The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything

Starred review from June 1, 2022

K-Gr 3-The story of Maria Mitchell and the curiosity that led to her amazing discovery of a comet is wonderfully told in this picture book biography. The author carefully shows that Mitchell fulfilled what were considered her household duties, but also found ways to satisfy her own voracious curiosity "feeding her mind with ideas as sweet and juicy as oranges." Incidents such as repairing a broken chronometer for a ship's captain or using silk by unwinding a cocoon to fix her own telescope emphasize her determination and ingenuity. Collage illustrations capture the look and feel of early 1800s Nantucket and Mitchell's nights stargazing with her father. The endless inquiry that led her to decide "she would rather look for stars than whales" is reinforced by the image of the words from her thoughts captured in the steam rising from her teacup, as well as the repeated inclusion of her journal in various scenes. The story comes full circle as Mitchell, after a long stint as an educator, returns to the seaside with her own nieces and nephews and, "they asked questions. So many questions!" Back matter includes an author's note about life in Mitchell's era, her Quaker background, and her belief in freedom of choice for boys and girls, as well as a list of resources. VERDICT A well-told and attractive addition to biography collections, ideal for introducing famous astronomers, female scientists, or other pioneers in STEM fields.-Suzanne Costner

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2022
A young girl's curiosity, spurred by the whaling ships she saw near her Nantucket home, led to careers in astronomy and teaching. This picture-book biography follows Maria Mitchell, who was born in 1818 to a White Quaker family. Encouraged by her father to research and follow her passion for science, she sought more than a life of needlework, housework, husband, and children; she learned to read the stars in the sky by using a sextant, a metronome, and a chronometer. At a young age, she repaired a chronometer for a surprised sea captain ("What could a girl possibly know of mathematics and machines?"). Her future then became limitless. Maria started her own school, became a librarian, and entered a contest to find a new comet, with a reward provided by the king of Denmark. Despite a broken telescope, which she also repaired, she won the challenge and was eventually offered a position as professor of astronomy in a women's college in New York. This stirring account is told in an uplifting voice highlighting Mitchell's youthful inquisitiveness and determination to expand her knowledge. Alary emphasizes that Mitchell owed her education, in part, to her enlightened father, who foresaw the talent, ambition, and drive in his daughter; a gifted teacher herself, Mitchell endowed her students with information about great scientists, mathematics, and faraway places. Textured collage art brings the text to life. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An inspiring account of a notable early role model who pursued a STEM career despite sexism. (author's note, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 6-10)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.