Headstrong
by Rachel Swaby
Why did you choose this book? read as #NFBookclub selection
When did you read this book? February 2016
Who should read this book? readers who want to learn about woman in science
Source: local library
My Review
This is not going to be one of my typical reviews, as I’ve already discussed Headstrong in a couple of earlier posts. I read this one as part of the #NFBookclub hosted by Katie at Doing Dewey.
I enjoyed reading this book and I particularly enjoyed the discussion we had. I was introduced to some women I’d never heard of before. I think ‘introduced’ is the key word, as the book really just skimmed the surface. There were 52 women featured in the book and each woman was given a 3-4 page mini-biography. I can say that I learned something in that I became aware of the fact that women have played a major role in so of the achievements in science I’d learned about previously. I have also come to realize that most of these achievements, even though commonly attributed to one or two scientists, are actually the result of the work of many, many scientists through the years, most of whom will remain unrecognized.
However, I’m not sure the book succeeded in its mission. Two weeks after finishing the book, I have retained very little of what I read. While I may recognize a name or two, chances are I would not be able to tell you what the woman had accomplished. I think including fewer scientists, but discussing each one in more depth, would probably have had more of an impact on me. I do think this book serves a purpose. It would make an excellent resource for teachers of science as a way to introduce students to the accomplishments of these scientists. In fact, I learned today that the author has adapted the book for middle school students, with a new title and covering fewer scientists. Trailblazers will be published this fall. If you are a middle school teacher, watch for it!
To see my earlier posts, click on the links below.
My Rating: ✰✰✰ ½ 3½ Stars
My husband is a science teacher but science doesn't interest me that much. I do like the idea of adapting this book for middle school. My husband teaches in a middle school, so I'll have to tell him to watch for it!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I think you're right that this won't stick with me as well as I'd like! I have picked up some biographies of specific women in the book though, so hopefully those will help :)
ReplyDelete