scientists

Remembering Rosalind Franklin

Sophie Rosen , , ,

Stone, Tanya Lee. Remembering Rosalind Franklin. New York: Christy Ottaviano Books / Little, Brown and Company, 2024.
Who discovered the double helix structure of DNA? James Watson and Francis Crick won a Nobel Prize for the discovery in 1962.  But it was Dr. Rosalind Franklin’s work using X-ray diffraction that revealed that double-helix structure of deoxyribonucleic acid. It was her photograph that showed the molecule with the genetic instructions for the development of life. This well-designed 40-page picture book biography by an award-winning writer tells the story of an intelligent and inquisitive scientist who sadly never received recognition during her lifetime. Illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers and accompanied by an afterward describing the the historical tendency for women’s achievements to be overlooked, it is highly recommended for inquisitive readers 11 years old and up.

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Analyzing nonfiction: grades 6 to 12

Reaching the stars…

Sophie Rosen , , ,

McCully, Emily Arnold. Caroline’s Comets: A True Story. New York: Holiday House, 2017.
Caroline Herschel was born in Germany in 1750. Her father and brothers were musicians but she – being a girl – was kept busy doing housework. Everything changed when she was 22 years old. She joined her older brother in England and became a professional singer and then an assistant to her brother, who had become an astronomer for King George III. Later, she also earned a salary as an astronomer for the king.  Before she died in 1848, she had discovered 8 comets and become a star among scientists.
Quotations from Caroline’s diary are embedded in this incredible story of the first woman to discover a comet. The gently old-fashioned pen, ink, and watercolour illustrations enhance this picture book biography for readers 9 years old and up.

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Chasing challenges…

Sophie Rosen , , ,

Buzzeo, Toni. A Passion for Elephants: The Real Life Adventures of Field Scientist Cynthia Moss. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2015.
Cynthia Moss was not afraid of big things. Born in 1940, she grew up to become on of the most important elephant researchers in the whole world. This colourfully illustrated picture book will be appreciated by readers – and listeners – 7 to 14 years old. The smoothly flowing language and cheerful pictures will inspire writers and artists to create their own works of art. The courage and determination portrayed in this biography will encourage everyone to work hard to reach their goals in life.

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