Eclipse Chaser

Reach for this book when your child expresses a budding interest in the stars or feels discouraged by the long, invisible work that goes into a big moment of success. It is an excellent choice for kids who need to see that science is not just about lab coats and beakers, but about grit, international travel, and the thrill of a high-stakes chase. The story follows Shadia Habbal and her team as they prepare for a total solar eclipse, showing how years of preparation culminate in a few minutes of intense discovery. This narrative nonfiction captures the emotional weight of scientific research: the tension of potential equipment failure, the reliance on teammates, and the sheer awe of the natural world. It is highly appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a sophisticated look at a female Syrian-American astrophysicist. Parents will appreciate how it balances technical STEM concepts with a human story of passion and perseverance, making the daunting world of astrophysics feel personal and attainable.