num_pages: 36
description: Perfect for fans of STEM this inspiring picture book biography tells the extraordinary story of pioneering astronomer Maria Mitchell.Maria longed to travel beyond her small island of Nantucket. But she wasnt sure how. Her father taught her to look to the stars for guidance. If you knew how to read them he said the stars could tell you where you were and where you needed to go. They spent hours scanning the night sky together through a telescope on the roof. Maria learned how to use astronomers tools to measure and track time by the stars. But what could she do with her skills? Then one day she heard that a prize was being offered to the first person to find a new comet. Could this be the opportunity she was waiting for?This absorbing picture book biography by Laura Alary tells the fascinating though not well-known story of a remarkable nineteenth-century woman scientist and womens rights advocate. After winning that prize for discovering a comet Maria Mitchell would go on to become the first professional female astronomer in the United States first female member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and one of the first female college professors. Beautifully illustrated with lovely textured artwork by Ellen Rooney this is a well-told story with a teachable STEM component supporting both science and social studies curriculums that supports a growth mindset. Its also a wonderful guide sure to inspire readers to find their own way in the world. It includes backmatter that further describes Marias impressive life and achievements.
language: English
title: The Astronomer Who Questioned Everything: The Story of Maria Mitchell
publisher: Kids Can Press