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As a child, Nancy Grace Roman, moved from home to home. The only constant? The nighttime sky. She loved the stars and knew from a young age that she wanted to become an astronomer. But could she, during a time when many women weren’t even allowed into colleges? Nancy Grace found a way to overcome each barrier placed before her.
Her persistence paid off when she was named the first female executive as Chief of Astronomy at the newly created National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA in 1959. It was here she faced her biggest challenge to date.
Astronomers across the country wanted a telescope that would orbit in space above the Earth’s atmosphere allowing for the clearest view of the stars a telescope had ever seen. The problem? At this early stage of the United States space program, engineers hadn’t even successfully launched a rocket. How would Nancy Grace ever get a telescope into space?
HER EYES WERE ON THE STARS introduces readers to a female scientist in the field of astronomy who will be forever affectionately known as “Mother of Hubble.”
Ages 8-12
Her persistence paid off when she was named the first female executive as Chief of Astronomy at the newly created National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA in 1959. It was here she faced her biggest challenge to date.
Astronomers across the country wanted a telescope that would orbit in space above the Earth’s atmosphere allowing for the clearest view of the stars a telescope had ever seen. The problem? At this early stage of the United States space program, engineers hadn’t even successfully launched a rocket. How would Nancy Grace ever get a telescope into space?
HER EYES WERE ON THE STARS introduces readers to a female scientist in the field of astronomy who will be forever affectionately known as “Mother of Hubble.”
Ages 8-12
Jennifer Sommer received an M.F.A. in writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University and is winner of the Karen and Philip Cushman Late Bloomer Award from SCBWI for her manuscript "Octopus Capers." She worked as a Children’s Librarian for twenty years and still prefers to read books written for young people. She lives in Dayton, OH with her husband and two Cavapoo dogs, Prince Albert and Daisy Wu, and their new kitten Mortimer. They also enjoy a home on Lake Barkley in Kentucky. Her agent is Stephen Fraser of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency. This is her first published book, and it is a finalist of the 2023 International Book Award, the winner of a gold Literary Titan Award, a finalist of the 2023 Best Book Award, and a Readers' Choice Award Silver Winner. |
We share a laugh as I try to position the camera, set the timer and run into position for the photograph. Prior to this, Nancy Grace had met me in the dining room of her new retirement community in her red Converse sneakers and green outfit, and we enjoyed noodle soup while we got to know each other. It was obvious I was sitting with a "star" as the residents greeted her with respect. She explained that she had recently given a talk about her work so everyone knew who she was. At the time I met her, at the tender age of 91, she was still giving lectures to the scientific community. Afterwards, she calculated our bill exactly in half as any scientist would, and though I tried to pay the entire thing, she returned precisely half. |
The Reviews Are In!
September 21, 2023
"From a tender age, Nancy Grace Roman harbored an unwavering fascination with the stars. The ever-shifting backdrop of her life, due to her father's profession, meant frequent relocations. Yet, wherever they settled, Nancy would swiftly shift her gaze upwards, always finding comfort in the constellations. Living in an era where societal norms often dictated the paths women could take, many of Nancy's contemporaries aspired to professions like nursing. However, Nancy was not to be swayed from her celestial aspirations.
Opting for the path less traveled, she pursued her ambitions and secured a coveted spot at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania—a progressive institution that admitted women during a time when many did not.
Nancy's journey was marked by audacity and brilliance. Graduating with a degree in astronomy in 1946, she navigated the male-centric world of her profession with tenacity. Nancy's indomitable spirit saw her make significant contributions to our understanding of the Milky Way. When she joined NASA, her stellar trajectory culminated as she assumed the esteemed role of the first female Chief of Astronomy. Among her many accolades, Nancy's pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Hubble Space Telescope stands out—a monumental endeavor that has since become instrumental in myriad research projects.
This biography underscores the potency of persistence and fortitude. It serves as a compelling testament to women's capabilities and a call for society to nurture and uplift their ambitions. It conveys the importance of believing in oneself and pushing boundaries.
Accompanying the narrative are Gayle Cobb's illustrations, which are nothing short of mesmerizing. The artistry she brings to the pages draws readers into Nancy's world. However, I felt that the font size was a tad small.
As an astronomy enthusiast, I was thoroughly engrossed by the tale and the visuals. Her Eyes Were on the Stars seamlessly melds the essence of an autobiography with the brevity of a short story. A captivating read that is sure to inspire and enlighten young readers." - Literary Titan (5-star review)
"From a tender age, Nancy Grace Roman harbored an unwavering fascination with the stars. The ever-shifting backdrop of her life, due to her father's profession, meant frequent relocations. Yet, wherever they settled, Nancy would swiftly shift her gaze upwards, always finding comfort in the constellations. Living in an era where societal norms often dictated the paths women could take, many of Nancy's contemporaries aspired to professions like nursing. However, Nancy was not to be swayed from her celestial aspirations.
Opting for the path less traveled, she pursued her ambitions and secured a coveted spot at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania—a progressive institution that admitted women during a time when many did not.
Nancy's journey was marked by audacity and brilliance. Graduating with a degree in astronomy in 1946, she navigated the male-centric world of her profession with tenacity. Nancy's indomitable spirit saw her make significant contributions to our understanding of the Milky Way. When she joined NASA, her stellar trajectory culminated as she assumed the esteemed role of the first female Chief of Astronomy. Among her many accolades, Nancy's pivotal role in the conception and realization of the Hubble Space Telescope stands out—a monumental endeavor that has since become instrumental in myriad research projects.
This biography underscores the potency of persistence and fortitude. It serves as a compelling testament to women's capabilities and a call for society to nurture and uplift their ambitions. It conveys the importance of believing in oneself and pushing boundaries.
Accompanying the narrative are Gayle Cobb's illustrations, which are nothing short of mesmerizing. The artistry she brings to the pages draws readers into Nancy's world. However, I felt that the font size was a tad small.
As an astronomy enthusiast, I was thoroughly engrossed by the tale and the visuals. Her Eyes Were on the Stars seamlessly melds the essence of an autobiography with the brevity of a short story. A captivating read that is sure to inspire and enlighten young readers." - Literary Titan (5-star review)
October 24, 2023
"Sommer’s children’s book celebrates Nancy Grace Roman, the first woman executive of NASA, who was responsible for the beginning of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Opening with Roman’s defense of the idea for a telescope placed beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this biography then backtracks to Roman’s childhood. Even early on, as a child in the 1920s and 1930s, young Roman is captivated by the stars. Her family moves frequently, and the stars serve as Roman’s constant whenever she has to leave friends behind. Despite being discouraged from her studies by high school counselors, Roman pursues a career in science, attending Swarthmore College, one of only a few co-ed colleges at the time. After earning a degree in astronomy, she completes a doctorate and successfully publishes articles and pursues research before becoming the Chief of Astronomy for the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration. From this point, the narrative focuses on the mission to create a space telescope and send it into the great beyond. Even after Roman’s retirement from NASA, she remains involved with launching the Hubble into space. (The text remarks, “Is it any wonder her co-workers dubbed her ‘Mother of Hubble?’”) Along with descriptions of Roman’s accomplishments, Sommer weaves in quotes from Roman, written in cursive, about her work. Detailed notes illuminating some of the challenges that Roman and the Hubble faced, along with a full timeline of events in both Roman’s life and the Hubble’s history, are included in the endpapers. Sommer’s descriptive text is plainly delivered, with pacing that focuses on the important, star-centered moments in Roman’s life and the challenges she overcomes. Young feminist scientists are sure to notice the casual disparagement from Swarthmore’s head of the physics department, and to be appreciative that pioneering scientists such as Roman carved a path for others. Cobb’s stylized watercolor illustrations sometimes seem to show Roman looking older than her description, but the gorgeous backgrounds and detailed images of telescopes more than make up for that.
An essential acknowledgement of an under-sung scientist." - Kirkus (starred review)
"Sommer’s children’s book celebrates Nancy Grace Roman, the first woman executive of NASA, who was responsible for the beginning of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Opening with Roman’s defense of the idea for a telescope placed beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this biography then backtracks to Roman’s childhood. Even early on, as a child in the 1920s and 1930s, young Roman is captivated by the stars. Her family moves frequently, and the stars serve as Roman’s constant whenever she has to leave friends behind. Despite being discouraged from her studies by high school counselors, Roman pursues a career in science, attending Swarthmore College, one of only a few co-ed colleges at the time. After earning a degree in astronomy, she completes a doctorate and successfully publishes articles and pursues research before becoming the Chief of Astronomy for the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration. From this point, the narrative focuses on the mission to create a space telescope and send it into the great beyond. Even after Roman’s retirement from NASA, she remains involved with launching the Hubble into space. (The text remarks, “Is it any wonder her co-workers dubbed her ‘Mother of Hubble?’”) Along with descriptions of Roman’s accomplishments, Sommer weaves in quotes from Roman, written in cursive, about her work. Detailed notes illuminating some of the challenges that Roman and the Hubble faced, along with a full timeline of events in both Roman’s life and the Hubble’s history, are included in the endpapers. Sommer’s descriptive text is plainly delivered, with pacing that focuses on the important, star-centered moments in Roman’s life and the challenges she overcomes. Young feminist scientists are sure to notice the casual disparagement from Swarthmore’s head of the physics department, and to be appreciative that pioneering scientists such as Roman carved a path for others. Cobb’s stylized watercolor illustrations sometimes seem to show Roman looking older than her description, but the gorgeous backgrounds and detailed images of telescopes more than make up for that.
An essential acknowledgement of an under-sung scientist." - Kirkus (starred review)
December 1, 2023
Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’.
As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’.
This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements.
Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy.
The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning.
This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up.
Readers' Choice Book Award: 5 Stars
Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman.
Nancy Grace Roman’s journey to becoming ‘Mother of Hubble’.
As a young girl, Nancy Grace was fascinated by the stars in the night sky and started her own astronomy club to search for constellations. As she moved from place to place for her dad’s job, the stars became her nearest and dearest friends. By junior high, Nancy knew she wanted to become an astronomer, but astronomy was not a typical career for a young woman in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Most colleges at the time did not accept girls, but Nancy found one that did and was accepted onto a science course. She also worked as an assistant at an observatory and earned a degree in astronomy in 1946, and later a PhD. As a scientific researcher, Nancy began to study the stars in the Milky Way and made some new discoveries. In 1959, she was asked to set up the space astronomy program at a new space agency, NASA. Nancy’s significant scientific achievements, her position as Chief of Astronomy for NASA, and her role in the space telescope project, led to her nickname the ‘Mother of the Hubble’.
This is a remarkable book for middle grade readers, about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman. During a time when few women went to college, and fewer studied astronomy, Nancy went on to become one of the leading scientists of her generation. I had heard of Nancy, but I knew little about her life. This book has inspired me to go and study more about this incredible woman and her achievements.
Well-researched by Jennifer R Sommer, and based on many conversations with Nancy herself, this is an insightful and accessible book for readers of all ages. The book will appeal to readers interested in science, and particularly astronomy.
The starry illustrations by Gayle Cobb are simply stunning.
This is a fascinating read and highly recommended. The book will inspire children and adults alike to look up.
Readers' Choice Book Award: 5 Stars
Summary: A remarkable book about a remarkable scientist, Nancy Grace Roman.
December 11, 2023
"Nancy Roman's pioneering story should inspire young women who may still be discouraged from studying mathematics and astronomy."
Nancy's success in a male-dominated world is inspiration even today. She accomplished so much at a time when opportunities for women were limited and studying math and astronomy were not considered "ladylike." The spread of how the stars teased her, called her, and coaxed her as her family moved so often is attractive and gives children the idea of a constant focus amid change. The back matter includes a good timeline and bibliography related to NASA and the Hubble space telescope. The book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing; character appeal and development; and in its voice and writing style. - Writer's Digest
"Nancy Roman's pioneering story should inspire young women who may still be discouraged from studying mathematics and astronomy."
Nancy's success in a male-dominated world is inspiration even today. She accomplished so much at a time when opportunities for women were limited and studying math and astronomy were not considered "ladylike." The spread of how the stars teased her, called her, and coaxed her as her family moved so often is attractive and gives children the idea of a constant focus amid change. The back matter includes a good timeline and bibliography related to NASA and the Hubble space telescope. The book is exemplary in its structure, organization, and pacing; character appeal and development; and in its voice and writing style. - Writer's Digest