CCBC Booklists

CCBC booklist are compiled from books we have recommended in various editions of CCBC Choices. Most of these booklists are updated annually. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include additional books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

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The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of

by Kirsten W. Larson

CCBC Review:

Cecilia Payne was born in England in 1900. A curious and science-minded child, she yearned to understand how the world worked. As a young woman, she faced barriers to her education but eventually received a degree from Cambridge. Limited by the scientific opportunities available to her in England, Cecilia moved to the United States to study astronomy at Harvard. At age 25, as part of her Ph.D. research, Cecilia made a momentous discovery when she proved, for the first time in human history, what stars are made of. Pencil and ink illustrations with added digital color in sepia tones portray Cecilia’s life and times, with bursts of yellow signifying her successes. Secondary illustrations shown behind Cecilia’s story are rendered on a dark, celestial backdrop. Abstract swirls and bold brush strokes, combined with brief italicized text, inform readers the process by which stars are formed. End matter includes additional notes on Cecilia Payne’s accomplishments, a timeline of her life, and a technical overview of star formation. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

Illustrated by Katherine Roy

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-12
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Formats: Biography, Autobiography and Memoir Picture book
Subjects: 20th Century Biography Girls and Women History (Nonfiction) Science and Scientists Space/Astronomy

On CCBC Booklists: Literary Science 1: K-5 Mentor Texts Picture Books for Older Children and Teens: Never Too Old

Publisher: Chronicle
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9781452172873
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 520 Larson

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.

Please send questions or comments about CCBC booklists to ccbcinfo@education.wisc.edu.