Annie Jump Cannon, Astronomer

by CAROLE GERBER

Overview

This biography illustrates the accomplishments of a woman who developed a system of classifying stars and who-to this day-holds the record for identifying more stars than anyone else in the world. In 1925, Annie Jump Cannon became the first woman to be honored by Oxford University with a doctor of science degree. In addition to noting the achievements of the astronomer and her contributions to science, the book details Cannon's work and system of ranking stars by heat.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589809116
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	09/26/2011
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	780L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 10 Years

About the Author

Carole Gerber is a poet, a children's book author, and a freelance writer. In addition to teaching at the middle school and high school levels, she served as an adjunct professor of journalism at Ohio State University. Gerber has also worked as an editor of a company magazine and written elementary textbooks, magazine articles, speeches, and education materials. She became intrigued by Cannon's story when working on a social studies project. After receiving a BS in English, she earned an MA in journalism from Ohio State University. Her accolades include an Outstanding Science Trade Book award from Children's Book Council and National Science Teachers Association, a John Burroughs Nature Writing Award, and an APEX Grand Award. In addition to writing, Gerber sponsors children through World Vision, a Christian relief organization, and volunteers as a tour guide for children at a local nature preserve and farm. She enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and practicing yoga in her spare time. The mother of two grown daughters, Gerber lives in Powell, Ohio, with her husband.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 1–4—This inspiring picture-book biography of a trailblazer in the field presents insight into the challenges of women interested in science during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Cannon was born in 1863 and as a young girl her mother nurtured her interest in the night sky by taking her to the rooftop of their home to observe stars and match them to star charts. When her father learned that Wellesley College was the only women's college offering physics classes, he enrolled her. She graduated with a degree in physics and had a successful career in astronomy. While working at Harvard Observatory, she developed a system to classify a star's light, and her Harvard Spectral Classification System is still used. The realistic illustrations capture the time period and complement the text. They're scientifically accurate, including a physics equation on the professor's chalkboard. Some of the pictures have helpful labels to inform readers that the building is Harvard Observatory, the man is Edward Pickering, or to make a scientific explanation understandable. A solid resource for Women's History Month, this title will be a welcome addition to collections looking for biographies of women, scientists, or people who overcame adversity.—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

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