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She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer

by Kathryn Lasky Publisher: HARPERCOLLINS

Critically Recognized

A picture-book biography of a woman who mapped the stars

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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Hardcover New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    2022 Jane Addams Children's Book Award finalist

    The book is identified as a 2022 Jane Addams Children's Book Award finalist.

  • Critical praise

    Praised by School Library Journal

    School Library Journal calls the book a compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A picture-book biography of a woman who mapped the stars

Williamina Stevens Fleming’s path into astronomy anchors this nonfiction picture book, which connects her early curiosity about light to her later work charting the universe. Set against the restrictions women faced in late-nineteenth-century science, the book presents Fleming as an immigrant whose persistence helped establish foundations for modern astronomy. Its compact biography format brings together a personal life story, the history of women’s participation in science, and an introduction to how astronomers study and organize the stars. The subject also offers a clear starting point for discussing whose contributions have shaped scientific knowledge.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children interested in stars, space, and astronomy
  • Young readers exploring biographies of women in science
  • Classrooms discussing STEM history, immigration, or women’s history

Themes

AstronomyWomen in STEMScientific discoveryImmigrationPersistence

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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.

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Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.