The Woman Who Split the Atom: The Life of Lise Meitner

Marissa Moss presents a compelling biography of Lise Meitner, a groundbreaking physicist whose work led to the discovery of nuclear fission. The book vividly portrays Meitner's lifelong struggle against sexism and antisemitism in early 20th-century Berlin, highlighting her perseverance in a male-dominated field and her harrowing escape from Nazi Germany. It explores her scientific integrity, her shock at the weaponization of her discovery, and her unwavering commitment to pacifism. Rich with historical context and Moss's illustrations, this book is ideal for upper elementary and middle school readers interested in science, history, and stories of resilience.

Bestselling author-illustrator Marissa Moss tells the gripping story of Lise Meitner, the physicist who discovered nuclear fission As a female Jewish physicist in Berlin during the early 20th century, Lise Meitner had to fight for an education, a job, and equal treatment in her field, like having her name listed on her own research papers. Meitner made groundbreaking strides in the study of radiation, but when Hitler came to power in Germany, she suddenly had to face not only sexism, but also life-threatening anti-Semitism as well. Nevertheless, she persevered and one day made a discovery that rocked the world: the splitting of the atom. While her male lab partner was awarded a Nobel Prize for the achievement, the committee refused to give her any credit. Suddenly, the race to build the atomic bomb was on--although Meitner was horrified to be associated with such a weapon. "A physicist who never lost her humanity," Meitner wanted only to figure out how the world works, and advocated for pacifism while others called for war. The book includes an afterword, author's note, timeline, select terms of physics, glossary of scientists mentioned, endnotes, select bibliography, index, and Marissa Moss's celebrated drawings throughout. The Woman Who Split the Atom is a fascinating look at Meitner's fierce passion, integrity, and her lifelong struggle to have her contributions to physics recognized.