She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference, by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

 

She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference is an inspiring introduction to more than a dozen women and girls who have made a lasting contribution to the sciences--and by extension to the world around us. Over the years, women have had to stay particularly determined and courageous as they discovered their interests and skills in math and medicine, botany and biochemistry, animals and astronomy. As they found their places in fields dominated by men, they met barriers: were women smart enough, curious enough, strong enough to pursue these fields? Of course they were, but they had to prove it over and over again. Even today, it is vitally important for young women to see appealing and accomplished role models in science. These biographies of pioneers highlight--in artfully concise text--the intriguing pathways women took to pursue their goals. Rosalind Franklin discovered crucial information about our genetic code--work that underlaid today’s approach to disease. Gladys West took her hard-earned degrees in math to the study of celestial orbits, satellites, and oceans--undergirding the development of the GPS (Global Positioning System) so widely used today. Flossie Wong-Staal’s work studying HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) contributed to the creation of disease-fighting medications, saving countless lives. Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia received a degree in botany at age fifty-one, traveling the world to discover thousands upon thousands of new species of plants. A biographical sketch, appealing quote, and full-page illustration featuring each woman on facing pages draw readers in. Their names may not yet be known by young readers but their courage and persistence will be felt: Florence Nightingale, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia, Grace Hopper, Rosalind Franklin, Gladys West, Jane Goodall, Flossie Wong-Staal, Temple Grandin, Zaha Hadid, Ellen Ochoa, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha & Mari Copeny, and Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg & Wanjiru Wathuti. Readers will be inspired to seek more information about each person. Author Chelsea Clinton and illustrator Alexandra Boiger have created a truly excellent series of books highlighting the persistence of women in our world. Philomel Books / Random House Books, 2022. Ages 4-8 years.

 

Other books in the series include: She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World, She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the Game, and She Persisted Around the World: 13 women Who Changed History.