Living
at a time when few women were enrolled in astronomy
classes, Henrietta Leavitt was determined to pursue
her interest in studying the stars.
After
college she went to work in an observatory but she was
assigned menial tasks such as recording data and doing
measurements.
Rather
than think, Henrietta was expected to just perform
the tasks she was assigned. In her spare time, the young
woman kept studying and seeking answers to some of the
questions about the heavens that she formulated. Thanks
to her intellect, curiosity and persistence, Henrietta
helped unlock some of the secrets the heavens held.
This
picture book focuses attention on a woman who, while
still largely unrecognized for her important work, opened
the door for more women in the field of astronomy. Besides
basing this tale on Henrietta Leavitt’s story,
the author also includes a brief biography
of the astronomer who lived in the late 1800s and early
1900s, plus he mentions some other women who made important
discoveries in the field.
This
would be an ideal book to use with young children four
years or age and older to open the door to some of the
wonders of astronomy. Use Leavitt’s story to pique
the child’s interest and perhaps launch a more
detailed study of the stars.
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