She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer by Julianna Swaney, Kathryn Lasky
Published by HarperCollins on January 19, 2021
ISBN: 9780062849304
Pages: 34
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

An inspiring picture book biography of little known female astronomer Williamina Fleming, who helped lay the foundation for modern astronomy at the Harvard College Observatory. It begins with Flemings’s early life and budding curiosity. As she grew, she faced several hardships, such as the death of her beloved father,  the disappearance of her husband after immigrating to the United States, becoming a single parent, and working as a maid. Her job as a maid for Professor Pickering, the director of the Harvard College Observatory, recognized Fleming’s intelligence and gave her a chance to replace one of the professor’s male assistants, who was making mistakes in his mathematical calculations. She became one of several women hired by the observatory as “human computers.” Includes an author’s note, a timeline, and a bibliography. There seems an incompatibility with the picture book format and the sophisticated content, and I doubt children will find it without an adult’s influence. Nonetheless, a compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies and women’s history.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library