Reviews
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson
bet27's review
4.0
So frustrating that she missed winning a Nobel three times even though she found the solutions for the male scientists who did. But glad that she was at least acknowledged/awarded in others ways.
cacia's review
3.0
This book is on a subject that I love — women in science — and I was prepared to really like it, but it fell a bit flat for me. The primary reason is that it is unclear when the author is drawing on source material and when she is imagining what people might have thought or said. When she gave a reasoning or a belief, in the beginning of the book especially, it often sounded like she was putting thoughts in the heads of historical figures (e.g., "[Chien Shiung's parents] knew their daughter would be smart and brave, that she would make a difference in the world."). That cast doubt on the whole narrative: how much was historical fact, how much was retrodiction, and how much was the author's opinion? Actions were clearly historical, but anything thought- or emotion-based could have been merely projected. I hoped that there would be an author's note explaining the source of certain quotes and reasonings, but there was not — only a bibliography of five books, three of which were overviews of women in science, not personal accounts of Wu Chien Shiung. This disappointed me, but I am glad to have finally been introduced to Chien Shiung (and her parents!).
msgabbythelibrarian's review
3.0
I hate Science. I hate the thought of Physics. It's just not my thing. However, there are people who LOVE it. Wu Chein Shiung is quite the role model for readers. Her determination to learn and be thorough is quite the life lesson. This woman has received amazing accolades for her atomic research--from receiving an honorary degree from Princeton to becoming the first female hired by Princeton.
There is a lot of learn and discover in this picture book biography! I appreciate the glossary of terms in the back. (Like I said, I'm not the greatest with upper Scientific concepts.) Be prepared to learn about an incredible woman pioneer.
There is a lot of learn and discover in this picture book biography! I appreciate the glossary of terms in the back. (Like I said, I'm not the greatest with upper Scientific concepts.) Be prepared to learn about an incredible woman pioneer.
shighley's review
3.0
Not sure of the best age range for this, and the illustrations did not bowl me over. I am in the process of reading many of the winners from this year's ALA awards.
littlebookjockey's review
5.0
I love reading about women who get overlooked in history textbooks, even though they did the work that men got credit for. I'd never heard about Wu Chien Shiung, but I'm glad I know about her now. She's an inspiration, and I want more people to learn about her.
abigailbat's review
This wonderful picture book biography introduces Wu Chien Shiung, a Chinese-American physicist whose work and discoveries helped several men win Nobel Prizes, although she was never credited or awarded herself. This is a must-have for those interested in women in STEM.