Marie Curie: Discoverer of Radium

Alice Kidd is an editor with The New Catalyst editorial collective in
Lillooet, B.C.

Biographies are an important learning tool for children. Role models of
scientists, especially of women in science, are in short supply. How can
we expect young people to choose a career in science if they have no
understanding of the life and the work of scientists? How do individuals
become scientists? What events in their early life spark their interest
and encourage them?

Curie’s early life was not easy. The family did not have much money,
and suffered tragic losses through illness. Both parents were teachers
and cultivated a fierce devotion to education in their children. As a
young adult, Curie worked first to help her sister through school and
only then completed her own education.

What do scientists do in their daily life? The book gives a good
description of the nature of scientific interest. Webb describes how and
why Marie investigated uranium. He also tells us how difficult it is to
get support for scientific research, especially if the researchers are
women.

Curie was a fascinating woman. The combination of hard work, triumph,
and tragedy in her life make for an exciting story for young people.
Webb has given us a delightful story that will spark young people to go
on and find out more about this remarkable scientist.