The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of

English astronomer Cecilia Payne (1900–1979) shines in this homage, which unfolds as a dual narrative that maps Payne’s life to a star’s phases of formation. The figure’s scientific leanings first appear during a country childhood exploring the outdoors. While a move to London initially feels lonely, Payne takes refuge in her school’s dusty lab, and eventually lands a scholarship to Cambridge, where she learns about a new field: astrophysics. Battling gender-related prejudice, the determined graduate heads to a job at Harvard, where she uncovers the ingredients of stars (“It’s a stellar discovery, breathtaking”). Marrying format, language, and subject, Larson conscientiously emphasizes Payne’s accomplishments. A star’s “heat grows—// and then, at last...// a new light,” and simultaneously Payne feels that “deep inside her something glimmers/ and glows, growing stronger./ Something new.” Taking place alongside inky interstellar sidebar views, accompanying pencil and ink illustrations by Roy glow with warm digital coloring. An author’s note, scientific information, and timeline conclude. Ages 5–8. (Feb.)