Reviewer (text)
Linnea P., Teen Board member
RADIOACTIVE! How Irène Curie And Lise Meitner Revolutionized Science And Changed The World by Winifred Conkling tells of two little known scientists and their journey to success through the experimentation of radium and other various substances.
While I usually find nonfiction books bland and have trouble concentrating, I did not experience that with RADIOACTIVE! at all --- it was dynamic and a pleasure to read. RADIOACTIVE! Will keep readers gripped by not only informing them about the scientific aspects of Irène Curie and Lise Meitner's life, but also the personal side. While reading, I learned so many new things about these two female scientists that I didn't know before, such as Meitner’s discovery of the nuclear fission. I found that the book almost read like a fiction novel, which was perfect for keeping me gripped on to the story.
While I usually find nonfiction books bland and have trouble concentrating, I did not experience that with RADIOACTIVE! at all --- it was dynamic and a pleasure to read.
I think it’s important that that the subject material in YA nonfiction books can be understood by readers aged 12 and above, and RADIOACTIVE! achieves that. As you would expect from a novel about two scientists that worked on radioactivity, there are some pretty hefty science facts that might not be easily understood at first glance. Conkling really makes sure you understand the subject matter, though, by including illustrations to ease you in. I found these extremely useful during my reading and appreciated the helping hand.
I did notice, however, that Conkling talked about the two physicists separately rather than intertwining their stories. It didn't throw off the groove of the book, by any means, but I think their stories would have been improved if they were woven together.
There's no doubt that RADIOACTIVE! isn't for everyone, but if you like empowering reads about women or enjoy learning about science and the politics of it, pick up this book and give it a whirl. Chances are, you'll like it.
Teaser
In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague.
Promo
In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague.
About the Book
The fascinating, little-known story of how two brilliant female physicists’ groundbreaking discoveries led to the creation of the atomic bomb.
In 1934, Irène Curie, working with her husband and fellow scientist, Frederic Joliot, made a discovery that would change the world: artificial radioactivity. This breakthrough allowed scientists to modify elements and create new ones by altering the structure of atoms. Curie shared a Nobel Prize with her husband for their work. But when she was nominated to the French Academy of Sciences, the academy denied her admission and voted to disqualify all women from membership. Four years later, Curie’s breakthrough led physicist Lise Meitner to a brilliant leap of understanding that unlocked the secret of nuclear fission. Meitner’s unique insight was critical to the revolution in science that led to nuclear energy and the race to build the atom bomb, yet her achievement was left unrecognized by the Nobel committee in favor of that of her male colleague.
RADIOACTIVE presents the story of two women breaking ground in a male-dominated field, scientists still largely unknown despite their crucial contributions to cutting-edge research, in a nonfiction narrative that reads with the suspense of a thriller. Photographs and sidebars illuminate and clarify the science in the book.
