The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered MOST of the Universe
Author: Sandra Nickel
Illustrator: Aimée Sicuro
Publishing March 2nd, 2021 by Abrams Books for Young Readers
Summary: An inspired biographical picture book about a female astronomer who makes huge discoveries about the mysteries of the night sky and changed the way we look at the universe.
Vera Rubin was one of the astronomers who discovered and named dark matter, the thing that keeps the universe hanging together. Throughout her career she was never taken seriously as a scientist because she was one of the only female astronomers at that time, but she didn’t let that stop her. She made groundbreaking and incredibly significant discoveries that scientists have only recently been able to really appreciate—and she changed the way that we look at the universe. A stunning portrait of a little-known trailblazer, The Stuff Between the Stars tells Vera’s story and inspires the youngest readers who are just starting to look up at the stars.
About the Creators:
Sandra Nickel says that story ideas are everywhere; you just have to reach out and grab them. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her first book, Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack, was a Golden Kite Award finalist. Sandra lives in Chexbres, Switzerland, where she blogs about children’s book writers and illustrators at whatwason.com. To learn more, visit https://sandranickel.com/.
Twitter: @senickel
Facebook: @sandranickelbooks
Instagram: @sandranickelbooks
Aimée Sicuro is an illustrator, picture book maker, and surface pattern designer who received a BFA in Illustration from Columbus College of Art and Design. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young sons. Visit her website to learn more.
Twitter: @aimeesicuro
Instagram: @aimeesicuro
Praise:
“This engaging biography will appeal to budding scientists, particularly those with a penchant for sky searching.” – Kirkus Reviews
“A truly beautiful story of perseverance and passion.” – Booklist
Review: I love learning about amazing women. At the same time, I think it is so sad that these same women aren’t already being taught in schools. Whenever dark matter is discussed, why isn’t Vera Rubin’s story delved into?! It should be. She was someone that should be admired and learned from. Her grit to overcome the blatant sexism in her field is just so tough to even wrap your brain around. These female pioneers deserve all of the name yelling from the hill tops we can give them.
For that reason, I am so thankful for this book. I did not know about Vera Rubin. Nickel’s story did a wonderful job of intertwining Rubin’s personal story, professional story, and pure passion into a narrative that taught me about her and about space. I also loved the illustrations and the design of the book. Sicuro’s use of darkness and light & spacing were so thoughtful, and I loved the mix between the realistic and the scientific in illustrations.
Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: Add in Stuff Between Stars to your Amazing Women in Science text set then use the text set in a lit circle to discover and explore the amazing women scientists picture book biographies that are out there for kids! (Although there still aren’t enough, but it is vastly improving!)
I also think that this book really pushes the idea of passion projects. Everyone dismissed Vera and didn’t nurture her love of science and astronomy. Yes, she overcame, thankfully, but just imagine if just one teacher had told her to just learn everything she could and truly nurtured that love?! Let’s aim to be that educator more!
Post will soon be updated with the curriculum guide for this book!
Discussion Questions:
- How did others’ criticisms affect Vera?
- In the 3rd spread below, how did the author use color to bring across the author’s point?
- What challenges did Vera overcome to still become an infamous astronomer?
- Why do you think Vera’s work is less known than other astronomers?
- Why did Vera have to be so blunt about wanting the job at the Carnegie Institute? What would have probably happened if she was not?
Watch for: In Celebration of Women’s History Month, Publishers Weekly will be featuring Sandra Nickel and Laurie Wallmark. We talk about science, curiosity, and the importance of picture books about women in STEM. Look for our ‘In Conversation’ on March 8.
Flagged Passages:
Book Trailer:
Read This If You Love: The Leaf Detective by Heather Lang, Marjory Saves the Everglades by Sandra Neil Wallace, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, Shark Lady by Jess Keating, Grace Hopper by Laurie Wallmark, Ada’s Ideas by Fiona Robinson, Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? by Tanya Lee Stone, Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell
Recommended For:
Giveaway!!
**Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for providing a copy for giveaway!**
Thank you for spreading the word about Vera Rubin! I absolutely agree: her name should be shouted from the hill tops. She was an amazing woman in so many ways and is a great role model for anyone who is discouraged from their passion.
I love learning about women who are pioneers in science and math. I can’t wait to read this book and find a new role model for myself and my daughters.