Sisters in Science: Marie Curie, Bronia Dluska, and the Atomic Power of Sisterhood

Gr 2-5—Marie Curie is basically a household name, but even adults may have no concept of her background, her family life, or roots. What a gift to read this book and learn more about her similarly talented sister and the rest of her passionate family. Young readers will gain a complete and fully rich picture of Curie and her sister Bronia, who also loved science and studied medicine. Marshall highlights the importance of education to the young women and the importance of family bonds as she writes of the sisters' devotion to each other and their parents: Bronia holds Marie to their oath to enroll in the Sorbonne and continue studying; she, in the name of working together to find solutions, stays with their ailing father so Marie can stay in Paris. It's a little dry, but the novelty of the information more than makes up for staid storytelling. VERDICT This is best suited for older elementary children, particularly those with an interest in science.—Cat McCarrey

The bond between physicist Marie Curie (1867-1934) and sister Bronia Dluska (1865-1939) forms the backbone of this fascinating double biography. After their mother and a sister die, the siblings determine to help the world, attending a secret university for young Polish women and making a pact to take turns studying at the Sorbonne, paying each other's way. Further examples of their partnership and family focus offer a through line, while cause-and-effect narration details Curie's scientific contributions leading up to and beyond her Nobel Prizes. Mixed-media illustrations with stippled textures by sisters the Balbussos incorporate fitting symbols: molecular structures fill the air as Curie studies in Paris, and a final picture presents the sisters arm-in-arm looking at a skyline involving a double helix. A simple closing passage from Elovitz Marshall aptly celebrates the companions as an example of "the power of SCIENCE--and the power of SISTERS." A timeline, resources, and author's note conclude. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)