She persisted in science Brilliant women who made a difference

K-Gr 3--This collective biography of diverse women scientists--doctors, mathematicians, botanists, climate activists, and more--powerfully demonstrates that women's contributions to science have improved the world, and continue to do so. As Flossie Wong-Staal, the first scientist to clone HIV, said, "It adds to the joy of discovery to know that your work may make a difference in people's lives." Florence Nightingale, Jane Goodall, and Temple Grandin are joined by women who are not always featured in classrooms but who are equally important--Gladys West, Zaha Hadid, and Ellen Ochoa. Each spread is devoted to one woman (or pair or trio), with a paragraph-long biography on one side, and a quote and full-page illustration on the other. Boiger's delicate, lively watercolors show the women at work, and incorporate symbolic elements, such as a spiral of DNA behind Rosalind Franklin. VERDICT This inspiring collective biography provides a host of role models for young readers. Recommended.--Jenny Arch

Clinton highlights the accomplishments of women who have pursued STEM careers despite sexism. On an opening spread depicting a diverse group of people exploring STEM displays in a museum exhibit, Clinton tells readers that sexism exists in STEM but that "the world needs everyone's scientific discoveries." She spotlights individuals such as health care workers Florence Nightingale and Rebecca Lee Crumpler, chemist Rosalind Franklin, and molecular biologist Flossie Wong-Staal, mathematicians and computer scientists Grace Hopper and Gladys West, primatologist Jane Goodall, architect Zaha Hadid, and astronaut Ellen Ochoa. Mari Copeny and Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, advocates for clean water in Flint, Michigan, are profiled together. The final spread highlights youth climate activists Autumn Peltier, Greta Thunberg, and Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti. The brief entries appear to be arranged chronologically by the subjects' dates of birth, although no dates are listed anywhere in the book and no backmatter is included. Each profile contains at most a paragraph and a quote from each woman, although they are only rarely attributed. As with the previous two volumes, calm, muted watercolor-and-ink illustrations appear throughout. While the individuals covered here are diverse in terms of race, no out queer women are featured, and apart from Temple Grandin's autism, no other disabilities are discussed. (This book was reviewed digitally.) As an informational text, this falls short; as an inspirational book, it could still do better. (Informational picture book. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.