A New STEM Picture Book From Author Laurie Wallmark + A Chance to Win a Copy

Today I am happy to feature the latest STEM biography from author LAURIE WALLMARK.

HER EYES ON THE STARS: Maria Mitchell, Astronomer

(Illustrated by Liz Wong)

Here is the blurb for the book:

Maria Mitchell’s curiosity about the night sky led her to spend hours studying the stars. She discovered a comet as a young woman, winning an award from the King of Denmark for being the first person to discover a new comet using a telescope.

Now famous as “the lady astronomer,” Maria went on to become a professional astronomer, an unheard of achievement for a woman in the 19th century. She was the first woman to get any kind of government job when she was hired by the United States Naval Observatory. Then as the first woman astronomy professor in the world, Maria used her position at Vassar College to teach young women to set their sights on the sky, training new generations of female astronomers. Her story inspires all of us to reach for the stars.

MY review:

This new picture book from STEM author Laurie Wallmark is an inspiring story where science meets feminism and the sky’s the limit.

Bound and determined to map the stars in the night sky, Maria went up to her rooftop observation spot in all kinds of weather. Her careful and precise observations led her to be the first American to discover a comet. There are many other firsts for the female astronomer, including teaching an entire generation of women at Vassar College to be astronomers. Themes of perseverance, dedication, and belief in yourself are great discussion topics beyond the STEM focus.

A thoughtful and beautifully illustrated story that deserves a place in any STEM collection.

Laurie has agreed to give away a signed copy of this book to one lucky reader of this post. To enter, please leave a comment and share the post on your social media. I will draw one name at random from those entered and announce the winner on this blog later this month.

Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM as well as fiction. Her books have earned five starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include ADA BYRON LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE, GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE, BREAKER, SPY HUNTER, RIVKA’S PRESENTS, THE QUEEN OF CHESS, and DINO PAJAMA PARTY. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. You can find Laurie online at lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.

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