Rosalind Franklin
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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Pub Date Aug 24 2021 | Archive Date Aug 31 2021
Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books
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Description
Little Rosalind was born in London to a Jewish family who valued education and public service, and as she grew up her huge intellectual abilities were drawn into the study of science.
Having studied physics and chemistry at Cambridge University, Rosalind moved to Paris to perfect her life’s work in X-ray crystallography. She then moved back to King’s College London, where she would work on finding the structure of DNA with Maurice Wilkins.
It was Rosalind’s “photo 51” that was used by Wilkins to create the first ever double helix DNA model with Francis Crick, although he did not credit for her work due to a falling out between the two, and her work went unacknowledged until after her death.
However, today she is revered as the forgotten heroine of the study of how DNA works, and the “Sylvia Plath of molecular biology”.
This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant scientist’s life.
Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling biography series for kids that explores the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream.
This empowering series of books offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover and paperback versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. With rewritten text for older children, the treasuries each bring together a multitude of dreamers in a single volume. You can also collect a selection of the books by theme in boxed gift sets. Activity books and a journal provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children.
Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9780711259577 |
PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 32 |
Featured Reviews
I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
The world is finally learning about Rosalind Franklin's contributions to the discovery of DNA and her other contributions to scientific research. Sanchez Vegara introduces her to young readers. We see her early interest in science and her continued studies during the school years. This developed into a lifelong passion for Franklin. The text is simple to read for younger readers and a timeline of her life is included at the end.
Many of us know the term 'DNA', and many people may even know what it looks like, a double helix, but how many of us have given much thought as to how we know this?
We know what DNA looks like thanks to the Rosalind Franklin. She is the person who figured out how to photograph DNA. It took her and her assistant 100 hours to get the famous 'photograph 51', proving that DNA looks like two staircases twisted into a spiral.
I think this book really shows the kind of person Rosalind was. From the very beginning when she gave her college scholarship to a student who need it more than she did, to how she dealt with the exclusion of any recognition of her work on the DNA photograph that led to her colleagues receiving a Nobel Prize. Rosalind showed, kindness, grace and determination. When she wasn't acknowledged for her work, she just kept on her quest for knowledge and answers.
Her journey of discovery was not to gain accolades, but to answer the scientific questions she had, and to help humankind.
Thank you to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the opportunity to review a copy of this book.
Simple, clear introductory biography for early readers. The basic story of Rosalind Franklin's life is told, with an emphasis on her academic achievements, determination, and kindness. It is very frank about the challenges she experienced and how she was excluded from proper credit for her work and contributions, which is great for kids to have acknowledged in the stories they hear.
One FYI - WWII is referred to as "the war" which many need clarification for young readers.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Young (future) scientists will surely be inspired by this story about Rosalind Franklin. What becomes clear in reading this title is that Rosalind was not only a good chemist but also a good person. She believed in helping others. While Rosalind did not always get the credit that she deserved for her pioneering work, she took pride in what she accomplished. Her discoveries around DNA were seminal. Rosalind Franklin ranks right up there with the most preeminent female scientists. She was a trailblazer at a time when there were few females studying chemistry.
This is another excellent entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. The illustrations enhance the text and are engaging.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I love these children's biographies. This one on Rosalind Franklin was really well done and interesting. I liked that it contained some humorous anecdotes; that will be entertaining to children.
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This little book tells the story of Rosalind Franklin, one of the most important chemists of all time. Thanks to her works we now know a lot more about DNA and ourselves. she was a genius and an inspiring figure to look up to.
What a great storybook for kids! This is the history of scientist, Rosalind Franklin, who was a legendary chemist. The story is realistic about the challenges that Rosalind faced as a female scientist but also showcased her perseverance to discover and research in her field. The story is easy to understand for younger children and shows a strong female lead. I recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books for the advanced reader copy and the opportunity to review this book
This was a very educational book! I didn’t know about Rosalind, so it was a great book to read! The illustrations were done very well also.
A STEM teacher with a love of Chemistry, I absolutely LOVED this book. It is one I’ll eagerly buy as gifts for students and young people alike! Tucked inside this fantastic book about the discovery of the double-helix in DNA is a wonderful message we all need to hear.
Rosalind Franklin faced many challenges as a female scientist, yet graciously worked to further knowledge in the field rather than seek credit and fame. This book follows her from a young, inquisitive child to her discoveries about coal, DNA and viruses. Throughout each stage of her life, Rosalind’s focus was on helping other people. The simple and bold illustrations help to showcase a little-known name in science.
This is a fabulous series and a wonderful way to educate young and old alike about little people who had big dreams which lead them to positively influence our world. It provides just the right enough of information to encourage further research into the life of this amazing woman.
Publishes August 24, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I love science, so I love that this series also highlights historical figures who made strides in it. The crazy thing about Rosalind is that she made such an impact on the field and what we know today but was not awarded the Nobel Prize like her male colleagues, who were also working on the discovery. I do feel as though the book really tried to make that seem completely as though it was a gender issue, however, Rosalind actually passed away before the award was given, and Nobels were very rarely give posthumously. Thus, it is hard to say if her sex played a part or not then. Only two males were awarded posthumously before they formally would not permit it anymore, in 1974, so I'm sure many males and females missed out on the opportunity. The one thing that can certainly be agreed upon is that she would have still faced many challenges as a woman scientist and posthumous awards or not, she definitely deserves credit for those influential studies by the world now. Both my kiddos and I really enjoyed reading about this woman who devoted her life to her scientific contributions and discoveries!
What a great overview of Rosalind Franklin, a scientist whose work led to the creation of the double helix model of DNA though she didn't receive the credit she deserved in her own time. Lovely illustrations, a clear narrative, and serious #girlpower vibes.
Another great book in this series! An inspirational brief biography about renowned scientist, Rosalind Franklin, who helped discover the double helix in DNA. I loved learning about her career in science, her persistence, and desire to help others. A perfect read for children of all ages!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.
Little People Big Dreams is a series that never fails to do justice to the famous people the book covers and this is no exception. It is high time children of all ages (and adults) become more aware of Rosalind Franklin's contribution to science. In a kid friendly way, the books brings forth the bias that Rosalind Franklin had to deal with - and I am sure that kids with their innate sense of justice will be able to identity that. A 'must read' book of a 'must have' series!
Much more successful than other recent volumes in this series, this look at the once-much-ignored scientist is a great summary of her life, even if it has to skirt the fact she died criminally young. The product of a fine education, Rosalind was able to show us huge things with the use of a tiny picture – or rather, other people were given prizes for the showing, while she took the image in anonymity that books like this help destroy. Handling the language of the STEM subjects concerned well, this doesn't look bad compared to some efforts elsewhere under the same banner, so it should find a welcome place in young readers' school libraries. A strong four stars.
This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This little book here is about Rosalind Franklin, one of the most important chemists of the 20th century. As a woman, she had to fight to get the place she rightfully deserved among her colleagues, but she persisted and her meaningful work in science is still very important today.
I'm sure children are going to love reading about this amazing and inspiring scientist!
Little People, BIG DREAMS
One of a series for adults to read to children and for ESL to polish their English and learn about people who have shaped their world. This one tells about the short life of an important physicist who proved the genetic purpose of the double helix and allowed others to take the credit. Science was more important to her than competition for prizes.
The illustrations that are mostly simple and forthright as created by Naomi Wilkinson.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
This was a good entry into the series! I wish it had come down a little harder on the sexism she faced, but it still gives a clear picture of her importance.
Rosalind Franklin is the newest lead in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons.
Rosalind Franklin was an English chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was central to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. The book follows Franklin as she studies chemistry at Newnham College to her discoveries about coal helping the British Army during the war to winning a Nobel Prize for her discoveries of DNA and her work researching viruses.
Naomi Wilkinson illustrates this installment and does a fantastic job. Wilkinson's art style was so captivating and her art definitely further helped tell Franklin's story. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
An important message and a subtle insight into the sexism of the world - but as long as you fight for what is right you can achieve anything!
This book is part of the Wonderful Series, Little People, Big Dreams. I love the people chosen to tell about. There is such a great variety of people featured.
I was not even aware of Rosalind Pike, yet she had an incredible influence on the discovery of the Double Helix, which shows the structure of DNA. I do remember two male scientists getting the Nobel Prize for working on this. Rosalind’s incredible work was not given credit.
Rosalind grew up in London and her passion was always Chemistry. Science was a difficult field for women to get into at the time. She was born in 1920. Most girls schools never even taught Science at all. Fortunately, Evelyn went to a school that did. Later, when she is in college, she becomes friends with Adrienne, who is one of Marie Curie’s students. During the war, Rosalind proves very helpful as she has been studying Coal. She is able to make better masks using Coal and this saves Soldier’s Lives.
Rosalind and Adrienne work together again in Paris uses X-Rays. This technique is used to take pictures of Molecules. At this time, many scientists are trying to figure out information of how DNA is structured. This is the molecule that contains all the information about our bodies. Rosalind is asked to take pictures of DNA’s structure. She is the only scientist in the world able to do this. She takes Photo 51, which proves DNA looks like two staircases twisted into a spiral. This is incredible information that she has discovered and forever changes our understanding of DNA.
This is an incredible story of a woman I don’t think many people are aware of. She was one of the most important chemists of all time. Rosalind just sees Science as a way to help humankind.
So, this Book it wonderful for children, especially young girls who enjoy Science. It shows them how their interest can literally change the world. This is a wonderful book that should be in libraries and schools. It gives children the opportunity to find out about people who share their interests. I thought this was a wonderful story and highly recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for an ARC of this book. I always love to read them.
I knew about Rosalind Franklin, not because she is taught about in school, but because Kate Beaton did a cartoon about her, and how she never won the Noble Prize, while her colleagues did. It made me curious about her, so I read a little more about her. This book is just about as much as one needs to spark interest, the same way the cartoon did.
Very clear timeline of what happened, and the back of the book gives a brief bio as well.
As always this series is great for the knowns and unknowns out there, and is a good resource for kids to get them interested in people.
<em> Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.</em>
I wish I’d heard about this scientist before! I’m so glad that this book series will introduce her and her work to a new generation of readers, especially those young girls who want to pursue a life in the sciences. Great story!
This is my second book from the “Little People, Big Dreams” series. I loved it and I’m planning to collect more from this series for my one year old daughter.
I think this book is a wonderful way to introduced iconic men and specially women to children. Take for example, the brilliant Rosalind Franklin and her great contribution to science!
The lovely illustrations is a good tool to engage the young ones. This book will also set as a good example to spark inspiration to their young minds.
I highly recommend this little gem of a book!
Rosalind's story is so important because her name was almost lost to history when her male colleagues took her photograph of DNA and won the Nobel Prize without giving her any credit. Rosalind did amazing work for the field of Science, especially for someone who was female and Jewish 1940s and 50s. This is one of my favorites in the "Little People, Big Dreams" series. Inspiring for children of all ages, but especially for girls who want to enter STEM.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Rosalind Franklin is another amazing addition in this fabulous series - Little People Big Dreams.
This book tells the short, condensed, chikd friendly biography of Rosalind Franklin from being a child and her love of science. It's awful how Rosalind wasn't credited as she should have been back when she made such important and amazing discoveries relating to DNA.
This book encourages children (especially girls) to reach high for what they dream of doing and not let anyone hold them back in life. I wish I'd have had such amazing and inspiring books when I was a child.
I have been an avid fan of Rosalind Franklin for most of my life and it is brilliant for children's literature to finally be featuring women who were forgotten by history and to be re-written as herstory.
The illustration were both vibrant and detailed to ensure the book would be perfect for a large age range of children. The details given to narrate the story given more information than normally supplied, even in non-fiction books.
I would love to include this book as a stimulus in a cross-curricular lesson, especially in the recognition for the conversation that Franklin was not recognised to have a Nobel prize and will never will as they are not given posthumously.
Another fantastic book in this range of books - there isn't a single book I have read in this series, that I havnt enjoyed, and that hasn't taught me things that I didn't know.
I hVe never heard of Rosalind Franklin before but after reading this book, it's clear that this lady has done so much work in the world of science and should be extremely well known.
Discover the lives of extraordinary people, from designers and artists to scientists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as merely a child with a dream. Rosalind Franklin was born into a large, well educated and loving family in London, she grew up with a keen desire to do things that would improve the lives of others. By the age of 15, she knew she wanted to be a scientist. Less than 20 years later, she took the world’s first photograph of DNA, changing the future of science forever. This inspiring story of the pioneering scientist features her life story and a facts and photo section towards the back.
It's an educational and entertaining read filled with vivid full-colour illustrations and it empowers young ones to pursue their dreams without limitations and inspires them to dream bigger and realise their fullest potential, by introducing them to extraordinary people throughout history. It's a wonderfully engaging and simple to understand book that also helps kids with literacy and fosters an enjoyment of reading. You simply cannot go wrong with this series in general as everything is executed perfectly and tailored beautifully to youngsters. There is just enough information to whet their appetite but not enough to overwhelm them. Highly recommended.
Rosalind Franklin is a short illustrated biography of the famed scientist for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and icons of innovation while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.
Due out 24th Aug 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.
Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language. There is so much information included in this little book. The art by Naomi Wilkinson is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are active and kinetic and suit the subjects. I especially liked the artist's illustrations of the x-ray diffraction images and the famous "photo 51" which first showed the X-formation of the DNA macromolecule.
Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.
Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift. Rosalind Franklin died tragically young and I'm impressed by the way this series manages to provide age appropriate biography without emphasizing or detracting from the racism, professional sexism, and troubles she lived through. This would make a great starting point for deeper research for young readers who are interested in STEM subjects, life science, and Franklin's life and legacy.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
Once again, this series has introduced another role model to my grandson and me. He was very interesting in this story, especially as his mother has her Masters in Genetics. The younger generation doesn't always understand the way women were treated years ago, as things have changed a lot since then, but I tried to impress on him how important it is that he not treat women or girls as inferior. Rosalind Franklin did some pretty impressive things in Science, Chemistry and Genetics that changed what we knew about human DNA and viruses. She did this despite being treated as an inferior scientist because she was a woman. She did not give up and persevered in her desired path. The illustrations were once again well done and complemented the text well. This book, as well as the others, piqued our interest and highlights a person who deserves to be more well known. Another great addition to this series to encourage children to follow their dreams.
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