Marie Curie in the Land of Science

Gr 2-5–Like many great minds throughout history, Marie Curie—born Maria Sklodowska—had her share of struggles on the road to success. As a child, she lost her mother and one of her sisters to infectious disease. Her passion for science paired with family tragedy inspired her to study medicine. But with her mother gone, she had to help manage the household. She worked as a nanny to support her family while one of her sisters attended medical school. When it was finally Marie’s turn in 1893, she scored at the top of her class. The man who would become her husband, Pierre Curie, shared her enthusiasm for science and passion for learning. The text delves into the Curies’ major scientific contributions, including the discovery of uranium, polonium, and radium. Also addressed are the detrimental health effects of working with radioactive elements and the price of fame. By the time she developed mobile X-ray units (called “Petite Curies”) during the Great War, Marie was well on her way to earning a second Nobel Prize. Collage-style realistic illustrations augment the ongoing intrigue of the narration. Regardless of how familiar her name and story may be to readers, this book offers a notable glimpse into the convergence of her interests, what fueled them, and the overall success the Curies found.