(3) Illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia. Starting with her abusive home life, this lyrical picture-book biography of a pathbreaking woman meteorologist explains the pervasive sexism she faced getting an education during the 1940s and conducting her revolutionary research into cumulonimbus clouds. Due to her persistence, a previously dismissive male mentor had a change of heart and gave her computer time to build a mathematical model of cloud motion that "sparked an entire branch of science." Full-bleed illustrations in muted pastels straddle the literal and metaphorical (an illustration of her receiving her doctorate has her "flying higher than the clouds themselves"); an author's note, bibliography, timeline, and three archival black-and-white photos relay further facts.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale