Phillip Marsden, Boss Ladies of Science, Lothian Children’s Books, July 2022, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN9780734421227
Boss Ladies of Science is a collection of profiles of women scientists who have achieved significance within their fields. These women come from countries across the world and are responsible for some remarkable breakthroughs within scientific endeavour—from neuroscience to quantum physics and including vaccinology and primatology.
Among the thirty-six scientists that Marsden brings to our attention is Professor Fiona Wood (Australia) who is renowned for the development of artificial skin for burns patients. There is Dr Margaret Hamilton (USA), the computer scientist/engineer who was part of the team that assisted the Apollo Mission land on the moon, and Tu You You, a chemist from China who found the remedy for Malaria, a life-threatening infectious disease carried by mosquitos … and these are just three of the scientists who have achieved significant developments toward an improved planet and for the betterment of humanity.
The concept of the book is excellent, but I feel there is confusion regarding its target audience. Boss Ladies of Science is presented in picture book style which makes it visually interesting—the illustrations are delightful while the text is difficult to read—however, this format identifies it as a book for 2- to 5-year-olds with its thirty-six large page format. The content of the book is more likely to hold the interest of children within the older age bracket of 5- to 8-year-olds while the limited explanations within the text and advanced technical terminology pushes the book into the next level of reading and comprehension of the 9 years plus audience. While scientific research and activity is explained within each profile, some of the language would require adult intervention for expanded explanation. In this way, it is hard to know where this book ‘belongs’ on the retailers’ shelf or for whom it is written.
Boss Ladies of Science is well-intentioned. Promoting the work of female scientists when our nation (and the world) needs more women to enter the profession is commendable. However, the title is disappointing. We know what Marsden means by the naming of the book Boss Ladies of Science, but it would be unlikely for a book about male scientists to be titled Boss Gentlemen of Science. Surely, Boss Women of Science would have given the profiled scientists the respect that comes with their roles and achievements.
In addition, the scientists are listed alphabetically by first name—Emma Johnston precedes Fabiola Gianotti who is followed by Fei-Fei Li. Surely, Charles Darwin would have been listed under the letter D as it is the last name that provides the distinguisher. Some will think this is unimportant, even trivial, however if we are to reach gender equality in all areas of endeavour, these mishaps of descriptors need to be addressed.
Boss Ladies of Science is an interesting book for middle grade students, probably girls, and best borrowed from the library as it will not sustain anyone’s attention for very long, unlikely to engender a second read, nor does it apply itself as a ‘ready reference’ for the scientific achievements for women.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mors
