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.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published: 02/19/2013
ISBN: 9781416958192
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 11.36h x 8.92w x 0.42d
Award: Georgia Children's Book Award - Alternate

Review Citations: 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

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