How to Hear the Universe: Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time by Patricia Valdez, Sara Palacios
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1984894595
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

With the phrase “space-time” in the title, any inquisitive person will want to learn about Einstein’s theory about hearing ripples in space-time and the serendipitous event that allowed a scientist and her team to prove his theory. The friendly watercolor and digital media illustrations in this picture book may make Einstein a white haired and mustached gentleman before he actually looked that way, but they definitely make him identifiable in the book. When Einstein first presents his theory, it is to a row of male scientists. The story then introduces Gabriela (Gaby) González. When Gaby is studying and teaming up with scientists, the illustrations show a much more diverse collection of people. As a biography, the book is not overlong or in-depth, but its brevity may help reach the younger person who, like Gaby, could be wondering “what secrets lay beyond the stars.” Four pages of end notes include information about Einstein, Gaby, LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), an author’s note, timeline, glossary, and sources.

Reviewed by Betsey Noble, Marcia Buker Elementary School