Stone, Tanya Lee. Remembering Rosalind Franklin: Rosalind Franklin & the Discovery of the Double Helix Structure of DNA. Gretchen Ellen Powers, Illus. Christy Ottaviano, 02/2024. [40]pp. Biography. Trade $21.99. 978-0-316-35124-9. GRADES 3–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
A true story, without a happy ending, reveals the life and personality of an unsung scientist whose stunning contribution in 1952 prompted one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Nostalgic, watercolor illustrations charm and engage the reader’s sympathy as a young, wide-eyed Rosalind grows from a child at family beach holidays into a biophysicist in Paris where she developed the golden hands that later captured the structure of DNA. Loads of personal details allow readers to get to know a multi-talented and energetic woman. The author directly addresses the hostile and sexist treatment Franklin faced at Cambridge that caused her to move on, leaving behind work and reports that helped her male colleagues earn a Nobel prize. An author’s note provides additional information. Attributed quotes, sources, and two photographs are included. No mention is made of Franklin’s important work on viruses. Franklin was white and Jewish.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired