Caroline's Comets: A True Story

by Emily Arnold McCully

With courage and confidence, Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) becomes the first woman professional scientist and one of the greatest astronomers who ever lived.

Born the youngest daughter of a poor family in Hanover, Germany, Caroline was scarred from smallpox, stunted from typhus, and used by her parents as a scullery maid. But when her favorite brother, William, left for England, he took her with him. The siblings shared a passion for stars, and together they built the greatest telescope of their age, working tirelessly on star charts.

Using their telescope, Caroline discovered fourteen nebulae and two galaxies, was the first woman to discover a comet, and became the first woman officially employed as a scientist--by no less than the King of England. The information from the Herschels' star catalogs is still used by space agencies today.

The book includes excerpts from Caroline Herschel's autobiography.

A 2018 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.

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

36 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2017

About the author

Emily Arnold McCully received the Caldecott Medal for Mirette on the High Wire. The illustrator of more than 40 books for young readers, she divides her time between Chatham, New York, and New York City.

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading biographies of women discovering new and amazing things in different branches of science. I'd never heard of Caroline Herschel before this book, while I was slightly familiar with her brother William's discoveries.
The Herschel family lived in Hanover Germany, where Caroline was born in 1750. She later joined her brother William in England as his housekeeper while he taught music. The siblings were fascinated by the night sky, and spent many nights looking up and speculating about the constellations.
After she and William created the world's best telescope (at that time), he discovered Uranus. King George was so impressed that he made William the Royal Astronomer. The siblings continued their astronomical studies together, with William teaching her math so she could calculate star positions. As assistant-astronomer, she found several objects, including nebulae and galaxies. She also discovered a comet, called "the Lady's Comet"; this discovery made her famous, and she was eventually able to secure a salary from King George, becoming a professional scientist. Caroline continued making discoveries for years after.
What's pretty neat about this little biography is the tiny excerpts from Caroline's journals; I was also a little amused at how the author pointed out that even though Caroline was a full partner in the siblings' astronomical studies, she still ran William's household, and still made significant discoveries of her own.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book biography of the first known professional woman scientist (paid by King George), this "Hunter of Comets" helped her brother to fame and then found her own. The note afterward tells how she was consulted by scientists until her death and how she was an Honorary Fellow of England's Royal Astronomical Society and the first woman awarded its Gold Medal. She also wrote an "outspoken" autobiography that I might look up.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Caroline Herschel, a German girl who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and became known for her contributions to the field of astronomy. As a child she contracted smallpox, which left her face scarred and stunted her growth. Her parents basically treated her like a maid, so when her beloved brother William offered to let her live with him in England, she jumped at the chance. Oddly, William had to pay his family to hire another maid to replace Caroline, and yet, when she came to live with William, she served as his housekeeper, which is essentially the same thing. She quickly became as enthused as her brother with astronomy, and helped him with his observations. William discovered the planet Uranus, and went on to discover nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and comets, all previously unknown. She became the first female professional scientist when she received a salary from the King.

McCully provides a glossary and timeline, as well as a list of further reading, at the back of the book. Throughout the book she quotes from Caroline's autobiography, which I have put on my reading list. Young girls interested in STEM careers should read this. Highly recommended!

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic new offering by Emily Arnold McCully. A great picture book biography.

[Oliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up from our local library in my never-ending quest to find more kids’ books about real-life, non-princess female role models for my daughter. Caroline Herschel was the first professional female scientist and discovered many comets (earning her the title Hunter of Comets). The book also paints a picture of her being pretty under appreciated by her brother, which gives it kind of a weird vibe (I’m not saying they shouldn’t have drawn any attention to this, just that the book makes mention of her cleaning his equipment and house so many times that it felt like the authors were trying to make William look like he was taking advantage of his sister’s eagerness/loyalty, which felt unnecessary to me).

The biggest strike against the book, however, is just that it isn’t the most kid-friendly. Now, my kids are probably younger than the intended age, but I still think the amount and density of the text would make even older elementary school kids lose interest. I read it to my kids almost a week ago, and they still haven’t asked me to read it again (unlike other books we checked out from the library at the same time). Maybe two stars is harsh, but it doesn’t work as education or inspiration if the text isn’t captivating, and yes, even nonfiction can be interesting for children.

[R. G. Nairam]

Maybe Caroline lived with her brother so long (and was buried with a lock of his hair and all) because she loved him? Not just because he needed a housekeeper before getting married?

I don't know, the tone of this was just really strange at times. Even the note in the back seem to disprove what the text of the book was suggesting--that her brother kept her around to do a bunch of unpleasant stuff he didn't want to. You can talk about inequality of the sexes without framing their relationship so harshly at all times.

I will admit I don't know anything about the subject, but the facts given in the book don't seem to quite line up with the tone of the text.

[Tegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another person I had never heard about before! Caroline overcame so much and was able to accomplish so much! I am glad that she got the recognition she deserved and that the King gave her the same honor as her brother. I will always think of her when I hear comets now! Read for Info Books for Youth for grad school.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy read to us while we were all sick. Great living book...krb 4/6/17

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline was a persistent and amazing person. I was surprised that this book fell a little flat for me. I felt it was more about her brother, William. Perhaps McCully did this intentionally in an attempt to show how overshadowed she was due to illness, gender, societal norms, etc., but her highlights, her comets, her ultimate triumph only came up on the last page or so.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting beginning biography on someone unknown to most people. Caroline Herschel's life was overshadowed by her more famous brother and she was content to have it that way apparently. She did eventually insist on getting a separate salary from the King of England for her work in astronomy. She specialized in finding comets and found quite a number. In addition she helped her brother William in his astronomy work such as finding Uranus and methodically sweeping the sky for more discoveries. After her brother died she returned to Hanover where she lived until age 98. It was not clear whether she retired from Astronomy at that point or not.

McCulley wrote a quietly feminist book, mentioning that she had to knit two years of socks for her family before they let her go to England with William and that William also had to pay for a housekeeper before the family was satisfied to let her go. There was also that comment about getting a salary from the King which made her the first professional woman scientist.

This is a great introduction to Astronomy for young students as well as a perfect book to pull out during Women's History month. The illustrations also done by McCulley are well done as well. Recommended.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author/illustrator reports that, in 1786, Caroline Herschel became the first woman to discover a comet. She was also the first woman ever to be paid for scientific research. This book tells the story of how Caroline overcame the obstacles of her childhood to accomplish so much as an adult. There is also text in italics throughout the story, providing excerpts from Caroline Herschel's correspondence and later memoir.

Caroline was born in 1750 in Hanover, now in Germany but then ruled by Britain. As a child Caroline contracted typhus which left her with vision loss in one eye and stunted growth. Then she got smallpox, which scarred her face. Her mother thought no one would ever marry her, so she trained her to be a house servant. Since her brother William needed a housekeeper when he moved to England, he took Caroline with him.

William was fascinated by the stars, so at night,“by way of relaxation, we talked of astronomy…” He decided to build a telescope to look at the stars, and as with everything else, Caroline helped him. The author writes:

“Their first telescope was five feet long, with a six-inch mirror that magnified 6,000 times! William would look through the telescope and call out his observations, and Caroline wrote them down.”

It was William who discovered the new planet Uranus, a discovery which made him famous.

King George III appointed William to be Court Astronomer, and William asked Caroline to accompany him and help. Once again, she complied. William went on to build first a twenty-foot, then a forty-foot telescope. As before, he would make observations and call them down to Caroline, although with the larger telescope, instead of shouting down at Caroline, William would call out to her through a speaking tube.

William also made Caroline her own small telescope and taught her math so she could better calculate the positions of stars. She wrote:

“I found I was to be trained for an assistant-astronomer . . . I was ‘to sweep for comets.’”

In 1783, Caroline discovered fourteen new nebulae and star clusters and two new galaxies. As the author observes: “All this time, Caroline also did needlework and sewing, kept William’s accounts and cleaned all the equipment.”

In 1786, when William was off on a trip to Europe, Caroline discovered a comet. It was called “The Lady’s Comet,” and made Caroline the second famous Herschel. The King officially hired Caroline as well, making her the first woman ever to receive wages for doing science. Thereafter she discovered even more comets along with other objects in the sky. McCully writes:

“Her celebrity spread even farther and caused a worldwide enthusiasm for comets. Caroline Herschel has been known ever since as the Hunter of Comets.”

She was the first woman to be awarded a Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society (1828), and to be named an Honorary Member of the Royal Astronomical Society (1835, along with Mary Somerville). She was also named an honorary member of the Royal Irish Academy (1838). The King of Prussia presented her with a Gold Medal for Science on the occasion of her 96th birthday (1846).

Her tombstone inscription reads, "The eyes of her who is glorified here below turned to the starry heavens.” Along with her brother, she discovered over 2400 astronomical objects over twenty years.

At the end of the book, there is an Author’s Note, bibliography, glossary, and timeline.

McCully’s watercolor-and-ink illustrations reflect the author’s research into period images, bringing the historical era of Caroline’s time to life.

Evaluation: One suspects Caroline Herschel’s entire life provided one obstruction after another. And yet, she persisted!

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cool historical fiction. Good book to read for the battle of the books.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always on the outlook for stories about groundbreakers, and I was delighted to find this one featuring a woman whose story even most adults have probably never heard. It's a shame because her story is fascinating. Relying on excerpts from her subject's diary and luminous illustrations, created with pen, ink, and watercolor, the author-illustrator tells the story of Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet way back in 1786. Born to a father who was a musician and a mother who felt that girls should lead traditional lives in their German home, Caroline had always been fascinated by the stars. Because of her size and facial scars due to illness, she was relegated to the role of family maid. Even when her older brother William brought her to England where he had moved, she still worked as his housekeeper while being increasingly involved in his musical endeavors and his efforts to build a telescope. The details about the painstaking labor that went into its construction and some of their mishaps once they had succeeded and moved on crafting a twenty-foot telescope are fascinating and a bit gruesome as Caroline was injured and yet still kept working. In the end, the siblings both gained a measure of fame. The text and the back matter make me even more curious about this woman and delighted to share it with my students. It makes a worthy inclusion in a collection devoted to astronomy or to women who broke barriers. It's hard not to wonder about the role of women back when Caroline was growing up and how she maintained her curiosity and persistence despite the way her family treated her.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging and relatable picture book biography of Caroline Herschel, who born in 1750 in Germany. Using entries from Herschel's memoirs and correspondence, McCully tells of Herschel's life, starting from a childhood where she suffered typhus and smallpox and served as the family's scullery maid and knitter of everyone's socks. She eventually joined her favorite brother William in England, assisting him in his job as a professional musician and teacher. The brother and sister became fascinated by the stars and, together, built the most successful telescope ever constructed.  Caroline and William discovered thousands of nebulae, many comets and several planets. Caroline was eventually appointed by King George III as England's first professional woman scientist. Throughout it all, she kept house and knitted socks! As in all her works, McCully's ink and watercolor art perfectly captures the historical setting as well as imparting the happy and sad moments of Herschel's life. I like that readers will see this interesting historical figure grow from a beleaguered child to a successful scientist, who was eventually known as the Hunter of Comets. She made the most of what was available to her as a woman in the 18th century. Includes extensive back matter, including bibliography, glossary and timeline.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful bio about a lesser known historical figure – Caroline Herschel who collaborated with her brother, “making astronomy a modern science with their rigorous observations and calculus” (author’s note, p. 30). BUT WOW – she did this while also keeping house for her brother including spoon feeding him when he was lost in his work and reading to him. Good grief. When her brother married, she refused his offer to become a paid assistant of his and requested that King George III hire her just as he had William which he did! Kudos to this strong woman!!!! Thank you to McCully, the author and illustrator, for not saying “She was strong, “She was courageous,” etc. but instead showing us how this was so very true through words (including quotes from primary sources written by Herschel) and supportive (even emotive) illustrations.

Great for an INTERACTIVE READ ALOUD for grades k-3 and even higher if it ties into your science content. Questions for conversation –
• If we define perseverance as continuing to do something or try to do something even though it’s difficult, would you describe Caroline Herschel as perseverant? Why or why not? What in the story makes you think so?
• What obstacles did Herschel overcome in her pursuit of becoming an astronomer?
• How did Herschel and her brother collaborate? Why was their collaboration so powerful?
• How did Herschel influence the field of astronomy? What did she do that made a difference? (See the author’s note for more support.)

I'd PAIR THIS BOOK WITH OTHER BIOS ABOUT STRONG WOMEN IN STEM FIELDS LIKE-
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (Robeson, 2019), Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain (Bardoe, 2018), Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles (Valdez, 2018),
Counting on Katherine (Becker, 2018)
Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? (2013)
Guiding questions for thinking across these titles might be, "How did these women persevere?" and "Why was it important that they persevered? How was the world changed as a result?" I've also reviewed each of these. Look for my goodreads shelf "bio-strong-women" at https://www.goodreads.com/review/list....

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline's Comets: A True Story is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. It is a biographical picture book of a Victorian-era scientist Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet.

March, at least in my part of the world is Women's History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.

Caroline Lucretia Herschel was a German astronomer, whose most significant contributions to astronomy were the discoveries of several comets, including the periodic comet 35P/Herschel–Rigollet, which bears her name. She was the younger sister of astronomer William Herschel, with whom she worked throughout her career.

The text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Caroline's own words, appearing as italicized excerpts from her autobiography, enhance by McCully's straightforward narrative. Back matter includes a bibliography, glossary, and a timeline. Dynamic pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations reveal a diminutive yet determined Caroline.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. From inauspicious beginnings as a housekeeper and stocking knitter for her family, Caroline goes on to live with her astronomer brother in England and make valuable contributions to the field. Despite the social constraints placed on unmarried women in the 18th century, Caroline thrives and achieves, becoming one of the first professional female scientists.

All in all, Caroline's Comets: A True Story is an inspiring tale of scientific discovery despite obstacles, with a feminist point of view.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author and illustrator Emily Arnold McCully brings life to the inspiring true story of Caroline Herschel. She was born in the 1750s in Germany. As a child, she gets typhus, stunting her growth, followed by smallpox, which scars her face. In a family of musicians, she performs housekeeping duties. At the age of 22, she moves to England at the invitation of her brother William, a successful musician. He teaches her to sing with his chorus, and she becomes popular and earns her own money while performing housekeeping chores for him. Both Herschels are interested in astronomy, and she assists William when he invents a magnificent telescope. He discovers the planet Uranus, triggers worldwide interest in astronomy, and receives a salary as King George's Astronomer. William's musical career ends and so does Caroline's salary. Her brother then builds a larger telescope with her help. He makes a smaller telescope for Caroline and teaches her math, so she can calculate the positions of stars. She is trained to be an assistant astronomer to sweep for comets and discovers fourteen previously unknown nebulae, star clusters, and two new galaxies while doing housekeeping duties. While William is away, she discovers a comet, the "Lady's Comet," and becomes famous. William marries and doesn't need Caroline as his housekeeper. He offers to pay her as his assistant. She refuses and wants a salary from the King, like her brother gets. The King agrees, and Caroline becomes the first professional woman scientist and discoverer of eight comets. Back matter contains a bibliography with four books and internet sites with more information, a glossary with scientific definitions, and a timeline. Excellent writing & illustrations for an elementary school reader interested in science!

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing true story about Caroline Herschel who was born in 1750 in Germany. She was 14 years younger than one of her brothers, the one who most cared about her. Because of contracting typhus when she was 10 years old, Caroline's growth was stunted; then her face was scarred from smallpox. Her parents believed she would never be married so taught her practical skills and she became their scullery maid.
William had better plans for his sister. He had moved to England to avoid fighting in the war, and several years after it was over he invited Caroline to move there with him. They both were interested in astronomy so William got Caroline to help him build a telescope.
It's amazing to think about how hard it was to do such things then. This story touches on the highlights of their conviction, determination, passion for their work, and their astounding accomplishments, inventions, and discoveries which made them world famous and appreciated.
Caroline because the first professional woman scientist and became known as the Hunter of Comets.

Very well written; fabulous illustrations. In the back pages are a Note with more interesting information, a bibliography, a glossary, and a timeline.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women's stories are often of their struggles to follow their dreams, use the talents they have despite the naysayers, despite sometimes also fulfilling the stereotypical female roles. Caroline Herschel lived from 1750 to 1848, became a great astronomer and the first woman to be paid for her discoveries. She had a tough upbringing, was scarred by smallpox and her growth was stunted by typhus. Her parents thought she would never be attractive enough to marry and used her as their maid. Thankfully, her brother William, one with whom she had a close relationship, left for England (from Germany) and he took Caroline with him. They shared an intense interest in the stars and together built a great telescope, worked to create numerous star charts. Their discoveries were many. Caroline was the first woman to discover a comet! The book by Emily Arnold McCully shares a story of someone who worked tirelessly because of her interest, knowledge, and passion. The Herschels' star catalogs are still used by space agencies today. Added information is in the backmatter, including an author’s note, a bibliography, a glossary, and a timeline.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating biography of a 'prickly' astronomer who became famous for discovering comets. The narrative describes the difficult beginnings of Caroline Herschel's life and her escape from household servitude with her family in Germany to life in England with her brother.

Childhood illnesses scarred her face and stunted her growth and her family expected her to remain unmarried and uneducated, simply becoming a maid and servant in her own home.

Instead, she became a singer, an astronomer, and inventor, while still performing domestic duties for her beloved brother, William. Her steadfast dedication and enthusiasm for scientific discoveries shines in this picture book.

And the pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations truly capture the myriad emotions Caroline experiences throughout. I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it for those who are looking for a biography of a female scientist and discoverer.

[Karen Gedeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline’s Comets: a true story written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully – few people in today’s age have heard of Caroline Herschel, but her contribution to astronomy is incredible. Born in 1750, Caroline had little chance of doing more than “ladies work” until her brother William, a musician and astronomer, brought her to England to share his passions and take care of his home. The two of them built telescopes, discovered celestial objects and at different time were King George III’s Astronomer. In a time of no woman’s rights and overcoming many physical odds, Caroline Herschel proved to many that a woman’s work can be where ever she wants it to be. Pen, ink and watercolor illustrations add bright color and softness to the text depicting Caroline’s sometimes difficult life. Included are an author’s note, bibliography, glossary and timeline. This particular picturebook will appeal to those in grades 3+ serving as a wonderful introduction to astronomy for older students.

[LaShonda Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a based off of a true story, the youngest daughter of a poor family in Hanover, Germany Caroline was scarred from smallpox, stunted from typhus, her parents used Caroline their own daughter as a scullery maid. the brother, William, left home and the siblings shared a passion for the stars, and together they built the greatest telescope of their age, working tirelessly on the star charts.
Using their telescope, Caroline discovered fourteen nebulae and two galaxies, and she was the first woman to discover a comet, and she became the first woman officially employed as a scientist, and to this day this information is from the Herschel's' star catalogs that is still used by space agencies today. This book is a very good read, especially if the readers would like to learn about the constellations and their meaning. And that it just shows that we cannot pick our families and no matter what we can over any obstacles that are in front of us.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course when you start with an award-winning author/illustrator you know you're going to get quality, and this book certainly doesn't disappoint. Caroline Herschel's brother, William was an astronomer. That is undoubtedly what rescued her. Having endured sicknesses as a child that stunted her growth and pock-marked her face, Caroline wasn't destined to be a wife and mother. However, working for her brother she also became a famed astronomer which, in the 1700's was quite an accomplishment. Her work still influences astronomers today. McCully brings the character to life, adding primary source quotes, and compelling illustrations. End matter includes a timeline, bibliography, and further information. This is a delightful, compelling story that merits telling. It would make a great addition to Women's History month.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book biography of a woman who made many astronomical discoveries and was the first professional woman scientist, employed by King George.

I didn't recognize Caroline Herschel's name or that of her brother who discovered Uranus. They made some astounding discoveries, and she paved the way for women to be employed in the sciences. Quite an interesting picture book biography that would be a good read during astronomy units or when studying women in STEM fields.

Notes on content: A perilous fall of Caroline's brother is mentioned, as is a nasty wound Caroline received from a giant hook. (The injury isn't accurately depicted in the illustration so the illustration isn't gory even though it probably should be.)

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born 26 years before the American Revolution, Caroline Herschel was one of the earliest astronomers, and certainly one of the few women, to succeed as scientist during that era, and the first to be paid for her work. Along with her brother William, Caroline shared a passion for stars. Together they built the greatest telescope of their times and worked tirelessly on star charts, which are still in use today by space agencies. The engaging story is further enhanced by McCully’s fresh watercolor/ink illustrations and includes helpful back material, including a timeline, glossary, and bibliography.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book titled Caroline's Comets, I expected more about her own discoveries. There is probably not many historical resources available about women in the 1700s-1800s but the author read Caroline's diaries which probably included her comet sightings. While I liked discovering Caroline Herschel, I was hoping for more about her as an astronomer. It isn't until the last two two-page spreads that we are told about her own comet discoveries (as opposed to her brother's) and it is very brief. The story of her life is fairly engaging. There are italicized quotes from Caroline's diaries which is great as are McCully's bibliography, author's note and timeline.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline endures the contempt that comes with her gender - the contempt that results in diminished expectations and devaluation. She's relegated to the sock mender, the knitter, the house cleaner, and bit by bit, she's allowed to be given education.

I personally don't ask my female students to patiently wait for humane treatment or to peacefully tolerate the devaluation, but because Caroline did wait patiently, she got to be a part of something pretty special.

She got to make a telescope. She got to identify nebulae, she got to chart the stars and name comets. And ultimately, she was paid by a king to do something that she loved.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank Goodness someone finally paid the woman for her work! Reading this book infuriated me on Caroline's behalf--not able to leave Germany until she made 2 years' worth of stockings for her entire family?!
Serving as her brother's astronomer assistant, soprano singer, and his housekeeper all at the same time?! She sifted manure for him and even fed him by hand when he could not stop working to eat for 16 hours. Argh.

She was the first female professional scientist, and I learned about her in a picture book for the first time when I was 42. Thankfully, my daughter won't be able to say the same.

[Trina M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline's Comets: A True Story was a picture book about growing up and learning to be more than what you thought you could be. Caroline faced a few hardships growing up but was able to overcome and be a successful woman. This story depicts her life through the ups and downs. My seven year old thought the cover was amazing, but then after her picture walk through the book she thought it may be boring. To our surprise the story was captivating and uplifting as she read about Caroline's true life story. Well done Emily Arnold McCully.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cool story! Caroline's early life and difficulties she had as a young woman are included right alongside her hope and promise for the future. She became an astronomer alongside her brother and they each made wonderful discoveries. I love how this book (and others like it) have been including all the questions that these inventors and discoverers asked themselves. Wonderful for a Genius Hour class or STEM/ STEAM or to pair with Andrea Beaty's books.