Description

From Newbery Honor–winning author Kathryn Lasky comes a nonfiction picture book about the stars! Lasky tells the inspiring true story of astronomer Williamina Fleming, who helped lay the foundations for modern astronomy and overcame impossible odds as an immigrant and a woman. For stargazers and trailblazers everywhere.

Jane Addams 2022 Children’s Book Award Finalist

“Both an intriguing introduction to astronomy and an involving tale of a strong woman who overcame adversity.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies.” —School Library Journal

“This picture book biography illuminates how [Williamina’s] work chipped away at sexist barriers of the late 19th century.” —Publishers Weekly

Ever since Williamina Fleming was little she was curious, and her childhood fascination with light inspired her life’s work. Mina became an astronomer in a time when women were discouraged from even looking through telescopes. Yet Mina believed that the universe, with its billions of stars, was a riddle—and she wanted to help solve it.

Mina ultimately helped to create a map of the universe that paved the way for astronomers. Newbery Honor–winning Kathryn Lasky shares her incredible true story.

Use this book to encourage conversation at home and the classroom about women and STEM. This is a captivating picture book that centers around women and empowerment, perfect for Women's History Month and to be shared alongside such powerful titles as Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton.

Kathryn Lasky’s nonfiction book Sugaring Time was a Newbery Honor Book, and the books she authored in the Dear America and Royal Diaries series have sold over 3 million copies. Julianna Swaney is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestselling We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines.

About the Author

Kathryn Lasky is a New York Times bestselling author of many children’s and young adult books, which include her Tangled in Time series; her bestselling series Guardians of Ga’Hoole, which was made into the Warner Bros. movie Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole; and her picture book Sugaring Time, awarded a Newbery Honor. She has twice won the National Jewish Book Award, for her novel The Night Journey and her picture book Marven of the Great North Woods. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her husband. kathrynlasky.com

Julianna Swaney is an illustrator whose delicate watercolor paintings are inspired by whimsical details of daily life and a childhood spent outside in nature. She has illustrated numerous picture books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines, Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America’s Children by Monica Kulling, and She Caught the Light by Kathryn Lasky. In her free time Julianna loves studying history and especially learning about women who pushed the boundaries of their times. She lives in Portland, Oregon. www.juliannaswaney.com

Praise For…

“A scientific dreamer grounded in hard work. Poetic, accessible text combines with intricate, appealing illustrations to portray Williamina Stevens Fleming (1857-1911), talented astronomer, resilient and highly intelligent individual, and the first woman given an official title (curator of astronomical photographs) at Harvard University… Both an intriguing introduction to astronomy and an involving tale of a strong woman who overcame adversity.” — Kirkus Reviews

"A compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies." — School Library Journal

“Highlighting the life of Scottish-born astronomer Williamina Stevens Fleming, this picture book biography illuminates how her work chipped away at sexist barriers of the late 19th century.” — Publishers Weekly