Review by Booklist Review
Growing up in England in the early 1900s, Cecilia Payne loved observing nature. As she grew up, her mother's friends encouraged her to become a botanist, so she studied at Cambridge University with that goal. But after hearing an astronomy lecture, she abruptly changed course and began studying the stars. After extensive observation, Payne concluded that they were made of hydrogen and helium. Her ideas challenged the prevailing wisdom that stars were Earth-like but much hotter. Initially, she backed down, but she knew she was right, and in a few years, her research and conclusions were widely accepted. She worked hard and defended her conclusions from critics while continuing to contribute to her field, and she would never back down again. Alary's picture-book biography offers a very readable, intriguing story of an early twentieth-century woman who entered a scientific field where women were often regarded as unworthy and unwelcome. This picture book celebrates her determination and ultimate success. The back matter contains additional information, including a detailed timeline.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Boundary-defying astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne (1900--1979) stars in this even-handed picture book biography. Early scenes highlight how a childhood spent immersed in the outdoors gives Payne the opportunity to hone her observational skills and learn to "always trust what she knew was right." Later, as a scholarship student at Cambridge, an astronomy lecture lights "a fire inside her," and text stresses her devotion to studying the stars. Hindered by exclusionary gender bias, the subject moves to Harvard, where she comes to the conclusion that stars are made of gas. While skeptics dismiss her research, Payne is eventually proved correct, and a gratifying close sees her sharing all she's learned with students. Alary's thoughtful narration illuminates both the scientific and social aspects of Payne's life story, while Imamura's skillful gouache and watercolor paintings are equally at ease depicting the figural and the celestial, resulting in both comfortable domestic scenes and glorious starry displays. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Extensive back matter includes an author's note and timeline. Ages 7--12. (Jan.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Every constellation tells a story, and the tale of astronomer Cecilia Payne (1900-1979) is one of curiosity and discovery. Growing up in the English countryside, Cecilia has a knack for noticing the natural wonders that others ignore; she's especially inquisitive about the stars, wondering what they're made of. A scholarship to Cambridge University opens the door for Cecilia to explore her biggest questions--some of which are answered by the most brilliant scientists in the world; others she must answer for herself. Often the only woman in the room at Cambridge, she moves to the United States, where she studies alongside remarkably bright women astronomers at Harvard. Adding to their wealth of astronomical knowledge and using their thousands of photographic plates of starlight, Cecilia comes to a groundbreaking conclusion: Stars are not solid after all, but made of gases. She is the first to propose this theory, but the broader scientific community won't catch up until years later. This inspiring story highlights the scientific process and encourages readers to trust their instincts. Atmospheric (and sometimes beautifully surreal) gouache and watercolor illustrations set the scene in moody jewel-toned hues, reflecting the celestial theme and conveying a vintage feel. A stellar salute to the feminist scientist who showed us what stars are truly made of. (author's note, timelines, more about Cecilia's life and times, further reading, bibliography)(Picture-book biography. 9-11) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
