Caroline's Comets: A True Story - Hardcover

McCully, Emily Arnold

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823436640 ISBN 13: 9780823436644

Publisher: Holiday House, 2017

Synopsis

With courage and confidence, Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) becomes the first woman professional scientist and one of the greatest astronomers who ever lived.

Born the youngest daughter of a poor family in Hanover, Germany, Caroline was scarred from smallpox, stunted from typhus, and used by her parents as a scullery maid. But when her favorite brother, William, left for England, he took her with him. The siblings shared a passion for stars, and together they built the greatest telescope of their age, working tirelessly on star charts.

Using their telescope, Caroline discovered fourteen nebulae and two galaxies, was the first woman to discover a comet, and became the first woman officially employed as a scientist--by no less than the King of England. The information from the Herschels' star catalogs is still used by space agencies today.

The book includes excerpts from Caroline Herschel's autobiography.

A 2018 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.

About this title

About the Author

Emily Arnold McCully is a Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator. Her books for Holiday House include In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer and Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent, as well as 3, 2, 1, Go!, Pete Won't Eat and Little Ducks Go, which she both wrote and illustrated.

Reviews

PreS-Gr 3—This picture book biography tells the story of Caroline Herschel, who became the first female professional scientist employed by George III. Readers learn of her childhood love of stargazing, the illnesses of her youth, and the struggles she faced as an unmarried woman attempting to earn a living. Expansive, hand-drawn illustrations enhance the text. Rich, starry nighttime spreads alternate with vividly colored scenes on a white background. The text is wonderfully accessible to younger audiences, but 18th-century culture is not directly explained and may need to be discussed with children while reading. Herschel's family's singular dependence on her as their scullery maid, for example, may recall "Cinderella" to the minds of some youngsters or prompt questions about the way Herschel's family treated her. Also note that the focus here is on Herschel's life rather than on what a comet is or why it is a significant find. Pairing this title with materials on comets, stars, and astronomy would provide solid scientific context for the study of space. Herschel and her brother William's foray into telescope building is a highlight of the volume, as it demonstrates the process of learning through scientific experimentation. The use of italicized first-person excerpts from Herschel's recollections works well here. VERDICT Purchase where early elementary—level science biographies are needed.—Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL

Edition details

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0823436640
• ISBN 13: 9780823436644
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40