Great Minds of Science (Black Lives #1)

August 1, 2024
Profiles of nine Black men and women who have made significant contributions in scientific or technical fields. With this work of graphic nonfiction, Bolden has two goals: introducing potentially lesser-known achievers while offering readers suggestions for professional careers. In lively language, the author traces the careers of five women and four men: beginning with Matilda Evans (1872-1935), a South Carolina physician who founded multiple clinics and hospitals, and ending with marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (b. 1980). In between, Bolden presents scientists in several fields, as well as a commercial airline captain and a self-taught inventor. All smile encouragingly at viewers from Wilkerson's squared-off scenes when not standing in thoughtful, dignified poses in characteristic settings, and though the panels aren't sequential, a few of them feature direct quotes in dialogue balloons. Each entry closes with a timeline and an inset box with additional names or facts; source notes at the end include references to exchanges between the author and some of her subjects. Tightly overlapping pictures and detached blocks of text battle with one another for space on many pages, which makes the narrative hard to navigate at times. Still, as role models, these nine are well chosen for their range of professions and backgrounds and are almost certain to be new to young readers. A promising series kickoff, sure to stir the imaginations of burgeoning scientists.(Collective graphic biography. 9-12)

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August 9, 2024

Gr 3-7-The nine scientists and innovators featured in this first installment of the series may not be subjects often included in curriculum, but their accomplishments are sure to amaze. Bolden recounts the career paths of doctors, engineers, and inventors, sharing the reasons they each pursued their chosen profession. It may have been a family tradition of providing healthcare, or it could have been a trip on a glass-bottomed boat at age five. Information is broken up into the main narrative, speech bubbles, small text boxes with fun facts or quotes, and sidebars on additional accomplishments or details about other pioneers in related fields. Large-scale illustrations capture groundbreaking personalities, such as the first professional female pilot in the Bahamas or the first Black graduate of the University of Iowa's school of engineering. Smaller images show moments that feature the scientists training others in the medical field, providing hands-on robotics experiences to students, or digging for dinosaur bones. Entries are ordered chronologically, starting in the 1870s and ending with events in 2022. A time line of key dates concludes each section. End notes provide reference sources. VERDICT This array of inspiring biographies is presented in an appealing format sure to delight middle graders and encourage interest in STEM careers.-Suzanne Costner

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January 10, 2025
Grades 4-8 This visually inviting graphic biography collection offers substantial profiles of 13 Black scientists. Selected individuals represent an array of fields (medicine, civil engineering, mathematics, paleontology, aviation, robotics, ornithology), consider individuals born between the early 1900s through the 1980s, and include five women. The stories cover how these individuals first became interested in their chosen fields, their education, work experience, obstacles and challenges, successes, major contributions, awards, and legacies. Information is delivered through typical kid-pleasing graphic layouts--brief chunks of text, lists, time lines--artfully arranged around panels of various sizes, featuring dynamic images effectively propelling storylines. The entries are upbeat and stress qualities such as grit, determination, and facing down prejudice and discrimination, and convey each scientist's passion and commitment to finding solutions. Most entries end with an annotated list of other notable African American achievers who pursued similar interests. The back matter includes extensive chapter notes and additional resources. This is the initial offering of a proposed multi-volume set on notable Black Americans, and this accessible and eye-catching debut seems very promising.

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