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alboyer6's review
4.0
Burleigh is just a great non-fiction author and this is another great biography from him.
mlejmeyer's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written tale of an important pioneer in women's history, but wish the ending of the book wasn't quite so abrupt.
turrean's review
3.0
Lovely illustrations, inspiring life.
(Wish the title focused less on her gender than her accomplishments; couldn't it have been "pioneering astronomer" instead of "pioneering woman astronomer?" But perhaps that's expecting the past to conform to my wistful 2017 sensibilities. Can't forget that part of the appeal of these women is precisely the fact that they struggled against the expectations of the times in which they lived.)
(Wish the title focused less on her gender than her accomplishments; couldn't it have been "pioneering astronomer" instead of "pioneering woman astronomer?" But perhaps that's expecting the past to conform to my wistful 2017 sensibilities. Can't forget that part of the appeal of these women is precisely the fact that they struggled against the expectations of the times in which they lived.)
muddypuddle's review against another edition
4.0
Henrietta Leavitt certainly made huge contributions to astronomy, and this book clearly and cleverly shows the process she went through to discover them. The illustrations are lovely, and the three pages of additional information at the end are perfect for the older reader and teacher (or parent) that want to learn more. Included at some great quotes about stars, a glossary, deeper information about Leavitt's discovery, and a bibliography and list of internet resources. A MUST addition to a study of astronomy, women in history, or just a fascinating read for star gazers!
nerfherder86's review against another edition
3.0
A brief look at the life of Henrietta Leavitt, who worked at an observatory doing routine work--as women were expected to "work, not think", recording, measuring, but not doing the work of men astronomers--and through her observations and patience, discovered new ways to measure the universe. I liked the chalk art of the book, beautiful illustrations. The biographical info was fairly brief, with a bibliography and short author's note at the end. I consider this book more of an ode to skywatching, and as an inspiration to children to stay curious and follow their dreams despite their circumstances. It's nice to have a little-known woman in the field of astronomy given more attention.
missyp's review
4.0
Thank heavens (pun intended!) for picture book biographies! This format consistently introduces readers to the unsung and often disenfranchised heroes of history, culture, and science. Look Up! presents the story of Henrietta Leavitt, who loved the stars from her childhood looking up at the Massachusetts night sky through her studies at Radcliffe College and into her work at the Harvard College Observatory. As a woman, Henrietta was not able to work as an astronomer; she had a more mundane job. However, Henrietta's love of looking at stars led her to an astronomical discovery, which brought about even greater understanding of the heavens. Simply written and very beautifully illustrated by Raúl Colón, Look Up! is a wonderful book to share with children who might have dreams that seem as far off as the stars. And, adults will appreciate meeting this unsung hero of science in the very pretty package of a children's book.
heypretty52's review
3.0
Look Up! has such a wonderful subject in Henrietta Leavitt, but Burleigh doesn't tell me much about her. I would have liked to have read more about her and with more enthusiastic presentation.
imperfectcj's review
4.0
My five-year-old reluctantly sat through my reading of this book, but my nine-year-old aspiring scientist loved it. It wasn't entirely clear in the story what Henrietta Leavitt was doing or what she'd discovered, but there's a note explaining this in more detail in the back of the book, and that helps.
I'd love if books about women scientists just called them "pioneering scientists" rather than making a big deal about them being women. It feels sometimes like people treat women scientists like dancing bears. Sure, a person dancing isn't all that special, but a bear? Now that's impressive. I mean, Leavitt was considered for a Nobel Prize for her discovery. Seems like that's a pretty decent achievement for any human being. Perhaps the subtitle should be "Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Human Astronomer." Or maybe, "Pioneering Astronomer Despite Not Having Access to a Telescope." Because that's more amazing to me than the fact that she's not a man.
But despite my bellyaching, I'm glad that this book is here and we (at least two of the three of us) enjoyed it.
The next thing I'd love to see is a book about astronomy that explains how people can stand being outside on a New England winter night looking at the sky. I would love to understand the level of attention and passion that would keep a person warm during such an endeavor.
I'd love if books about women scientists just called them "pioneering scientists" rather than making a big deal about them being women. It feels sometimes like people treat women scientists like dancing bears. Sure, a person dancing isn't all that special, but a bear? Now that's impressive. I mean, Leavitt was considered for a Nobel Prize for her discovery. Seems like that's a pretty decent achievement for any human being. Perhaps the subtitle should be "Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Human Astronomer." Or maybe, "Pioneering Astronomer Despite Not Having Access to a Telescope." Because that's more amazing to me than the fact that she's not a man.
But despite my bellyaching, I'm glad that this book is here and we (at least two of the three of us) enjoyed it.
The next thing I'd love to see is a book about astronomy that explains how people can stand being outside on a New England winter night looking at the sky. I would love to understand the level of attention and passion that would keep a person warm during such an endeavor.