Women in STEM

These profiles of female scientists include basic biographical information and identify key achievements. Opening chapters touch on their early lives, and the following chapters shift to focus on their accomplishments. Complex concepts, like Chien-Shiung Wu’s work on the atomic bomb and Marie Curie’s work with radiation, are presented at a basic level with simple diagrams and photos for some visual support. The text does not include quotations from or about the scientists, which keeps the narratives at a generally impersonal level. Final chapters highlight the impacts of the scientists’ work up to current times and note either the year that they died or, in the cases of Temple Grandin and Jane Goodall, their current activities. Gender-based struggles that women in science faced are noted, as when the contributions of Rosalind Franklin, Chien-Shiung Wu, and Katherine Johnson were not initially widely acknowledged. “Did you know?” factoids are sprinkled throughout and review activity, glossary, further reading, and an index are included in the back matter. VERDICT Solid if unexceptional choices to round out STEM biography collections.

These intriguing titles in the Women in STEM series off an inside look into the lives of determined and intelligent women in STEM. The compelling photos, infographics, and fact boxes contribute further insight into and additional information on these extraordinary women. Chien-Shiung Wu: First Lady of Physics delves into Wu’s top-secret work in helping develop the atomic bomb, her efforts measuring radiation, and her advances in studying blood cells. Jane Goodall: Groundbreaking Primatologist reveals that Goodall taught others how to better observe animal behavior as she discovered, for example, that chimpanzees form social bonds. Marie Curie: Radiation Power informs the reader that Curie was the first person to ever win two Nobel Prizes for her work on radiation. Temple Grandin: Animal Welfare Champion showcases Grandin’s extraordinary sensitivities to comprehending animal behaviors and how her inventions contributed to better conditions for animal treatment. Each book in this series includes a Try This! Section that suggests supplemental activities for readers to try to expand their learning of each woman’s scientific work. The glossary that highlights bolded words throughout will aid readers in expanding their vocabulary and enjoyment of each title. The Women in STEM series will surely enlighten, educated, and delight readers as they explore the stories of these amazing women.