Wonder women of science: How twelve geniuses are currently rocking science, technology, and the world by Tiera Fletcher & Ginger Rue, illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

 I'm usually wary of contemporary biographies; I prefer to wait for people to be dead or at least retired, but I'll make an exception in the case of certain careers and I think science is definitely one of them.

This is a truly diverse collection of personal stories focuses on twelve women in science. The collection begins with an introduction from Black aerospace engineer and coauthor Tiera Fletcher. She speaks movingly of her life, the events that shaped her choices, and her decision not to let fear hold her back. The book then moves straight into the profiles. Each starts with a sketch of the person (finished art was not shown in the galley I reviewed) and a brief overview of their education, current work, and awards.

Each profile follows the same pattern. A narrative introduces the scientist, talking about their current work and its importance. The following sections include "The Spark" that started their interested in science, "The Eureka Moment" that moved them into their current work, a reflection on their own past, and words of wisdom and advice for young people to follow. The profiles are interspersed with sections explaining in more detail the science behind the areas the women specialize in, from genetics to engineering, and there is a glossary, index, list of further reading, and suggestions for readers to get involved in STEM fields and make a difference in their own lives and those of others.

The twelve women profiled are of different races, ages, and backgrounds. They include young women just starting their careers and older women who are still working in their fields late in life. Some of them speak of their personal faith inspiring them, others of their families or mentors. Their advice ranges from recommending focus on a single subject to trying lots of things, working through difficult times, and taking a break from technology. Most recommend sports as a great way to develop leadership and team building skills, as well as to skip a lot of the drama of school life. Some briefly mention their personal lives, others focus on their work. The one thing they all have in common is a passion for science and a desire to change and improve the world around them. One of the things I loved most about the varied profiles was that they were diverse not only in race, age, and experience but also in academic ability. Some are geniuses who started college at a young age; others failed many times to finish tests or academic challenges but continued to work at their chosen careers.

Verdict: Although this may quickly become outdated, due to the current science and contemporary people profiled, I would strongly recommend that any library which serves middle school students purchase this title. It provides confidence, inspiration, and support and a realistic view of the challenges and triumphs of a diverse set of women pursuing their interests in science and changing the world along the way.

ISBN: 9781536207347; Published March 2021 by Candlewick; ARC provided by publisher; Purchased for the library