Cover Image: The Woman Who Split the Atom

The Woman Who Split the Atom

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Wow, this was a fantastic book. I thought it would focus on the science, but this is so much more than that. It's a narrative of Lise Meitner's life, what life was like in WWII in Germany and Europe, how other citizens of the world viewed what was going on in Germany, an inside look into a period of rapid scientific advancement, and some of the morality people struggled with during this time. A ton of research went into crafting this book; readers enjoy many direct quotes from the people involved in Lise's story (and quotes directly from her). We get a full picture of her life, before/during/after WWII. Again, phenomenal lady, phenomenal book.

Was this review helpful?

An inspiring non fiction story about a little known woman who changed the world. I think this one is a must have for the biography section.

Was this review helpful?

The history and background of the research that led to the atomic bomb is explored in this historical middle grades book. Professor Meitner was already unique in her field in that she was a brilliant woman scientist and professor in Germany. In the years between WWI and WWII she had to work twice as hard as the men in her field, but ultimately proved her worth as a leading scientific researcher.

As Hitler rose to power, her Jewish heritage became a target for the Nazi party. This fascinating book looks at the research and history, as well as the stances that various scientists took during WWI and WWII. Between each chapter there is a short graphic novelesque illustration that conveys more about the various scientists' and their challenges they have to overcome.

I really enjoyed the illustrations combined with the narrative text. I think this will be a welcome addition in classroom libraries as well as public libraries.

Was this review helpful?

A truly important book and story (for both kids and adults) to learn about a hidden historical figure!

Was this review helpful?

A fantastically written biography of one of modern physics' most important scientists, Ms Moss clearly describes the challenges Lise Meitner faced in her lifetime. This text would be a great read for upper-elementary through middle school grades. Connections to women's history, WWII history, and science make it a versatile text with illustrated chapter openings making it attractive to young readers. Well-researched with a clear timeline at the end, glossary, profiles of Meitner's contemporaries, and bibliography for further reading. A great addition for any school library.

Was this review helpful?

Engaging, intriguing story of a female Jewish physicist who made incredible breakthroughs, while experience anti-Semitism, sexism, and other significant issues. Will appeal to a wide variety of readers, particularly pulling in lovers of graphic novels with each chapter being introduced by a short comic.

Was this review helpful?

The title is a tiny bit misleading as Meitner isn't solely responsible for splitting the atom--but she is responsible for interpreting the experiment results. Meitner is the one who realized what was happening in the experiments, that the atom was being split. This discovery has been accredited to Hahn (though he was about to publish a paper saying their experiments where a mistakes) until Meitner correctly identified what was happening: the greatest scientific breakthrough of the 20th century.

This is a quick read with each chapter featuring a graphic novel panel as the first page. The chapters are short and quick, which should help reluctant readers. A necessary purchase for libraries.

Was this review helpful?

Synergy: Lise Meitner

Lise Meitner (1878-1968) was an Austrian-Swedish physicist best known for her discovery of nuclear fission along with the element protactinium.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

THE WOMAN WHO SPLIT THE ATOM by Marissa Moss tells the compelling story of a female Jewish physicist who made groundbreaking discoveries, while dealing with sexism, anti-Semitism, and other obstacles. Each of the forty chapters begins with sequential art followed by a short, engaging narrative. The book concludes with an afterword with photographs, author’s note, timeline, terms, glossary, endnotes, bibliography, and index. Perfect for reluctant readers, this highly illustrated biography will appeal to a wide range of young people.

LISE MEITNER AND NUCLEAR FISSION is a very short video providing an overview of Lise Meitner’s scientific discovery.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/6UvbdidT-qM

THE AMAZING LIFE OF LISE MEITNER is a video exploring the life of this inspiring scientist.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/uZZFG58G_jE

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Was this review helpful?

With each chapter beginning with a mini-comic, it doesn't help or hurt the story in any way but does pull in some additional readers who might be drawn to the mix though there wasn't a particular choice in what was showcased that made it stand out any different than the narrative about a woman, Lise Meitner who was a Jewish woman physicist. And during the wars in Europe and her own tenacity, she persevered even without the acclaim, honors, and recognition she should have been awarded for her partnerships, particularly with her lab partner Hahn, who got all of the credit.

Sadly, it's another biography of a woman lost to history who now gets her time to shine with a whole book dedicated to her overcoming adversity and being willing to sit back because she loved science so much. And had a sister who was also in medicine (the father said he shouldn't have two women in medicine and that Lise should pursue her interest in physics rather than trying to do medicine though she got her shot at it when the war broke out and we went to work as a nurse in the hospitals). It does well to incorporate the wonderings of how those who were discovering these things dealt with and thought about how it was used in warfare and beyond.

It includes biographies of key players in the back as well as the source notes.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoy the premise of the focus and the combination of graphic novel format with text format. However, I thought the combination of graphic and text should have been better balanced. I also found that the narrative sections did not hold my attention as much as I would expect. I felt like the book didn't quite live up to its potential.

Was this review helpful?