Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood

The bond between physicist Marie Curie (1867–1934) and sister Bronia Dluska (1865–1939) forms the backbone of this fascinating double biography. After their mother and a sister die, the siblings determine to help the world, attending a secret university for young Polish women and making a pact to take turns studying at the Sorbonne, paying each other’s way. Further examples of their partnership and family focus offer a through line, while cause-and-effect narration details Curie’s scientific contributions leading up to and beyond her Nobel Prizes. Mixed-media illustrations with stippled textures by sisters the Balbussos incorporate fitting symbols: molecular structures fill the air as Curie studies in Paris, and a final picture presents the sisters arm-in-arm looking at a skyline involving a double helix. A simple closing passage from Elovitz Marshall aptly celebrates the companions as an example of “the power of SCIENCE—and the power of SISTERS.” A timeline, resources, and author’s note conclude. Ages 4–8. (Feb.)