Game Changers

Women and Science: Three books Three formats

Historically the world of juvenile literature has paid little attention to the achievements of female scientists. But that is changing. There have been a number of excellent single subject biographies chronicling the life and contributions of individual women of science. These biographies have been published as picture books as well as nonfiction studies for middle grade and teen readers.
Anthologies and studies of women working in related fields can be important additions to a juvenile collection. These formats provide readers with a focused retrospective on the contributions of women to the field of scientific study. 

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World
​by Laurie Lawlor

"I think women must have the confidence to pursue their goads without the fear that they cannot succeed."
​Gertrude Elion

This slim volume chronicles the lives of six brave women. Their pioneering work advanced progress in astronomy, underwater cartography, chemistry, and mathematic research. Five were born in the United States and all worked as scientists and researchers in the United States.
Lawlor highlights their passion for discovery and the significant contributions that each made to the body of scientific knowledge. She focuses on the determination that each exhibited as she overcame obstacles. These women were consciously aware of their roles as mentors for the next generation of scientists. 
While their respective research achievements are considerable, Lawlor gives added emphasis to the importance of role models for young girls interested in pursuing careers in the sciences. and inspires future generations of young women to excel in fields of scientific endeavor. 
Back matter includes a glossary, listing of sources, source notes, picture credits, and index.

Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition
By Margot Lee Shetterly  read by Bahni Turpin

“Their dark skin, their gender, their economic status--none of those were acceptable excuses for not giving the fullest rein to their imaginations and ambitions.” ​

Shetterly's fascinating study of the lives and contributions of four African American female mathematicians, initially known as computers, has been edited for young readers. It is an engrossing historical saga. The struggles and sacrifices of each had to make to ensure the success of the space program were intense. “First in space means first, period. Second in space is second in everything.” statement from Lyndon Johnson.  In addition to encountering barriers faced by women, these brave young pioneers were also subjected to discrimination and racial prejudice.
“Even as a professional in an integrated world, I had been the only black woman in enough drawing rooms and boardrooms to have an inkling of the chutzpah it took for an African American woman in a segregated southern workplace to tell her bosses she was sure her calculations would put a man on the Moon.”
This audiobook edition makes for compelling listening. Bahni Turpin's excellent narration brilliantly brings the story of these remarkable women to life. 

​Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World 
written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

Groundbreaking scientific achievements meet stunning graphic design

Who knew that an anthology of females worldwide who have made important contributions to science would make a stunning volume of bold graphic designs?  Rachel Ignofotsky knew. 
The book's content chronologically describes the contributions of women to the world of science beginning with Egyptian astronomer and mathematician Hypia in Ancient Alexandria and concludes in 2014 with brief bbiography of mathematician Iranian/America Scientist Mayam Mirzakani. Each of the 50 featured women has made significant advancements to the body of science, technology, engineering, and mathematic knowledge.
The succinct recap of each woman’s achievements is accompanied with stunning graphic portraits (the images are worthy pieces of art and can be purchased separately. See the postcard collection below.)

Ignofotsky includes a glossary, as well as sources. Interspersed throughout the book are excellent infographics featuring a timeline, lab tools, statistics in STEM, and "More Women in Science."

Bonus: Companion Resources

Additional resources for the study of women of science.

Ignotofyky's stunning graphic portraits are available as a set of postcards.

Hidden Figures is now a major motion picture.