Williamina Stevens  Fleming, a woman whose love of the stars and determination to study them is the focus of Kathryn Lasky’s latest book. Fleming , daughter of a Scottish photographer was fascinated by her father’s work and the stars. She worked in the household of Professor Edward  Pickering, director of the Harvard College Observatory, and became his student. With her background in photography, she was able to identify the chemical elements of each star that was photographed. She was  ultimately  able to create a map of the universe.  Pickering, so impressed, hired more women to compute the light of stars at a time when women were not even permitted to look through the lens of a telescope. In 1898, she was appointed curator of astronomical photographs , the first woman to be given an official title at Harvard University. Her work and that of her fellow “human computers” paved the way not only for women but for the advancement of astronomy.

Lasky introduces Williamina’s story  with text easily understandable and that text is supported by bright , inviting illustrations done in pencil and watercolor. She has also included a time line, author’s note and glossary.

Use this in units about astronomy, women in science and Women’s History Month

grades 3-6

submitted by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray Maine

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