It is always good to read an educational children's book that does not seem to be educational. That is, it is so cleverly written that children are most likely not going to realize they are learning some facts and history on first take. This biographical account of Maria Mitchell's claim to fame is just such a one.
Maria's story is told in easily engaging prose, accompanied with fun, attractive illustrations, which decorate each page, bringing the story to seeming life. Maria was born and grew up in a Quaker family on Nantucket Island where she found much scope for her brilliantly, inquisitive mind. Quakers encouraged the pursuit of knowledge of the world and to enable ones own choice and independant thinking for boys as well as girls, becoming a launching pad for her fulfilling life's work.
Being born in 1818, Maria soon realized that she was like a fish swimming up a torrent of male prejudice outside the Quaker sphere of safety, where the norm was for the females to be kept very well in the kitchen and stitching in the parlor. Maria was patient and persistant and became famous for being the first female professional astronomer and to engage in several other typically male roles gaining several other firsts, which young readers will discover as they read the book.
I have clearly enjoyed reading about and learning of Maria Mitchell's story especially since it is the first time I recall having heard about her. I sure hope her story motivates and inspires other young girls to pursue with questioning minds, what the world is all about and be able to contribute to the world in constructive ways as did Maria.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2022
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
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