This inspiring biography of Marie Curie tells the story of how she discovered Radium and the wonderful work that she and her beloved husband performed to bring the element into common medical use.  The Curies did not seek patents, so even as they were rising to international fame, entrepreneurs worldwide began trumpeting wild claims for the healing benefits of radioactive products, many of them dangerous concoctions that caused radioactive poisoning. 

Though the Curies shunned fame and fortune to give their research to the world, both received Nobel Prizes for their work. Marie, however, is the only woman to ever receive the prestigious honor, and the only person to ever receive two Nobel Prize awards.  The Curies underwent great hardship to continue their research, and suffered slow radiation poisoning themselves by the very element Marie discovered.

This wonderful story of how one woman beat all odds to obtain an unprecedented education in an era where women were expected to remain uneducated, and to rise to the top of her profession would be a great addition to your children's library or your school's library. Archival photos and multimedia resource lists enhance this story of a dedicated scientist who tried to turn away from the world and ended by changing it profoundly. Add this to your home school curriculum, or just read it aloud at family time to help inspire your kids to reach their full potential.