A parent might reach for this book when their curious child, especially a girl, expresses an interest in STEM but lacks visible role models, or perhaps feels that science and math are 'for boys'. This visually engaging book from DK introduces young readers to dozens of trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics throughout history. It highlights not only their brilliant discoveries but also the incredible resilience they showed in the face of societal barriers and discrimination. Through themes of perseverance, curiosity, and self-confidence, it serves as a powerful tool for representation. For ages 9 to 14, it's an inspiring collection that proves that a passion for discovery can change the world, no matter who you are.
Some profiles include professional setbacks, lack of recognition, and personal hardship.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly and factually addresses historical sexism and gender discrimination. It includes accounts of women being denied access to education, having their work co-opted by male colleagues, or being overlooked for awards and recognition. The approach is secular and historical. The overarching message is one of hope and empowerment, celebrating their ultimate success and lasting legacy as inspiration for future generations.
Ideal Reader
A 10-year-old who loves science but is beginning to feel social pressure or self-doubt about her interests. It is also perfect for any middle-grade reader interested in history, social justice, and stories about overcoming obstacles. It serves as an excellent resource for school projects and for kids who prefer learning through visual, bite-sized information rather than dense text.
Parent Prep
The book can be read without preparation. However, parents should be ready for conversations about fairness and historical sexism. Stories about women like Rosalind Franklin, whose data was used without permission, may prompt questions about why these things happened and whether they still happen today. A parent overhears their child say, "I'm not smart enough for math," or notices their passion for a STEM subject fading. They might be looking for a book that provides strong, intelligent, and diverse female role models to counteract stereotypes their child is encountering.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will be captivated by the exciting discoveries, inventions, and the 'superhero' quality of the scientists. An older reader (11-14) will better appreciate the social and historical context, connecting more deeply with the themes of fighting for justice, establishing an identity, and the importance of representation in professional fields.
What Makes It Special
Compared to other 'women in STEM' anthologies, this book's differentiator is the classic DK visual format. It breaks down complex scientific contributions and historical contexts into highly digestible and graphically appealing layouts. This makes it more of an engaging 'browseable' reference book than a linear read, perfect for sparking interest across a wide variety of scientific disciplines.
Read plot summary
This is a nonfiction biographical collection profiling dozens of women throughout history and across the globe who made significant contributions to STEM fields. Each profile is typically one to two pages and uses the signature DK style of photography, illustration, and informational call-out boxes. The book covers a wide range of disciplines, including astronomy, medicine, computer science, biology, and chemistry, detailing each woman's key achievements and the historical and social context of their work.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Many scientists in this book faced people who said women shouldn't be in their field. Which story of perseverance stood out to you the most, and why?
2
After reading about so many different fields like astronomy, biology, and computer science, is there one area you feel more curious to learn about?
3
Think about a scientist like Rosalind Franklin, whose work was used by others without her getting proper credit at first. Why is it important to acknowledge everyone's contributions to a discovery?
4
The book features many historical figures. If you could add a chapter about a female scientist who is working today, who would you choose and what would you highlight about her work?
