Marie Curie and Radioactivity

Description

At the start of the twentieth century, Marie Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist, stunned the scientific world. Her research led to the discovery of two elements, polonium and radium. She also examined the most unusual property of these elements: radioactivity. This graphic biography follows Curie from her early life in Poland to her scientific education in France. It also spotlights her work with Pierre Curie and her efforts to treat wounded soldiers during World War I.

Jordi Bayarri is a freelance comic-book artist based in Valencia, Spain. Jordi Bayarri is a freelance comic-book artist based in Valencia, Spain.

Familiar names in science are the focus of these graphic biographies, but what differentiates these from other series is the level of detail that is included about the scientific discoveries and work of the subject. Each title not only provides information about their lives, but then takes a deep dive into concepts such as the theory of relativity or the discovery of radiation. Colorful artwork with varying panel size keeps the narrative moving at a pretty good pace and balances the heavy science information with a story arc. Sophisticated vocabulary and advanced concepts make these a better choice for upper elementary and middle school students. VERDICT The graphic format will make these instantly appealing to a large swath of readers and are worthy additions to most collections.--School Library Journal, Series Made Simple -- "Journal" (4/1/2020 12:00:00 AM) This entry of the Graphic Science Biographies series (4 titles) attempts to make dry scientific discovers appealing to younger readers, bringing them directly into Curie's life story through comic-book style, paneled illustrations. Bayarri examines the scientist's entire remarkable life at a furious pace, hopping from one exceptional moment to the next--with the year clearly marked in caption headers. Nobel prizes, wars, scientific discoveries, marriages, deaths, and transatlantic crossings are all included, leaving little room for context. Curious readers wishing for slightly more information will be glad of the helpful back matter, containing further resources, a time line, a scientific glossary, and an index. While this is a simplified take on a complex individual, it nonetheless gives an intriguing peek into an extraordinary mind.--Booklist -- "Journal" (4/1/2020 12:00:00 AM) This new nonfiction graphic novel series focuses on famous scientists from childhood through the hardships they endured in pursuit of their passions--from Albert Einstein's divorce and his move to America during the Nazi rise to power in Germany, to Marie Curie's struggle to obtain an education in Russian-occupied Poland. The author also discusses unexpected opportunities, like Charles Darwin's life-altering voyage on the Beagle. Bayarri infuses cartoon illustrations with historical details that should open up class discussion about world events--such as Curie taking her X-ray machine to the front lines of World War I to assist injured soldiers. Back matter includes an archival photo or image of the scientist, as well as a glossary, a time line, an index, and a list of further resources. These first titles in the series highlight only one woman and no people of color--hopefully future installments will address these deficits. VERDICT These simple introductions to famous figures of science may lead students to explore further.--School Library Journal -- "Journal" (1/24/2020 12:00:00 AM)