Tag Archives: Picture Book Biography

Elem – Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood

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Marshall, Linda Elovitz. Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. 978-0-593-37759-8. Unpaged. Grades 2-5. $18.99.

Although many are familiar with the scientist Marie Curie, few know the accomplishments of her older sister Bronia. The girls grew up in Poland and loved learning. They even went to a secret university, since women were not allowed to attend college at that time. Eventually, they were accepted at the Sorbonne in Paris, but they could not afford to go together. The siblings made a pact and agreed that Bronia would go first to study medicine and after her studies were finished, it would be Marie’s turn. Marie loved her time in Paris and enjoyed studying chemistry, physics, and math. After graduation, she shared a laboratory with another scientist, Pierre Curie, and they eventually married. Together they ascertained the process of radioactivity for which the couple and another scientist won the Nobel Prize in Physics. Later the widowed Marie won her second Nobel Prize, this one in chemistry, for discovering two new elements.  Bronia and her husband returned to Poland and opened a hospital. Then Marie invented the X-Ray machine, which both she and Bronia used during WWI to help soldiers with their gunshot wounds and other injuries. After the war, Curie opened a Radium Institute in Paris and later another one in Bronia’s hospital in Warsaw, both designed to treat patients with cancer. These two sisters made a pact and overcame adversity to make advancements in both science and medicine. The back matter includes a timeline, a list of suggested print and digital resources, and an author’s note. Interestingly, the illustrations were created by Anna and Elena Balbasso, who happen to be twin sisters from Italy. The award-winning pair uses a variety of media in their detailed drawings, which help make the storyline come alive. 

THOUGHTS: The story of the lives of these sisters shows the power of science and working together. It is a good choice in science or STEM units and as a read aloud during Women’s History Month. Perhaps their story will inspire children to work hard to achieve their dreams. Highly recommended for elementary collections.

Picture Book Biography
540.92 Chemistry-Biography

Elem – Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott

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Rockliff, Mara. Sweet Justice: Georgia Gilmore and the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Random House Studio, 2022. 978-1-524-72064-3. $18.99. Grades 2-4.

Georgia Gilmore was cooking away when the news broke that Rosa Parks was arrested because she would not let a white man sit in her seat on the public bus. The outrage was loud, with radios urging people to boycott the bus on December 5, 1955. Throughout the protests and concerns, Georgia continued to cook and feed the protesters and raise money for support. Even when Georgia herself was fired, she continued to cook to do her part to help support the movement that was so critical to her and many Americans.

THOUGHTS: A nicely illustrated biography about Georgia Gilmore and the help and support she gave throughout the bus boycott. She personally met Martin Luther King Jr. and received support from him throughout this important part of American history. Overall this book is a great view of the bus boycott of Montgomery through the eyes of a person readers may not know about.

323.092 Civil Rights Leaders          Rachel Burkhouse, Otto-Eldred SD
Biography
Picture Book

Elem. – Nina: A Story of Nina Simone

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Todd, Traci N. Nina: A Story of Nina Simone. Christian Robinson, illustrator. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2021. 978-1-524-73728-3 p. 56 p. $18.99. Grades 2-5. 

The world knew her as Nina Simone, but she was born Eunice Katherine Waymon. Born in North Carolina to a family that surrounded themselves with music, Eunice learned to play the piano very early. She was a musical child that would find rhythm in all aspects of her life, playing piano at the church where her Mama preached or playing Jazz music with her Papa at home. Author Traci N. Todd and illustrator Christian Robinson have created a gorgeous picture book biography about the life of Nina Simone. With a supportive family and community and an influential piano teacher, Nina started playing and singing in bars and concert halls. Audiences were enthralled with her sweet and soulful voice. But as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, Nina’s voice took on a powerful tone, almost booming, and her music became a powerful protest against racial inequities. She was known not only as a brilliant musician but an influential activist. Amplifying Nina’s humanity with direct and straightforward text and bold and brilliant artwork, Todd and Robinson created a compelling and masterful piece of art. The ending is powerful, perfect, and hopeful. 

THOUGHTS: This picture book is so attractive, and it pulls the reader into each page with the story and the illustrations. Learning about Nina and her life from childhood to adulthood was a joy! From the dedication at the beginning of the book to the author’s note in the back of the book, there is much to absorb! I was sad to see it end! This book is recognized as a 2022 ALA Notable Children’s Book and has received several other accolades and praises. Nina should not be missed! 

Picture Book          Marie Mengel, Reading SD