Children's Science Book Database

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World

This book is more centered around the lives's and findings of scientists rather than delving into the actual explanations of the concepts they discovered. The hardships faced by each scientist is more what this book is about, meant to empower those who feel silenced or at a disadvantage. It briefly touches on what they studied, however it is not the book's intention to inform of how those things work.
  • Author: Laurie Lawlor
  • Year Published: 2017
  • ISBN: 978-0-8234-3675-0

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Biographies of six different women in science who made significant contributions to the world of science despite facing gender and racial discrimination.

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book is more centered around the lives's and findings of scientists rather than delving into the actual explanations of the concepts they discovered. The hardships faced by each scientist is more what this book is about, meant to empower those who feel silenced or at a disadvantage. It briefly touches on what they studied, however it is not the book's intention to inform of how those things work.

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

Since this book is more focused on the lives' of these women, there is not much of an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions. If they were asking questions on the lives' of these women, then perhaps they would have a chance at this. Asking about concepts though is not something that they would very well be able to answer and accomplish through this book because that is not its purpose.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages children to think for themselves in the sense that it is very inspirational. The women talked about in this book got to where they were because they thought for themselves. If there is a lesson to be learned in this book I would say it is exactly that.

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

If the lesson was on a specific scientist or concept, then this book is one that does address them appropriately. It offers up a great deal of information that students would be able to gain for their study. Since there are six different women addressed, the book offers up several different topics.

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

The content address the scientific principles that the women discovered. It is very informal and very accurate information. Since this book is based around the accomplishments of the women, it is centered a great deal around the science principles.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is a biography so it does distinguish fact from fiction. This book is very informational, a non-fiction book that only contains facts about scientists and their areas of study. There is nothing fictional about this book.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are real pictures so they are very clear and accurate. Each scientist has several pictures of themselves and scientific studies. The students would be able to get a better understanding of the scientist they were studying by seeing actual pictures of them.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

I would not have second graders read this book because it is very dense, however they would be able to retain the information. Third grade and up would be able to read and comprehend this book. I think some of the concepts might be a little advanced, but it is something the teacher could discuss with the whole class.

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

The book is multicultural, it contains women of different races. It is all about deconstructing stereotypes so that girls may feel more represented and empowered. A purpose of this book is to free those stereotypes.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is all about women, so maybe there is some bias because they don't represent any men. However, they do not discourage men or speak foul-ly of them. The entire reason behind the book though is to shine the light on some incredible women scientists who helped change the course of the world.

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

This book mainly focuses on the lives of the scientists. It talks a lot about science too, naturally, because it addresses the accomplishments of these women. However, it does not talk much about the association of science and other disciplines, but that is not the point of the text.

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

The book provides an extremely positive attitude towards science and scientists. Through this book, children, especially females, might be more inclined to enter into the field of science. After reading this book I think a lot of children would feel great about science.