Marie Curie for Kids

September 15, 2016
This informative overview of the life and work of Marie Curie, one of the world's most famous scientists, recounts her remarkable life, from growing up in her native Poland under repressive Russian rule to her several decades of groundbreaking research in radioactivity. O'Quinn's portrait of Curie is that of an insatiably curious, intensely driven scientist with a tireless work ethic who defied societal norms by working in full partnership with her husband, Pierre, while also teaching and raising her two daughters. She was not only the first woman to chair a position at the Sorbonne and win a Nobel Prize, but the first person to win the Nobel in two fields--chemistry and physics. O'Quinn is honest about the unpleasant aspects of Curie's life, such as her frequent bouts of depression and her prejudices. The 21 activities are intended to offer readers additional insight into Curie's life and work. A pierogi recipe and instructions for Polish paper cutting seem superfluous compared to experiments exploring concepts like the Kelvin scale and temperature conversion. All of the activities and experiments are clearly explained, and a few of the more challenging ones recommend adult supervision. An accessibly written, engaging introduction to a remarkable giant of science. (photos, further research, glossary, bibliography) (Biography. 9-12)

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November 1, 2016

Gr 4 Up-Biographical science books for students are often limited to cursory overviews that don't provide much background; this is not the case with O'Quinn's exploration of Marie Curie (1867-1934). Not only does O'Quinn extensively detail the life of Curie, she places her accomplishments within the context of the time period. Curie's Polish background is also emphasized prominently in the narrative. The text is clear and straightforward and includes a time line of Curie's life and profiles of other scientists. The title also lists 21 activities and experiments that let students not only read about Curie's life but also experience it firsthand. This level of interactivity makes this offering a solid choice for those who are interested in science and for upper elementary and middle school teachers developing lessons. The activities and experiments could complement a science curriculum focused on teaching the basic principles of experimentation and scientific investigation. The activities will also help students develop research skills. VERDICT An accessible science biography with ties to curricula and library use.-Kevin McGuire, Woodland Hills School District, PA

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