Remembering Rosalind Franklin: Rosalind Franklin & the Discovering of the Double-Helix Structure of DNA
“Dear Reader, This true story doesn’t have a happy ending.” This arresting opening introduces the life of Rosalind Franklin: a smart, curious girl who grew up to study science and became an expert in X-ray crystallography—the use of X-rays to study atoms and molecules. Working in a lab at Cambridge University, she tried to focus on her work while surrounded by the egos and conflicting personalities of the men around her. In 1952, she took an image she labeled Photo 51, writing a careful analysis in her end-of-year report. Shortly after, tired of the tension and disregard, she left the lab. Ten years later, three male scientists, including one who worked in Rosalind’s lab, won the Nobel Prize for discovering the double-helix structure of DNA. Their research, on which Rosalind had never been consulted, relied on her image and analysis. Sadly, Rosalind had died four years before. Author Tanya Lee Stone’s opening and closing directly address readers to underscore that Rosalind Franklin made a unique contribution to science and deserves to be written back into history. This picture book account closes with more about Rosalind Franklin and the “Matilda Effect,” when the work of women goes uncredited. The soft images capture scenes of Rosalind’s life and work. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Gretchen Ellen Powers
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
20th Century
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Jewish People
Science and Scientists
Sexism
Diversity subject:
Jewish
Publishers:
Christy Ottaviano Books, Little, Brown
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780316351249
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Franklin