Caroline’s Comets

The process that was developed was showing the reader that whatever you want to do, keep trying and success will happen. It also teaches to never give up on your dreams. There are no scientific processes explicitly discussed, however.

Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully
Year Published: 2017
ISBN: 9780823437962

Summary

This book is about the first female to be paid for scientific research, Caroline Herschel. She was the first women to discover a comet. From her childhood, no one expected her to succeed the way she did. Her mother wanted her to be a family housekeeper. Through words and excerpts from her diary, Caroline Herschel's story came to life.

Evaluation

Appropriateness: High
Authority: High
Accuracy: High
Liteary Artistry: High
Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

I would say no. If the children are curious about the first women to discover a comet and be paid for her research, then yes. But, this book really just talks about her life and how she came to her discovery.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes! It has a great message that success can happen. In this way, children can think for themselves how they want to impact the world like Caroline Herschel.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, the topic of discovery is appropriate. A lesson could be taught with inquiry. Caroline was curious about a scientific topic so she acted on it.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

Yes, it is based on sound scientific principles. It also provides accuracy about the solar system. There is information about planets, the Milky Way, comets, etc.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

It definitely distinguishes between fact and fiction. This book is a non- fiction book because the cover says it is a true story. It includes information about her family life as a child growing up and her life in her early adult years.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations show pictures of people in how they dressed in Caroline's time. She was born in 1750. The people in the illustrations accurately depict the the style from back then.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I would think so. My students are 3rd graders. I believe they would really enjoy this book because of the science lesson involved but also the moral lesson involved, in that, you should never give up on your dreams.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

No, the only people shown from the illustrations are only Caucasian. The people spoke German but were ruled by the King of England. There is some stereotyping involved, in that, her mom wanted her to grow up and be a housekeeper because that is what women were supposed to do so there is a component of gender stereotyping but Caroline goes against this ideal.

Is the book free from gender bias?

No, like I added in the previous question: her mom wanted her to grow up and be a housekeeper because that is what women were supposed to do so there is a component of gender stereotyping but Caroline goes against this ideal. There is definitely a tone in that back then, women were supposed to not be dominant and allow the men to do the hard stuff BUT there is also a component of going against the norm and how you can be successful doing that.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

Yes, there is the association of the stereotypical idea that men should be the ones involved in science practices. However, there is a strong push against that stereotype in the book from Caroline's persona. She is strong and willing to go against the norm.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes! From reading this book, I feel motivated that if I were to put my heart into something scientific, I could do it because Caroline did. There is an element of women power in the science world.

Science Topics

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