We're heading back into the nonfiction realm today with a picture book, which steps back into history. Ursula Marvin was one of the earlier meteorite specialists, and was a pioneer in her area as a woman. I've never heard of her, but then, there are many, many people who've made a difference in the world that I haven't heard about before.
Anyway, this is a picture book, which highlights Ursula's life, and I'm excited to see how it brings the information across.
ROCK STAR
How Ursula Marvin Mapped
Moon Rocks and Meteoroites
by Sandra Neil Wallace
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Paula Wiseman Books
Picture Book Nonfiction
48 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING OCTOBER 14th!!!
Ursula Marvin was a rock star in the field of geology at a time when it was nearly impossible for women to pursue careers in science. Discover her story in this nonfiction picture book biography by Orbis Pictus award recipient Sandra Neil Wallace.
While attending college in the early 1940s, Ursula Marvin fell in love with geology, but when she asked her male professor about making the field her major, he tried to stop her, saying it would be a better use of her time to learn how to cook. Ursula studied geology anyway, eventually getting her master’s and PhD in the subject.
As a visionary and groundbreaking geologist, Ursula also had to be brave. She believed meteorites held the key to unlocking the origins of the solar system. To prove it, she travelled to Antarctica where she faced fierce winds, the coldest climate on Earth, and cracks in the ice that could have crushed her, but she knew the danger was worth the risk and scientific exploration wasn’t just for men. She proved her theory and that meteorites could be made up of pieces of planets or the moon.
Ursula Marvin charted new territory as a scientist and fought gender discrimination at every turn in her career. She broke barriers in science, helped create the field of planet geology, and discovered theories that are now foundational such as the evolution of and life on the moon—reshaping our understanding of the universe.
While attending college in the early 1940s, Ursula Marvin fell in love with geology, but when she asked her male professor about making the field her major, he tried to stop her, saying it would be a better use of her time to learn how to cook. Ursula studied geology anyway, eventually getting her master’s and PhD in the subject.
As a visionary and groundbreaking geologist, Ursula also had to be brave. She believed meteorites held the key to unlocking the origins of the solar system. To prove it, she travelled to Antarctica where she faced fierce winds, the coldest climate on Earth, and cracks in the ice that could have crushed her, but she knew the danger was worth the risk and scientific exploration wasn’t just for men. She proved her theory and that meteorites could be made up of pieces of planets or the moon.
Ursula Marvin charted new territory as a scientist and fought gender discrimination at every turn in her career. She broke barriers in science, helped create the field of planet geology, and discovered theories that are now foundational such as the evolution of and life on the moon—reshaping our understanding of the universe.
MY TIDBITS
Perseverance and the drive to achieve dreams makes this an inspiring read, and not only for moon fans.
Ursula Marvin was born in the 1920's, and while she loved gazing at the stars, her father insisted she learn to be a normal woman of the time period. Ignoring his thoughts, she entered college and received a degree in geology. For years, she worked in the field and believed that meteors held hints to the universe around us. Finally, she had the chance to head to Antarctica on an expedition. But this was sprinkled with all sorts of difficulties, and she realized her ultimate goal might never be achieved.
I enjoy learning about all sorts of people, who shaped our world but are often forgotten. This book centers around a woman, Ursula Marvin, who's tenacity led to the discovery of meteorites, which then, helped other to understand more about the moon. These pages don't center on the discovery itself as much as they cover the difficulties she faced at the time. So, there's plenty of woman power going on here, but it's about so much more, too. It's interesting to learn about the struggles expeditions met when traveling to such a cold climate (age appropriate). It also shows that goals can be reached, no matter how long it takes. I found it interesting that she was 57 when the expedition took place.
The illustrations present each scene with enough details to give readers a good idea of the moments and are enjoyable. The text is straight-forward and describes Ursula's life in an interesting manner. There were several moments that it seemed to jump, suddenly, but it's paced well enough to hold interest while brining across the information. The end of the book offers a summary of Ursula's life as well as several other goodies, which can be used to learn more about her.
It's an enjoyable read and makes it easy for readers to learn more about her.
And here they are...
Sandra Neil Wallace writes about people who break barriers and change the world. She is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery, illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received the Orbis Pictus Book Award and was an ALA Notable Book. A former ESPN reporter and the first woman to host an NHL broadcast, she is the recipient of the Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Award and creates change as cofounder of The Daily Good, a nonprofit bringing twenty thousand free, culturally diverse foods to college students each year through its Global Foods Pantries. Visit Sandra at SandraNeilWallace.com.
Nancy Carpenter is the acclaimed illustrator of Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Hunt, Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine, Fannie in the Kitchen, and Loud Emily, among other books. Her works have garnered many honors, including two Christopher Awards and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at NancyCarpenter.website.
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