Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
by Rachel Ignotofsky
Ten Speed Press (July 26, 2016)
Nonfiction * Biography * Science * Women's History
Audience: Grades 5 and up
IndieBound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
A charmingly illustrated and educational book, Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more!
Quick thoughts on the book:
When I see a title of a book and read the corresponding description, I often hope the book is as fabulous as the what is being promoted. Some books may not live up to expectations and others meet expectations and then, a few books exceed those expectations. Women in Science came out of nowhere. I had not heard a lot of early buzz but as soon as I heard about it I knew I wanted it. I requested a copy from my local indie bookstore and then the wait was on.
And it was certainly worth the wait. This is a beautiful book from both a design perspective and also from a content standpoint.
Ignotofsky has selected fifty women from multiple centuries and introduces them to readers. Scientists, mathematicians, inventors, medical doctors, and more are featured on two page spreads as shown above. Though there is only one page of information about each of these amazing women, there is enough to spark curiosity and a desire to find out more about these pioneers.
Throughout the book, Ignotofsky also shares graphics like "Statistics in STEM" and "Timeline". Additional resources are included at the end of the book.
This can be used to inspire readers to explore new fields of science and math and to see the role women have played in these fields. It can be read slowly over time or devoured in one sitting. And I also love that teachers can read one a day to a classroom to spotlight the work of exceptional women. Pick up a copy of this book at your local indie bookstore or check it out at your community library.
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