An incredible picture book biography about how the trailblazing astronomer found her people—and figured out what stars are made of.
About the Book
Cecilia Payne loved learning to see nature’s wonders, even things other people called impossible. While studying at Cambridge, she dreamed of becoming a great astronomer like the ones she read about in the library. But too many people thought women didn’t belong among stars or atoms.
So, Cecilia packed her bags for Harvard, where she could surround herself with women who also loved astronomy and physics. These “Harvard Computers” shared their treasures with her—thousands of photographs of starlight. Cecilia found a way to read the patterns in these photos and started asking big questions. Could these photos show her what stars are made of? What if they showed Cecilia something all the great astronomers called impossible?
With stellar gouache and watercolor art and thrilling scientific details, this biography is a loving tribute to the joy of curiosity, the value of community, and the struggle to find confidence in your own voice. Extensive back matter helps readers learn through an author’s note, timelines of Cecilia’s life and of discoveries that led to hers, a list of Cecilia’s honors and awards, and resources for further reading.
NOTE: This 56 page picture book, part of the Incredible Lives for Young Readers series, is aimed at readers between the ages of 7-12.
Book Details
- Author : Laura Alary
- Illustrator : Yas Imamura
- Publisher : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (January 27, 2026)
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 0802855156
- ISBN-13 : 978-0802855152
Reviews
“Alary’s thoughtful narration illuminates both the scientific and social aspects of Payne’s life story, while Imamura’s skillful gouache and watercolor paintings are equally at ease depicting the figural and the celestial, resulting in both comfortable domestic scenes and glorious starry displays.”
~ Publisher’s Weekly (Starred Review)
“This inspiring story highlights the scientific process and encourages readers to trust their instincts. Atmospheric (and sometimes beautifully surreal) gouache and watercolor illustrations set the scene in moody jewel-toned hues, reflecting the celestial theme and conveying a vintage feel. A stellar salute to the feminist scientist who showed us what stars are truly made of.”
~ Kirkus
“Trusting your own confidence (particularly when you’ve done your own homework) is one of the themes of the book. Another theme? The idea that science, progress, and discovery work in community with both the people today and the folks who have come before.”
~ Betsy Bird, A Fuse 8 Production (School Library Journal)
“A very readable, intriguing story.”
~ Booklist
Laura Alary 