The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne is the third book in the Incredible Lives for Young Readers series published by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. The others include Only Margaret: A Story about Margaret Wise Brown and Friend of Numbers: The Life of Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Born on May 10, 1900, in Wendover, England, Cecilia Payne grew up in a cultured environment. Her father was a barrister, historian, and musician; her mother, an artist. Cecilia was encouraged to exercise her curiosity and explore the world.
When Cecilia was 8 years old, she “discovered she was a scientist” when she noticed a bee orchid in the field near her home, a remarkable find! Her mother had once described the plant to her and told her that it was native to the south of France. Yet here it was in England! Cecilia’s mother didn’t believe her at first when she shared her exciting news. But Cecilia knew she was right, and she was.
When Cecilia carefully dug up the bee orchid and planted it in her garden, she made a promise to herself: “She would learn to see all the wonders of nature. And she would always trust what she knew was right, no matter who said it was impossible.”
Cecilia “felt like the bee orchid—out of place” as she pursued her education. At a time when women were not welcome in the world of science and academia, Cecilia persisted, moving on from academic institutions when they failed to nurture her and finally moving to the United States and studying at Harvard.
When Cecilia discovered that the stars are made of gases—hydrogen and helium—her conclusions were discounted by male astronomers who claimed that stars were made of the same stuff as Earth, only hotter. For once, Cecilia doubted her conclusions. But only for a time. Eventually, other astronomers admitted that Cecilia was right.
Author Laura Alary’s age-sensitive narrative and illustrator Yas Imamura’s emotive artwork bring to life the child that Cecilia was and woman she became despite all the obstacles placed in her way.
Recommended as an excellent resource for children who love studying science. They are sure to find inspiration through a role model like Cecilia Payne and a window into the wonder of God’s creation and the truth that God gives both women and men gifts for his glory. The book includes extensive endnotes for further study and reading. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)