Black Women in Science: A Black History Book for Kids

by Kimberly Brown Pellum

Learn about amazing Black women in STEM—15 fascinating science biographies for kids 9 to 12

Throughout history, Black women have blazed trails across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Black Women in Science brings something special to black history books for kids, celebrating incredible Black women in STEM who have used their brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the odds.

Discover 15 science stories for kids that explore the lives of bold female scientists. Learn how each of them advanced their STEM fields and fought to build a legacy. Through the triumphs of these amazing women, you'll find remarkable role models.

Above and beyond —Soar into the sky and outer space with Mae Jemison, Annie Easley, and Bessie Coleman.

Part of the solution —Discover the power of mathematics with Katherine Johnson and Gladys West.

The doctor is in —Explore a life of healing with Mamie Phipps Clark, Jane Cooke Wright, and many more.

Find the inspiration to blaze your own trail with this incredible children's book about Black history!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, Middle Grade, Biography, Anthologies

138 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2019

Reviews

[Marion Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daddy, I’m ready to read another book with you at bedtime.

I loved hearing that sentence from my 10-year-old daughter, Norah. We have read many books together over her young life. This time she wanted about women in science. I did a Google search a few weeks ago and came across Black Women in Science by Kimberly Brown Pellum.

Pellum writes about fifteen women across the various fields in science from mathematics, astronomy, computer science, and engineering to show how black women scientists had a major contribution to American society.

We enjoyed reading the short bios of Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American female physician during the post Civil War era to Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to fly a plane to Gladys West, the scientist who helped with the creation of GPS, and Mae Jemison, the first African African woman to go into space. Norah and I had great discussions about these women and their importance to American culture.

Black Women in Science is aimed for children from 3rd-6th grades and a great introduction to a part of American history not taught or celebrated. Also, I would encourage non-African Americans, especially young girls of all ethnicities to read about these amazing women. Their inspirational stories revealed how they overcame the odds and added to American society.

I’m pleased that Black Women in Science was my first review for 2020 and we found another good book we could read together.

[Dev · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley

A fun and informative read for kids and adults! This book features illustrated portraits and mini biographies of 15 black female scientists, most of which I had never heard of before. Each biography also has a part at the end where the author recommends a book or website to learn more about the woman and a fun activity that a child could do that is somehow related to each woman's career. I really love books like this because they present information in a concise and easy to understand way and even if they are targeted towards kids I still learn a lot from them as well. Definitely a good book to learn about some important women you won't hear about in your basic history classes!

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is delightful

This is for older grade school kids. I like the history and detail given.
There's a nice representation of remarkable Black Women.
My only gripe is with the exception of the book cover African=American is used in place of Black and I prefer Black.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic and inspirational book filled with mini biographies of truly remarkable women.

Whilst I'd previously heard of just one of these women by name (Katherine Johnson), I'd heard of many of these accomplishments so it was wonderful to finally see and hear about the people behind the accomplishments. All of these women deserve more recognition, so it's great to have this as a starting point for further research, and to inspire young girls to reach for the stars and truly follow their passion.

A fantastic book for any child to read, and be inspired by.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of well-known women in science such as Mae Jemison and Katherine Johnson and others I was unfamiliar with including Rebecca Crumpler, Jane Wright, and Renee Gordon. Each entry includes a “painted” illustration of the subject and 4 or 5 pages covering their life with most of the text focused on her contributions to the scientific world. At the close of each biography, the author includes an “Explore More!” note with a URL to a site with more information on either a field of science related to the subject or more biographical information. Also included at the end of each section are “Tips For You!” that encourage readers to think about how they can apply what they have read to their own lives. Outstanding collective biography showcasing women in Science who also are Black.

Thanks for the finished copy, Sourcebooks/Rockridge Press.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

Get to know African American women in STEM. Their education and work in science is add-inspiring. Great book for middle school students and older.

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-Cycle

An excellent read filled with remarkable women. Engaging, inspiring, and beautiful in its presentation.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the range of sciences included. Aviation, nutrition, psychology, entomology, neurosurgery, and engineering are just a few of the many types of STEM fields discussed in this book. It was also great to have a mix of entries from both the past and the present. One would expect to find Mae Jemison and Katherine Johnson in a collection of this sort, but it also features potentially lesser known entries such as Flemmie Pansy Kittrell, Jane Cooke Wright, and Gladys West. It was also interesting to read about how black women are continuing to further science today with entries for Gina Presley and Renee Gordon.

While many other recent collections of a similar nature are nice in their presentation of a one-to-two page spread on each person, I liked that this book gave a fuller look into each person's life. Each entry is set up as a short chapter, ranging from 5 to 10 pages. This allowed for a lot of information while still being manageable for young readers. Time is also spent on the person's other interests besides what they are most known for. This helped humanize the historical figures presented and helped show how passions can turn into careers or lifelong practices. Each entry has a wonderful full-page illustration of the person as well.

At the end of each entry are sections to "Explore More" and "Tips for You", which give suggested activities and resources to connect the reader with what they just read. A glossary of terms is also included and there is a section provided for readers to take notes if they choose.

This was a fantastic read. Great for kids who want to learn more about different types of science and the various ways black women have had an impact on these fields. There is an emphasis on what these women have had to overcome whether due to blatant racism, unfair laws and rules, or lack of access to resources and how they persevered with creative problem solving, determination, and bravery.

A wonderful collection, giving a glimpse into a few of the black women who have advanced science and technology. It would be impossible for one collection to include all of the ways black women have furthered STEM fields, but this is a great place to start.

[TammyJo Eckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the 15 women covered in this book are familiar to me either because I've read or seen something about them or I've written about them myself. But several were brand new to me, especially the younger women. Even though this is written for kids, I'd guess reading level 4 or 5, as an adult I learned a lot.

I loved the drawings of each woman though I wish I knew the inspiration for them -- a photograph, a description, another drawing? I liked the pop-up quotations from each woman though I want it cited properly so that the kids reading this book might learn what proper citation and quotation is. I think the context for the quotes, where and when they were made, would also be helpful as a model of good historical essaying. The suggestions for further reading and the ending resources are appropriate for grade school kids even though the historian in me wants more.

I think that author Pellum did a great job of using engaging language and explaining terms used in science. I think the social context is necessary though wished at times it hadn't mentioned so many others, particularly men, who did similar work unless they are directly connected to the subject of each of the fifteen essays.

I know there are a lot more black women scientists out there so I hope there will be a follow up book in the future.

[Angela Gaede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was für ein tolles Kindersachbuch. Das Vorwort ist inspirierend und motivierend. Die 15 Frauen der Wissenschaft sind spannend beschrieben. Den Kindern werden Einblicke in Berufe gewährt, über die man sonst eher wenig erfährt. Wer sich für Käfer interessiert, erfährt durch Margaret Strickland Collins, dass sie/er z.B. Entomologie oder Koleopterologie (Lehre von den Käfern) studieren kann.
Als Fan von Gimmicks gefielen mir die Verweise zu Websites oder anderen Personen, am Ende einer jeden Kurzbiographie, besonders gut, ebenso wie die Aufgaben. Abgestimmt auf den Fachbereich der vorgestellten Wissenschaftlerin, gab es eine Aufgabenstellung, wie z.B. “Koche etwas Gesundes mit deinen Eltern“, oder “Beobachte die Sterne“. Dadurch können die Kinder im Kleinen austesten, ob der Fachbereich für sie von Interesse ist.
Ich schreibe “Kinder“, obwohl das Buch natürlich in erster Linie für Mädchen gedacht ist, weil auch Jungs es lesen sollten. Es wird Jungs ebenfalls inspirieren und vielleicht dabei helfen, gar nicht erst Vorurteile aufkommen zu lassen. Ebenso sollte das Buch von allen Kindern, unabhängig von ihrer Hautfarbe oder ihren Vorfahren, gelesen werden, denn es inspiriert, motiviert und ist hoffentlich Prävention gegen Vorurteile.
Was ich sehr gut fand, war die Offenheit, mit der den Kindern mitgeteilt wurde, dass sie aufgrund ihrer Hautfarbe mit Hindernissen zu rechnen haben. Gleichzeitig hat mich die Notwendigkeit solch eines Hinweises sehr wütend und traurig gemacht.

[Jörg Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful encouraging children book. It pictures the lives of 15 dedicated black women, who excelled in varios fields of science. Kimberly Brown Pellum, herself a history collage professor, speaks to children about the commitment these women put to their education and the often first time opportunities that got them. She don't discard the hardships these women and their communities had to experience. And she encourages the reader to go ahead and try their own couriosity to delve into the fields of math and science. A book I wish I had when my kids where younger. A book for all childs with an interesst to understand the world and how they could have an impact.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I had only heard of 2 of the 15 women before reading this. A good selection of women, from the past and present (6 are still alive), who work in a variety of scientific fields.
This would be a great addition to middle school history or science classroom libraries as well as upper elementary classes. Each section ends with a related activity to do or a book, website or video to go to to learn more.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Women in Science is full of short bios on some inspiring Black women who have done extraordinary things in various fields of science. Each one ends with ideas to learn more and think about their own spot in science and the world. It is aimed at young Black girls with the hopes of motivating them to become whatever they dream they can be. I highly recommend it!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book.
It's interesting to learn about Black Woman who shaped the history.
Furthermore, it's a book for children and it's written in order to encourage young women to have dream and to go for it !!

[Spiegel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool book for kids. I was already familiar with Bessie Coleman (thanks to Drunk History) and Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures) and I was glad to learn about Gladys West (for her work on GPS technology) and Patricia Bath (my family has a history of needing eye surgery).

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Women in Science

Excellent book get the talents of many gifted black, who chose the career path less traveled, to do great things in life for all people...Strongly recommend this book for all students!

[Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read about black women who have made incredible impacts in STEM.

[Neh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!

[Travelmaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Multiple women in STEM fields highlighted. Good donation to classroom or local little library.

[Isirla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come

[Sloan The Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book as an Amazon suggestion. It seemed like a great addition to my classroom library, but I decided to read it first before purchasing a physical copy. I am so glad I did! It's a very informative look at pioneers in science and is written in a manner that is easy to understand. The additional reading and challenge found at the end of each profile are fun bonuses to the overall reading. I will definitely be purchasing a copy (or two) for my classroom.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Black Women in Science is a collection of short biographies about American women of color in the STEM fields. Released 24th Sept 2019 by Rockridge press, it's 113 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. This is a well written group of biographies aimed at young readers up through middle school age. Although ostensibly written for a younger audience, I found it very interesting and many of the subjects were previously unfamiliar to me.

The biographies are arranged chronologically by birth date of the subjects, starting with Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831-1895) and ending with forencisist Gina Presley (1985-). The subjects are all inspiring and dedicated, intelligent and driven. The author uses age appropriate language to briefly describe some of the mind boggling racism, sexism, misogyny, and unfairness each of them encountered. I found their stories inspiring and (mostly) uplifting. I am encouraged to find more emphasis today on encouraging young people to follow careers in the STEM fields and hope that this book finds a receptive audience with young girls, normalizing and showing the possibilities that are available for everyone, not just some.

For Kindle Unlimited subscribers; this title is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free. It's also worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

The art and illustrations are appealing and colorful. The links and quotations sections at the end of the book provide numerous good resources for further reading. There's a glossary and each of the included biographies has a sidebar section with questions for the reader as well as tips for further activities.

This would make a superlative school or classroom library book as well as a support text for a classroom unit on American history, women in science, scientists, etc.

Really well done.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Women in Science is a wonderfully inspiring book! When a book begins with a dedication to the author’s mother (who made a difference in the world by teaching nurses), to the Foreword (a note about the author and how she became a veterinarian), to an Introduction in which the author imagines “a world of endless possibilities”, you know that the book is going to be an inspiration to anyone who reads it! It hasn’t even started, and the book, already, is full of hope and encouragement! The author encourages young girls to enter the world of science. This had traditionally been a field dominated by men. The author presents fifteen women important for their contributions to science in chronological order, and how each woman made a difference in the world. Beginning with Rebecca Lee Crumpler of the Civil War era, the author describes her struggles to enter New England Medical College and to become a physician. The author concludes her book with Gina Presley, a young woman born in 1985 who became a forensic scientist. The author concludes her book with an afterword challenging girls to undertake a science project, and then to consider entering the field of science for their life’s work.

Each story is well-written and seems to be especially geared to the fourth to sixth grader. A vibrant and colorful drawing of each woman is included. In the back of the book is a useful glossary explaining words that a young girl might find difficult.

This is a must-read for all girls. It reminds them that they can achieve their dreams, no matter what that is!

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Women in Science
By Kimberly Brown Pellum, PhD

Black Women in Science is a quick overview of 15 extraordinary women who made a tremendous impact on the world through their work and discoveries. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman to work as a professional doctor, but what was most impressive is when she did this - during the 1860s. But Rebecca is just the first whose accomplishments are covered in this book. Annie Turnbo Malone used her business skills and her knowledge as a chemist to create hair and beauty products and she trained others - improving the community in the process. Bessie Coleman trained to become a pilot becoming the first licensed African American pilot.

These are just a few of the remarkable and determined women who weren't content to let the world tell them who the had to be and want they could do. They worked hard and often faced challenges not only because of the color of their skin but also because they were the wrong gender for the tasks they set before themselves. Some of these women are not well-known while others have come to the recent attention of the world (Kathrine Johnson and Hidden Figures).

At just under 130 pages this isn't an in-depth book but there is more information and substance than most school textbooks. The few pages given to each person offers a nice overview of their life and how they made a lasting impact on the world around them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for mid-upper-elementary to early middle school classrooms and libraries, and is pleasantly readable for adults too! This book covers 15 sheros in science: Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Annie Turnbo Malone, Bessie Coleman, Flemmie Pansy Kittrell, Mamie Phipps Clark, Katherine Johnson, Jane Cooke Wright, Margaret Strickland Collins, Gladys West, Annie J. Easley, Patricia Bath, Alexa Irene Canady, Mae Carol Jemison, Renee Gordon, and Gina Presley. Dr. Brown Pellum includes a chapter-sized biography of each person, and points out their connections to HBCUs if applicable. The end of each bio includes two paragraphs: "Explore More!" offers a website or book to read, and "Tips for you!" offers a discussion topic for family, friends, or classmates. The women in the book are astronauts, mathematicians, aviators, teachers, inventors, neurosurgeons, etc. An inspiring read for all ages!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. However, I sought out the book and am writing this review because I really enjoyed it.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Black Women in Science

This is a collection of brief snippets of Black female pioneers. Elementary school students may find motivation for further exploration from this material.

[Morg Stansberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the incredible contributions of Black women in science—stories that are often left out of traditional history classes. An inspiring and educational read!