they had to content with archaic attitudes about the role of women in the work place. All of them are certainly worth knowing more about. It is easy to see how youngsters growing up today can draw inspiration from the experiences of Katherine Coleman Johnson, NASA mathematician; Eugenie Clark, intrepid lover of sharks and diving; Gertrude Elion, medical innovator; Marie Tharp, charter of the floor of the ocean; Florence Hawley Ellis, archaeologist who respected the traditions of the present as well as those of the past; and Eleanor Margaret Burbidge, astronomer. This collective biography contains photographs of these six women while the text highlights their accomplishments and the struggles they faced as they tried to achieve their dreams. It makes me wince to think that women were once kept out of labs or work places because they were considered too distracting or that women were not allowed to use lab equipment or even telescopes. Stories such as these need to be told, and lessons learned about how to nurture brilliant minds that could change the world, just as these six did. The author provides just enough details to encourage curiosity in readers and encourage them to find out more. All of them seemed to have lived rich, full lives, continuing to take risks as they grew older and living life on their own terms. This is a good introductory text for a science classroom and a vivid reminder of how much things have changed.
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March 16, 2019A marine biologist who discovered the first effective shark repellent; a biochemist who shares the honor of being one of only five women in the 87 years of its history to win a Nobel Prize in science or physiology; a “computer” by the name of Katherine Johnson whose name is now recognizable, thanks to the book and film “Hidden Figures”. Get to know the life and work of these women, along with three other scientists. A recommended read for young children, whether for a school assignment or just to broaden their awareness. Remarkable not only in what they’ve accomplished, but how for many this was done at a time when women in the field were rare, especially women of color.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews