Laurie Wallmark is a celebrated author specializing in compelling biographies for young readers, bringing the stories of pioneering scientists and inventors to life. Her work is characterized by meticulous research and engaging narratives that make complex scientific ideas accessible and exciting. Wallmark masterfully blends historical fact with inspirational storytelling, fostering curiosity and an early interest in STEM fields. Her approach to children's biographical literature is distinctive, making her books highly valued for both their educational merit and sheer readability.
This book tells the inspirational story of Grace Hopper, an amazing woman with a passion for maths, an insatiable curiosity and the firm belief that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than... to get permission.
In this heartwarming story about the importance of community, a little Jewish girl living on the Lower East Side during the flu pandemic of 1918 can't start school because her father is sick, so she makes a trade with her neighbors: chores for lessons. It's 1918 on the Lower East Side of New York City, and Rivka is excited to start school. But when her papa gets sick with the flu, her mama has to go to work at the shirtwaist factory and Rivka needs to stay home and take care of her little sister. But Rivka figures out a way to learn anyway: she trades chores with the grocer, the tailor, and an elderly neighbor for lessons. As the seasons change, Rivka finds she can count pennies for the iceman and read the labels on jars of preserve. And one day, Papa is no longer sick, and Rivka can finally start school! Full kindness and love for your neighbors, here is a story that introduces life on the Lower East Side for a Jewish family during the flu pandemic of 1918.
A fascinating picture book biography about the double life of Hedy Lamarr, who was both an extremely famous actress and also a serious inventor and scientist
Decode the story of Elizebeth Friedman, the cryptologist who took down gangsters and Nazi spies In this picture book biography, young readers will learn all about Elizebeth Friedman (1892-1980), a brilliant American code breaker who smashed Nazi spy rings, took down gangsters, and created the CIA's first cryptology unit. Her story came to light when her secret papers were finally declassified in 2015. From thwarting notorious rumrunners with only paper and pencil to "counter-spying into the minds and activities of" Nazis, Elizebeth held a pivotal role in the early days of US cryptology. No code was too challenging for her to crack, and Elizebeth's work undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. Extensive back matter includes explanations of codes and ciphers, further information on cryptology, a bibliography, a timeline of Elizebeth's life, plus secret messages for young readers to decode.
Sophie Kowalevski stands out as a remarkable figure in both mathematics and literature, showcasing the interplay between creative expression and analytical thought. Her contributions to mathematical research were complemented by her talent for writing, illustrating a unique blend of STEAM disciplines. This biography highlights her achievements and the importance of nurturing creativity alongside scientific inquiry, making her an inspiring role model for future generations.
Focusing on her exceptional intellect and creativity, Ada Lovelace, daughter of poet Lord Byron, forges a groundbreaking partnership with inventor Charles Babbage. Recognizing the potential of his mechanical computer, she becomes the first to write a computer program, showcasing her deep understanding of technology and mathematics. This pioneering achievement marks a significant moment in the history of computing, highlighting her role as a visionary in a male-dominated field.
Maria Mitchell, Astronomer
Focusing on the groundbreaking achievements of Maria Mitchell, the book chronicles her journey from a curious young girl studying the stars to becoming the first woman to discover a comet with a telescope. Celebrated as "the lady astronomer," she broke barriers in the 19th century by securing a government job and becoming the first female astronomy professor at Vassar College. Through her pioneering work, she inspired countless young women to pursue careers in astronomy, embodying the spirit of reaching for the stars.
This is the true story of how Judit Polgár captivated the world as she battled to become the youngest chess grandmaster in history! The queen of chess, Judit Polgár, dazzled the world as a prodigy, winning tournaments, gold medals, and defeating eleven world champions, including Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. At her peak, Judit was rated the eighth best chess player in the world. But before these tremendous successes, Judit burst onto the chess scene as a ferocious, child competitor. Beating adults by five-years-old, and winning international tournaments by age nine, Judit was destined for greatness. Follow her incredible journey as she strives for chess immortality, hunting to become the youngest chess grandmaster in history.
Discover the extraordinary life of Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American female astronaut.