Review: Headstrong

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.

• Headstrong Discussion 1
• Headstrong Discussion 2

My Rating: ✰✰✰ ½   3½ Stars

#NFBookClub: February 2016

The Nonfiction Book Club is resuming next month. This is a Read-along hosted by Katie at Doing Dewey. The book selected for February is Headstrong by Rachel Swaby.

Headstrong

by Rachel Swaby

Here’s a synopsis from Goodreads.

Fifty-two inspiring and insightful profiles of history’s brightest female scientists.

In 2013, the New York Times published an obituary for Yvonne Brill. It began: “She made a mean beef stroganoff, followed her husband from job to job, and took eight years off from work to raise three children.” It wasn’t until the second paragraph that readers discovered why the Times had devoted several hundred words to her life: Brill was a brilliant rocket scientist who invented a propulsion system to keep communications satellites in orbit, and had recently been awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Among the questions the obituary—and consequent outcry—prompted were, Who are the role models for today’s female scientists, and where can we find the stories that cast them in their true light?      

Headstrong delivers a powerful, global, and engaging response. Covering Nobel Prize winners and major innovators, as well as lesser-known but hugely significant scientists who influence our every day, Rachel Swaby’s vibrant profiles span centuries of courageous thinkers and illustrate how each one’s ideas developed, from their first moment of scientific engagement through the research and discovery for which they’re best known. This fascinating tour reveals these 52 women at their best—while encouraging and inspiring a new generation of girls to put on their lab coats.

I was able to get my copy from the library. I’m looking forward to this one. So many people have fascinating lives and we never hear of them. It will be nice to see some getting recognition! If you think this sounds interesting, please join us. You can see the details and schedule for the read-along on Katie’s  announcement post.