Maria Mitchell: The Soul of an Astronomer (Women of Spirit) (Paperback)

by Beatrice Gormley (Author) "On August 1, 1818, in the "birthing room" off the kitchen of a gray-shingled house in Nantucket, a baby girl was born to William and..." (more)
Key Phrases: Maria Mitchell, William Mitchell, Miss Mitchell (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9?With a smoothly flowing and lively style, this biography introduces readers to the 19th-century astronomer. Well-chosen, primary-source quotations and quality black-and-white photos add authenticity to the text, and contribute greatly to the author's objective and comprehensive description of Mitchell's accomplishments. This is not a straightforward chronological biography. The first chapter sets the stage, describing Mitchell's native Nantucket; comments about her as a adult; and fills in facts about her childhood. Gormley then goes on to describe her subject's later life and career. A 16-page centerfold features black-and-white photos of Mitchell, her friends, family, and colleagues. Students who are researching women scientists, 19th-century astronomers, or the education and enlightenment of women will find this biography helpful.?Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood, TX
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 8^-12. This fine biography details the life of America's first female astronomer, who was born in 1818 on Nantucket. Gormley explores Mitchell's early years, her struggles with the Quaker doctrines with which she grew up, her discovery of the comet that was named after her, and her careers as a librarian and astronomy instructor. Known for her honesty as well as her nonconformity, Mitchell comes across here as a great seeker who truly loved God and sang his praises. She did not regard the Christian faith as an unwavering walk to a glorious home in heaven but as a sometimes painful journey to personal authenticity. Her story is an important contribution to women's history and offers encouragement to young women considering astronomy as a career. Shelley Townsend-Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 134 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co (August 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802850995
• ISBN-13: 978-0802850997
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,461,690 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, November 3, 2007

By	David C. Jones (East Lansing, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Maria Mitchell: The Soul of an Astronomer (Paperback)

"Maria Mitchell: The Soul of an Astronomer" is a must read biography for all Middle Schoolers. Maria Mitchell herself is probably one of the least known, of all the important people of the 19th century. Hopefully, that's going to change with several biographies (including this one) recently released, and a documentary film in the works. Taught by her father, she was more than just the first professional woman astronomer in the United States. She was the first woman AND American to be awarded the gold medal, for discovering a telescopic comet, from the King of Denmark; the first woman allowed into the Vatican Observatory, and the first woman AND person to be a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

"Maria Mitchell: The Soul of an Astronomer" takes you through her life beginning as a young girl growing up on Nantucket, assisting her father with the computations of ship chronometers for the local sailers, to her worldwide fame after her comet discovery in 1847, to her leadership as the first woman Professor of Astronomy (at Vassar College). This biography is targeted at 6th through 8th graders but is a great read for adults as well. Thoroughly researched, the book includes many photos of all the key people and places involved in her life and includes all the sources used.