This illustrated biography of the woman who holds the world record for identifying stars is "an excellent book about a true astronomical pioneer" (Paul Kohlmiller, editor, San Jose Astronomical Association newsletter).
This brilliantly illustrated children's book depicts the achievements of a woman who developed an important system of classifying stars. To this day, Annie Jump Cannon holds the record for identifying more stars than anyone else in the world. In 1925, she became a professor of astronomy at Harvard and the first woman to receive a Doctor of Science degree from Oxford University.
Born during the Civil War, Cannon was determined to pursue a career in astronomy. From her childhood days of studying the constellations with her mother, to her education at Wellesley College and her job in the Harvard Observatory, this biography by a winner of the John Burroughs Nature Writing Award follows Cannon's inspirational path to success. It notes the challenges the astronomer faced, such as an illness that left her partially deaf and gender discrimination, while capturing her shining moments as she worked to become the "census-taker of the stars."
Carole Gerber is a poet, a children's book author, and a freelance writer. In addition to teaching at the middle school and high school levels, she served as an adjunct professor of journalism at Ohio State University. Gerber has also worked as an editor of a company magazine and written elementary textbooks, magazine articles, speeches, and education materials. She became intrigued by Cannon's story when working on a social studies project. After receiving a BS in English, she earned an MA in journalism from Ohio State University. Her accolades include an Outstanding Science Trade Book award from Children's Book Council and National Science Teachers Association, a John Burroughs Nature Writing Award, and an APEX Grand Award. In addition to writing, Gerber sponsors children through World Vision, a Christian relief organization, and volunteers as a tour guide for children at a local nature preserve and farm. She enjoys gardening, reading, traveling, and practicing yoga in her spare time. The mother of two grown daughters, Gerber lives in Powell, Ohio, with her husband.