  | Marie Curie Author: Demi | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
Mainly the story of Marie Curie, also about Pierre Curie, and the discovery of radium.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 6.10 Points: .5 Quiz: 194713 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 3-5 Reading Level: 7.30 Points: 3.0 Quiz: 73346 | |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (04/01/18)
Booklist (03/15/18)
The Hornbook (00/07/18)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/15/2018 Demi recounts the life of this double Nobel laureate (in physics and chemistry), focusing on her childhood in Russian-occupied Poland, her higher education at the Sorbonne in Paris, and her research (along with husband Pierre) into the properties of radium and polonium. She emphasizes how unusual a career in science was for a woman of this era (1867–1934), and notes Curie’s complete dedication to her work (following Pierre’s death, she assumed his teaching duties, in addition to continuing her own research). The watercolor and mixed-media artwork contains many period architectural details, particularly of Warsaw and Paris. Backgrounds are often rendered in soft, pastel shades, while foregrounded human figures are depicted using vivid hues and intricate patterning. The author touches on both the good (x-rays and cancer treatments) and ill effects (radiation poisoning, which probably caused Curie’s own death) of this scientist’s discoveries, and concludes with a time line, glossary, and further reading. A worthy STEM purchase, especially for readers not quite ready for Kathleen Krull’s Marie Curie (2007). - Copyright 2018 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 04/01/2018 Gr 1–3—An elegant, fact-filled picture book biography of Marie Curie. The iconic scientist's curiosity, intelligence, and determination emerge as standout qualities in the narrative. Many pages contain only a hint of important historical events, such as the telling of the Russian occupation of Warsaw, which may inspire young researchers to probe for more details and for teachers to pose critical thinking questions. Demi's distinctive art style shines, beginning with the attractive turquoise-and-gold cover illustration. Using watercolor and mixed media, Demi includes very fine details to illustrate the lab equipment; but more noticeable are the Eastern European—inspired patterns in the clothing and carpets. Teachers could easily use this as an introduction to the genre of biography or the study of famous scientists. VERDICT A welcome and well-written picture book version of Marie Curie's life.—Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
