Listening to the Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars (She Made History)

This richly satisfying picture book biography centers Irish astronomer Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Born in 1943, Burnell helped construct a radio telescope as a graduate student and subsequently detected the pulsar star in 1967, deemed by some scientists to be “the greatest astronomical discovery of the twentieth century.” Parachini writes with adept grace, seamlessly interweaving facts: “As it spins, the star sends radio waves spiraling through the vacuum of space./ Or at least that’s what scientists guessed./ No one had ever found proof./ Until Jocelyn.” Badiu’s lush galactic illustrations, rendered in vibrant blue and fuchsia hues, background key scenes in Jocelyn’s life, drawn in an angular realistic style, which feature an apparently majority white cast. This empowering narrative is a heartening reminder for any child to pursue what they love and persevere, as Burnell did in the face of overwhelming sexism during her storied career. Back matter includes a glossary, an author’s note, and additional resources for books on women and astrophysics. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)