From Newbery Honor–winning author Kathryn Lasky comes a nonfiction picture book about the stars! Lasky tells the inspiring true story of astronomer Williamina Fleming, who helped lay the foundations for modern astronomy and overcame impossible odds as an immigrant and a woman. For stargazers and trailblazers everywhere.

Jane Addams 2022 Children’s Book Award Finalist

“Both an intriguing introduction to astronomy and an involving tale of a strong woman who overcame adversity.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A compelling story and a fine addition to STEM studies.” —School Library Journal

“This picture book biography illuminates how [Williamina’s] work chipped away at sexist barriers of the late 19th century.” —Publishers Weekly

Ever since Williamina Fleming was little she was curious, and her childhood fascination with light inspired her life’s work. Mina became an astronomer in a time when women were discouraged from even looking through telescopes. Yet Mina believed that the universe, with its billions of stars, was a riddle—and she wanted to help solve it.

Mina ultimately helped to create a map of the universe that paved the way for astronomers. Newbery Honor–winning Kathryn Lasky shares her incredible true story.

Use this book to encourage conversation at home and the classroom about women and STEM. This is a captivating picture book that centers around women and empowerment, perfect for Women's History Month and to be shared alongside such powerful titles as Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly and She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton.

Kathryn Lasky’s nonfiction book Sugaring Time was a Newbery Honor Book, and the books she authored in the Dear America and Royal Diaries series have sold over 3 million copies. Julianna Swaney is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestselling We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines.

How did a maid with no formal training become one of the most important astronomers of her time?

• A Story of Perseverance: From a Scottish immigrant and maid to the first woman with an official title at Harvard University, Williamina’s story is one of incredible determination.
• Women in STEM: A perfect introduction to the history of female scientists, highlighting the unfair challenges they faced—like being told they were too fragile to even look through a telescope.
• Astronomy for Kids: Explains complex topics like stellar spectra and nebulae in an accessible way, showing how Mina discovered the famous Horsehead Nebula on a glass plate.
• Inspiring True Story: Based on the real life of Williamina Fleming, whose work classifying over 10,000 stars created a map of the universe that scientists used for a century.