Science Biographies for Children

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100 Most Popular Scientists for Young Adults: Biographical Sketches and Professional Paths. Kendal Haven and Donna Clark. (Illus.) Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1999. xv+526pp. $56.00. 99-13755. ISBN 1-56308-674-3. Index; C.I.P.
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This work is unique in its simplified explanations both of each scientist's achievements and of the breath of disciplines represented. Each short biography adheres to the format of presenting each scientist's career highlights, important contributions, early life decisions, and advice to a younger reader. The authors have done an excellent job in introducing a variety of scientists to younger readers--not only presenting their accomplishments, but also providing some insight into their personal lives.

Albert Einstein: Genius Behind the Theory of Relativity. Fiona Macdonald. (Illus.; from the Giants of Science Series.) Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch Press, Inc., 2000. 64pp. $19.95. 00-008198. ISBN 1567113303. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This is a fine, pithy introduction to the life, work, and times of Albert Einstein. Einstein's entire life is covered; we are treated to descriptions of his childhood, his educational upbringing, his married life, and, of course, his famous contributions to physics, the cause of world peace, and the formation of the state of Israel. The volume includes a time line of important dates, a glossary, and a bibliography.

Alexander Graham Bell: An Inventive Life. Elizabeth MacLeod. (Illus.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 1999. 32pp. $12.95; $5.95 (paper). C98-931616-5. ISBN 1-55074-456-9. Index; C.I.P.
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Children are fascinated by the possibility that they might be able to invent something, so this book about a man who invented many wonderful things is worth reading to and sharing with young children. Children ages eight to eleven can read this book themselves. From it children can understand how bits of knowledge can be assembled by a tenacious mind to solve a problem with a constructed apparatus.

Barbara McClintock: Pioneering Geneticists. Kathleen Tracy. (Illus.; from the Unlocking the Secrets of Science Series.) Bear, DE: Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2002. 48pp. $17.95. ISBN 1-58415-111-0. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This book describes the life and scientific contributions of Barbara McClintock in a very logical, easy to read format. The reading flows well and has excellent examples. As well as pointing out how science is accomplished and the characteristics of a good scientist, the book also details the problems many women had breaking through the gender barrier of scientific research.

Bill Gates: Computer King. Josepha Sherman. (Illus.; from the Gateway Biographies Series.) Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2000. 48pp. $22.90. 00-021054. ISBN 0761317716. Index; C.I.P.
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This 48-page book is a straightforward biography of Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, from his childhood to the year 2000. Through text and photographs, the personal life of Bill Gates, including his philanthropy, is shown. The volume has a chronology of important events in Gates's life, an index, and a listing of related books and Web sites. It would be a good reference for children ages 9-12 and would also be a useful addition to the nonfiction collection of any library.

Charles Darwin. Cath Senker. (Illus.; from the Scientists Who Made History Series.) Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2002. 48pp. $18.98. 2001019862. ISBN 0-7398-4843-7. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This book is an accurate accounting complemented with abundant excellent illustrations. The style of the book is one of interrelated segments covering key aspects of Darwin's life and experiences rather than just another A-Z chronological biography. This well-written biography is a fairly thorough depiction of Darwin's life, for a children's book, and is an excellent value and resource for young readers.

Copernicus: Founder of Modern Astronomy. Catherine M. Andronik. (Illus.; from the Great Minds of Science Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 2002. 112pp. $20.95. 2001001815. ISBN 0-7660-1755-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This book is an excellent, well-organized description of the contributions of Copernicus to the development of science as a process based on observations and measurements. The scientific process is clearly illustrated by descriptions of not only the work of Copernicus, but also the interactions between Copernicus and other intellectuals. The book is amply illustrated and includes a glossary, a chronology, and suggestions for both further reading and possible Internet references.

Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas. Jane Schott. (Illus. By Ralph L. Ramstad; from the On My Own Biographies Series.) Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books, Inc., 2000. 48pp. $19.93. 99-33161. ISBN 157505082X. C.I.P.
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This book seeks to address Dian Fossey's work, showing her as a role model for young girls who may be aspiring to be scientists and young boys who are beginning to take an interest in endangered species. It is a nice beginning reader's biography of a remarkable woman, suitable for most elementary school libraries and children's sections of public libraries.

Environmental Leaders. Kevin Hillstrom and Laurie Hillstrom, (Eds.). (Illus.; from the Biography Today World Leader Series.) Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, Inc., 1997. 206pp. $34.00. ISBN 0-7808-0192-X. Index; C.I.P.
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In this book there are 16 profiles of important 20th-century environmentalists. The write-ups all follow the same format, which includes the early years of these leaders, as well as their education, jobs, marriage and family, career highlights, memorable experiences, and honors and awards. Further reading is indicated at the end of each of the biographies. The inclusion of information about family ties, hobbies, and anecdotes lends a more human aspect to these leaders.

Eugenie Clark: Adventures of a Shark Scientist. Ellen R. Butts and Joyce R. Schwartz. (Illus.) North Haven, CT: Linnet Books, 2000. xi+107pp. $19.50. 99-044957. ISBN 0208024409. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This biography of Dr. Eugenie Clark is a very well-written and interesting review of her life and work as a scientist, as well as her personal life as a wife and mother. The 10 chapters chronicle the events that led Clark from her general interest in fish to her specific work with sharks. The authors have interwoven information about ocean animals, taxonomy, laboratory techniques, diving procedures, and careers for women in science into this compelling story about Clark.

Extraordinary Women of Medicine. Darlene R. Stille. (Illus.; from the Extraordinary People Series.) Danbury, CT: Children's Press, 1997. 288pp. $26.25. 96-43196. ISBN 0-516-20307-X. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This text portrays the lives and accomplishments of several "healers" of ancient times and of the last two centuries. Fascinating life summaries are presented of more than 50 women leaders of diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Included is a wide spectrum of niches that these women occupied in the medical profession. The fields of education, nursing, surgery, mental health, research, and administration are a few of the areas that are addressed.

Galileo Galilei: Inventor, Astronomer, and Rebel. Michael White. (Illus.; from the Giants in Science Series.) Danbury, CT: Blackbirch Press, Inc., 1999. 64pp. $18.95. 98-49141. ISBN 1-56711-325-7. Index; C.I.P.
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In this biographical sketch of Galileo, the author does a tremendous job of making the book an enjoyable learning experience. He gives the reader an accurate portrayal of Galileo while creatively using pictures, diagrams, and related quotes. This encourages the reader to dream and ponder, making the volume well suited to students in grades 5 to 8.

Gregor Mendel: Father of Genetics. Roger Klare. (Illus.; from the Great Minds of Science Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 1997. 128pp. $18.95. 96-35791. ISBN 0-89490-789-1. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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For an upper elementary student interested in Gregor Mendel, this book is an excellent source of information. Most textbooks on the man reveal little of Mendel's background, but this work presents Mendel not as a quiet person involved in teaching mathematics and working in his small garden, but as an outgoing, energetic, caring, giving person in the community in which he lived. The private life of Mendel, rather than his scientific accomplishments, is the focus of the book.

Gregor Mendel and the Roots of Genetics. Edward Edelson. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 2001. 105pp. $24.00. ISBN 0-19-512226-7. Index; C.I.P.
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Gregor Mendel and the Roots of Genetics is an excellent short biography. The book's contents are informative and accurate. The book begins with Mendel's struggle to earn an appropriate education and concludes with his life as an Abbot and his political work on behalf of the monastery in Brno. This book is appropriate for junior high and high school readers, teaching professionals, and the general audience.

Isaac Asimov: Master of Science Fiction. Karen Judson. (Illus.; from the People to Know Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers 1998. 110pp. $19.95. 97-36586. ISBN 0-7660-1031-7. Index; C.I.P.
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Asimov is one of the most prolific, and revered science fiction writers of all time. Over 50 years he wrote approximately 500 books--about 1000 words per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. This laudatory biography provides all the facts one could ask for about Asimov, relayed in well-organized format, with 22 photographs, plus a chronology, selected title lists, six pages of footnote sources, reading list, and index.

Isaac Newton: Discovering Laws That Govern the Universe. Michael White. (Illus.; from the Giants in Science Series.) Woodbridge, CT: Blackbirch Press, Inc., 1999. 64pp. $18.95. 98-49142. ISBN 1-56711-326-5. Index; C.I.P.
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This book provides the reader with a general overview of Newton's life and his contributions to the world of science. Author Michael White does a tremendous job in making the book an enjoyable learning experience while providing an accurate portrayal of Newton and the world he lived in. The creative use of pictures, diagrams, and related quotes encourage the reader to dream and ponder, making the volume ideal for students in grades 5 to 8.

Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy. James R. Voelkel. (Illus.; from the Oxford Portraits in Science Series.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1999. 144pp. $21.00. 99-23844. ISBN 0-19-511680-1. Index; C.I.P.
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This biography of Johannes Kepler is an excellent addition to the Oxford Portraits in Science series. Kelper was truly a giant of astronomy. The author makes this clear, but devotes an equal amount of time to Kepler's chaotic personal life. The many illustrations add to the narrative. The list of further readings makes the volume a starting point for a more in-depth study of this fascinating man and scientist.

John Muir: My Life With Nature. Joseph Cornell. (Illus. by Elizabeth Ann Kelley and Christopher Canyon; from the A Sharing Nature with Children Book Series.) Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 2000. 79pp. $8.95. 00-008827. ISBN 1584690097. C.I.P.
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This small book does a fine job of highlighting what it means to be a naturalist by using excepts from the life of John Muir. Muir's love of nature, his attention to small details about nature, and his ability to communicate his experiences come through very clearly. It is these aspects of Muir's life and work that the author intends to pass on to young readers. The author encourages readers to explore nature on their own with an emphasis on keeping a journal as a means of sharpening their ability to observe as well as to communicate.

Jonas Salk: Conquering Polio. Stephanie Sammartino McPherson, with a foreword by Darrell Salk, M.D. (Illus.; from the Lerner Biography Series.) Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications, 2002. 128pp. $25.26. 2001000849. ISBN 0-8225-4964-6. Index; C.I.P.
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Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life. Tom Hager. (Illus.; from the Oxford Portraits in Science Series.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. 142pp. $20.00. 97-43403. ISBN 0-19-510853-1. Index; C.I.P.
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The biography of a scientist who lived nearly a century and was the only person ever to be awarded two separate Nobel prizes could encompass volumes. Instead, the author of Linus Pauling and the Chemistry of Life has done an excellent job in capturing the essence of this complex and controversial genius in a single slim, highly readable volume. This book is well illustrated, and contains a useful compilation of further readings.

Louis Pasteur. David and Patricia Armentrout. (Illus.; from the People Who Made a Difference Series.) Vero Beach, FL: Rourke Publishing LLC, 2002. 24pp. $13.95 2001018584. ISBN 1-58952-056-4. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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Louis Pasteur introduces the young reader to the life of an outstanding scientist. The quality of the presentation is good, and the writing is clear and easy to understand. The book is well illustrated with historical photographs of Pasteur. The text briefly describes some of Pasteur's major contributions, such as his studies of microbial fermentation, his introduction of the process known as pasteurization, his work on vaccines, and his research on diseases such as anthrax and rabies.

Louis Pasteur and the Hidden World of Microbes. Louise E. Robbins. NY: Oxford University Press, 2001. 144pp. $24.00. ISBN 0195122275. Glossary; Index.
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This biography of Louis Pasteur goes beyond just listing his scientific accomplishments: It tells about his humble beginnings, his often harsh and rigid personality, his family, and his patriotism. Of particular interest is the author's inclusion of some other famous microbiologists of that era and their relationship to Pasteur. In the back of the book is a chronology of events in Pasteur's life, a glossary of terms, and an excellent index.

Makers of Science, Volumes 1-5. Michael Allaby and Derek Gjertsen. (Illus.) NY: Oxford University Press, 2002. 96pp (each). $140.00 (set). ISBN 0-19-521680-6 (set). Index.
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This five volume set is excellent! The series covers physicists, chemists, medical researchers and others. Modern individuals and scientists from the past are covered. There are personalities and achievements in these volumes to satisfy everyone. The volumes are impressively organized and illustrated.

Marie Curie. Liz Gogerly. (Illus.; from the Scientists Who Made History Series.) Austin, TX: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 2001. 48pp. $18.98. ISBN 0-7398-4413-X. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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A charming and comprehensive biography of this legendary scientist, the book has a distinctive and visually appealing layout that emphasizes graphics.

Portraits of Great American Scientists. Leon M. Lederman and Judith Scheppler, (Eds.). (Illus.) Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2001. 305pp. $28.00. 2001041932. ISBN 1-57392-932-8. C.I.P.
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This is an unusual book in that it is written by high school students. The group compiled a list of living American scientists, researched each, and reduced the number to fifteen spanning the breadth of science. Each student concentrated on one scientist, researched in depth, and conducted a one hour phone interview with the scientist. The result is a well written, very interesting, book. Each chapter features one scientist and concentrates about equally on their accomplishments, their biography, and the motivations and thoughts of the individual as he or she grew up and was drawn to a career in science.

Reading Between the Bones: The Pioneers of Dinosaur Paleontology. Susan Clinton. (Illus.; from the Lives in Science Series.) Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts, 1997. 128pp. $22.00. 96-36132. ISBN 0-531-11324-8. Index; C.I.P.
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The five chapters in this book tell the stories of several important (and colorful) figures in the study of dinosaurs. The careers of each span the history of the study of dinosaurs as a science. Reading Between the Bones can serve as a good sampling of biographical information for youngsters doing research on paleontologists for school reports.

Sally Ride: The First Woman in Space. Carole Ann Camp. (Illus.; from the People to Know Series.) Berkeley Heights, NJ: Enslow Publishers, 1997. 104pp. $18.95. 97-9339. ISBN 0-89490-829-4. Index; C.I.P.
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Sally Ride is but one subject in the People to Know series of books aimed at the middle school audience. The book begins with Sally thundering into orbit aboard the Challenger and then moves back in time to begin with Sally's childhood. This book is a good blend of scientific, biographical, and anecdotal information. Girls interested in following in Sally Ride's footsteps will find this book a good primer.

Science and Medicine. Gina De Angelis. (Illus.; from the Female Firsts in Their Fields Series.) Broomball, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, Inc., 1999. 64pp. $16.95. 98-31676. ISBN 0-7910-5143-9. Index; C.I.P
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The book describes the lives of six women--Elizabeth Blackwell, Clara Barton, Marie Curie, Margaret Mead, Rachel Carson, and Antonia Novello--with well-told stories and historic photographs. The volume outlines the sacrifices these women had to make and the prejudices and preconceptions they overcame. Focusing on biography over science, this book may offer role models for young girls considering careers in science or medicine.

Sigmund Freud: Explorer of the Unconscious. Margaret Muckenhoupt. (Illus.; from the Oxford Portraits in Science Series.) NY: Oxford University Press, 1997. 157pp. $20.00. 95-42340. ISBN 0-19-509933-8. Index; C.I.P.
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Few voices from science have spoken to the culture of the 20th century as clearly as Sigmund Freud. In this beautifully crafted and well-illustrated biography, the author tells most movingly the story of Freud's fascinating life and work. His study of hysteria and the neurotic disorders led him to formulate theories about the subconscious, human sexuality, and, finally, civilization and its discontents. The book has an excellent index, a carefully arranged chronology, and a remarkably thoughtful list for further reading.

Stephen Wozniak and the Story of Apple Computer. John Riddle and Jim Whiting. (Illus.; from the Unlocking the Secrets of Science Series.) Bear, DE: Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2002. 48pp. $17.95. ISBN 1-58415-109-9. Glossary; Index.
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This book does a good job of profiling Steve Wozniak's life and contributions to computing as a founder of Apple Computer. The writing is engaging and the narrative includes just enough background material on the early days of personal computing to give context to Wozniak's story. A chronology of Wozniak's life, a computer timeline, recommendations for further reading, and a glossary fill out the book.