Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer

Henrietta Levitt was the first person to discover the scientific importance of a star's brightness--so why has no one heard of her? Learn all about a female pioneer of astronomy in this picture book biography.

Henrietta Swan Leavitt was born on July 4, 1868, and she changed the course of astronomy when she was just twenty-five years old. Henrietta spent years measuring star positions and sizes from photographs taken by the telescope at the Harvard College Observatory, where she worked. After Henrietta observed that certain stars had a fixed pattern to their changes, her discovery made it possible for astronomers to measure greater and greater distances--leading to our present understanding of the vast size of the universe.

An astronomer of her time called Henrietta Leavitt "one of the most important women ever to touch astronomy," and another close associate said she had the "best mind at the Harvard Observatory." Henrietta Leaveitt's story will inspire young women and aspiring scientists of all kinds and includes additional information about the solar system and astronomy.

Author: Robert Burleigh
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published: 02/19/2013
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 11.36h x 8.92w x 0.42d
ISBN: 9781416958192
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 156812 / Look Up! Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer


Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Alternate


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 12/03/2012 pg. 73
School Library Journal 02/01/2013 pg. 91
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2013 pg. 289
Kirkus Reviews 01/15/2013
Booklist 02/15/2013 pg. 63
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2013 pg. 189 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author
Robert Burleigh is the award-winning author of many books for children, including The Adventures of Mark Twain by Huckleberry Finn, illustrated by Barry Blitt; Night Flight, illustrated by Wendell Minor; Black Whiteness, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop; and Sylvia's Bookshop, illustrated by Katy Wu. His many other books include Hoops; Stealing Home; and Clang! Clang! Beep! Beep! He lives in Michigan.

Raúl Colón is the award-winning illustrator of many picture books, including Draw!, an ALA Notable Book and recipient of the International Latino Book Award; Imagine!, an ALA Notable Book, a New York Public Library Best Book for Kids, and a BookPage Best Book; Susanna Reich's José! Born to Dance; Angela's Christmas by Frank McCourt; and Jill Biden's Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops. Mr. Colón lived in Puerto Rico as a young boy and now resides in New City, New York, with his family.