The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brillance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made of
By Kirsten W. Larson, Illustrated by Katherine Roy
A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!
Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn’t start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe. 5-8 years
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secret of the Atom
By Teresa Robeson, Illustrated by Rebecca Huang
When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, most girls did not attend school; no one considered them as smart as boys. But her parents felt differently. Giving her a name meaning “Courageous Hero,” they encouraged her love of learning and science. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien Shiung as she battles sexism and racism to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay.
Along the way, she earned the admiration of famous scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University. The first woman elected President of the American Physical Society. The first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive, and many other honors. 5 years +
One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon and a Lifelong Mission
By Katherine Johnson, Illustrated by Charnelle Barlow
This inspirational picture book reveals what is was like for a young black mother of three to navigate the difficult world of the 1950s and 60s and to succeed in an unwelcoming industry to become one of the now legendary “hidden figures” of NASA computing and space research.
Johnson’s own empowering narrative is complemented by the recollections of her two daughters about their mother’s work and insights about how she illuminated their paths, including one daughter’s fight for civil rights and another’s journey to become a NASA mathematician herself.
Filled with personal reflections, exclusive family archival photos, and striking illustrations, readers will be immersed in this deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of race barriers across generations. Historical notes, photo/illustration notes, and a time line put the story into historical and modern-day context. 4-8 years
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, The First Paleontologist
By Linda Skeers, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.
Bones. Dinosaur Bones.
Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world.
Educational backmatter includes a timeline of Mary Anning’s life and lots of fantastic fossil facts! 3-8 years
The Girl With the Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
By Julia Finley Mosca, Illustrated by Daniel Rieley
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. In addition to the illustrated rhyming text, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself! 7-10 years
Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power Revolutionary Marine Scientist
By Evan Griffith, Illustrated by Joanie Stone
How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever.
Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her. 6-9 years
Shark Lady
The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
By Jess Keating, Illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.
Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. 3-8 years
The Story of Jane Goodall
By Susan B. Katz
Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world. 6-9 years
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science
By Joyce Sidman
One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly.
Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will inspire young scientists. 6-9 years
Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists
By Martha Freeman, Illustrated by Katy Wu
Why do galaxies spin the way they do? What’s the best kind of house for a Komodo dragon? Can you cure malaria with medicine made from a plant?
The scientists and mathematicians in Born Curious sought answers to these and many other fascinating questions. And it’s lucky for us they did. Without their vision, insight, and hard work, the world would be a sicker, dirtier, and more dangerous place.
The twenty groundbreaking women—including Rosalind Franklin, Marie Tharp, Shirley Anne Jackson, and more—came from all kinds of backgrounds and had all kinds of life experiences. Some grew up rich. Some grew up poor. Some were always the smartest kid in class. Some struggled to do well in school. But all had one thing in common: They were born curious. Are you curious, too? 7-12 years
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
By Rachel Ignotofsky
It’s a scientific fact: Women rock! This fascinating, educational collection features 50 illustrated portraits of trailblazing women in STEM throughout history. Full of striking, singular art, Women in Science also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include such pioneers as primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Katherine Johnson, who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more! 7 years+
The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of “a life living with and helping all animals,” until one day she finds that her dream has come true. With anecdotes taken directly from her autobiography, McDonnell makes this very true story accessible for the very young–and young at heart. 1-6 years
Chimpanzee Children of Gombe
By Jane Goodall, Photographs by Michael Neugebauer
This book is filled with photos of many of the chimpanzee babies, toddlers, and young adults that live in the Gombe National Park in Tanzania, where the Jane Goodall research center is located. Dr. Goodall has campaigned unceasingly for the protection of the chimpanzee—now an endangered species—and this moving, personal account will educate readers about the many threats to the animals in the wild and inspire readers of all ages to join in her vital work. 5-7 years
Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees
By Sarah Albee, Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
Learn about the life of Jane Goodall, a pioneering scientist who became the worlds expert on chimpanzees, in this early reader biography.
She was the first person to study wild chimpanzees up close in a rain forest. She befriended the chimps and discovered amazing facts about their behaviors. What she learned forever changed how people look at these animals.
Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Jane Goodall’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and photos all about the life of this inspiring scientist. Preschool – 3rd Grade
You Are a Star Jane Goodall
By Dean Robbins, Illustrated by Hatem Aly
Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, hilarious comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an scientific trailblazer. You Are a Star, Jane Goodall focuses on Jane’s lifelong mission to understand the chimpanzees and protect the planet. Hatem Aly’s spot-on comic illustrations bring this icon to life, and back matter instructs readers on how to be more like Jane! 5-7 years
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps
By Jeannette Winter
Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by the brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates, who are now in danger of extinction. Young animal lovers will welcome this moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. 4-8 years
Jane Goodall: A Life with Chimpanzees
By Anita Ganeri
Bring history home and meet some of the world’s greatest game changers! Get inspired by the true story of a famous researcher who studied chimpanzees. This biography series is for kids who loved Who Was? and are ready for the next level.
In July 1960, Jane Goodall went into the wilderness in Tanzania to study chimpanzees. For years she camped out with the chimps, observing their behavior and making amazing discoveries! Jane had always been fascinated by animals and knew she wanted to make learning more about them her life’s work. Find out how this girl who loved animals became one of history’s greatest trailblazers! Grades 3-7
Who Is Jane Goodall?
By Roberta Edwards, Illustrated by John O’Brien
A life in the wild!
Jane Goodall, born in London, England, always loved animals and wanted to study them in their natural habitats. So at age twenty-six, off she went to Africa! Goodall’s up-close observations of chimpanzees changed what we know about them and paved the way for many female scientists who came after her. Now her story comes to life in this biography with black-and-white illustrationsthroughout. 8-12 years
Who Is Jane Goodall? A Board Book
By Lisbeth Kaiser, Illustrated by Stanley Chow
The chronology and themes of Jane Goodall’s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential scientists of our time. 2-4 years
Jane Goodall: Biography for Kids
By William Rice
In 1900, an estimated 1 million chimpanzees lived in the wild. Today, there are only about 340,000. Jane Goodall spent years observing, interacting with, and studying chimpanzees. Her true story is in this easy-to-read, picture-filled biography for kids. She is a wonderful example of how to work hard and follow your dreams. 7-9 years
Jane Goodall Champion for Chimpanzees
By Jodie Shepherd
Jane Goodall loved animals from the time she was a young girl. She dreamed of going to Africa to see the wildlife that lived there. After getting her wish, Goodall went on to become one of the most respected primatologists in the world. Her many discoveries changed the way we look at and treat chimpanzees. 4-7 years
Jane Goodall: Researcher Who Champions Chimpanzees
By Mike Venezia
This biography of Jane Goodall is perfect for young readers, developing scientists, and critical thinkers. It contains cartoon-style illustrations to complement the easy-to-read text and full-color reproductions of sketches and notebooks. 7-9 years
Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdikas
By Jim Ottaivani, Illustrated by Maris Wicks
Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and Birute Galdiakas were all students of the great Louis Leakey. Each made profound contributions to primatology―and to our own understanding of ourselves. Primates, a graphic novel, is an accessible, entertaining, and informative look at the field of primatology and at the lives of three of the most remarkable women scientists of the twentieth century. 12-18 years
The books descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
As a young child, Jane Goodall had a toy chimpanzee. She named him Jubilee. When Jane was eight years old, she read The Story ofDr. Doolittle and the Tarzan books by Edgar Rice Burroughs. She dreamed of living in Africa. “I was absolutely fascinated with the idea of being out in the jungle, out with the animals, being a part of it all,” she said later.
On July 14, 1960, Jane’s dream came true. Famed paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey found in Jane a patient, determined young woman, with the right qualities necessary to study the behavior of chimpanzees in the wild. Jane traveled to the Gombe Stream Game Reserve in Tanzania (then Tanganyika) to record her observations not knowing that her research would be groundbreaking.
At first, Jane was unable to find chimpanzees or was only aware that they were in the jungle near her. Once she found a high peak that overlooked two valleys, Jane was able to follow the daily interactions and behavior of the chimps through her binoculars. They were aware of her presence and over time expected that she would be there watching them. Through Louis Leakey’s insistence, a filmmaker captured Jane and her observations.
Jane learned that chimps are nomadic in nature, searching over two to six miles a day for food. She learned that mothers and young chimps stay together and that males are not part of child raising. And she watched the chimps spend part of their day resting and grooming each other.
When a small group of chimps let Jane come near them, it was the “proudest and most exciting moment of my life,” she said. Jane named the matriarch of the group, Flo. She observed Flo’s infant, Flint, as he grew and his sister Fifi’s intense interest in him. Fifi often tried to imitate Flo’s gentle mothering. Jane learned that young chimps are deeply curious about the world around them and are intrigued by baby chimps.
Jane told her staff to signal her if a chimp approached their camp. One day, a male, Jane had observed and named David Graybeard, entered the camp. He grabbed a stalk of bananas from a tent. When Jane was told, she returned and photographed David eating the bananas. He entered the camp again, and in time other chimps followed. Jane, it seemed, was no longer a perceived threat.
Jane Goodall grooms the coat of a chimpanzee as he eats a banana in this photo from 1974. National Geographic Photo
Jane’s most amazing discovery was that chimps make and use tools. The chimps in the groups Jane studied over three generations, used stalks of grass to dip into holes in the earth to capture termites. They modified these tools by breaking off the ends of the stalks when they became less effective.
Twigs were used as similar tools after their leaves were removed. The chimps also made sponges by wadding up leaves. They dipped the sponges into tree holes that had collected rainwater and then drank from the sponges. Jane also learned that chimps were not solely plant eaters. They hunted and ate mammals, including baboons, bush pigs, antelope, and monkeys. And Jane observed aggression in chimps which made them seem even more like humans to her.
Jane Goodall lectures around the world stressing the importance of “creating a balance between humans and the natural world.” She established the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots and Shoots, a program for children. Visit these programsat:https://www.janegoodall.org
“Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.” – Jane Goodall
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
