Jackie French, Ming & Maria Explore the Universe (Girls who Changed the World #5), HarperCollins AU, April 2025, 272 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781460764886
Twelve-year old Ming Qong travels through time, propelled by Herstory—the sister of History—to Nantucket Island in 1836. Near death, lying in the icy sea surrounding the island she is rescued by two Quaker women, Mrs Sloe and Miss Reynolds, who offer her shelter and safety. Herstory has promised Ming that in this journey her long-lost mother will be revealed to her —who simply vanished when Ming and her twin brother, Tuan, were just 12 months old.
On grey, windy and cold, Nantucket Island, Ming meets a young local school teacher Maria Mitchell. A budding astronomer and young scientist, the two girls soon become friends. Maria invites Ming to use her telescope to observe the patterns of the night skies and the ever- present celestial bodies.
Ming is aware that Maria Mitchell would become the first professional female astronomer in the United States, renowned for discovering “Miss Mitchell’s Comet” and advocating for women’s education in science. She would also become a future professor at Vassar College.
As the story unfolds, Ming develops a growing affection for both of her ‘rescuers’ and ultimately in a strange and unexpected twist discovers the identity of her long-lost mother.
Jackie French has achieved a superb blend of historical fiction and time travel, and how the mesmerising setting —Nantucket, Quaker life, Maria Mitchell’s astronomy— captures a period in history so vividly. Notably, the symbiotic relationship between Ming’s personal journey and her overall development whilst reinforcing themes of resilience, gender equality and the inconspicuous contributions of women across history, is to be commended.
Strong character development is also worthy of mention —especially Ming’s courage to challenge archaic views—and holds appeal to both children and adults.
Julia Murray is not explicitly credited as the illustrator for this volume on the author’s site nor within the publisher’s information; however, some independent reviewers highlight her as the series’ cover artist. Her artwork has been acknowledged for capturing the essence of each title and the nuance of the narrative, overarching theme, time, and place. Overall, Murray’s expressive cover imagery has become a recognisable trademark of the series.
Ming and Maria Explore the Universe provides an emotional and uplifting conclusion. Striking a satisfactory balance between Ming’s personal journey—finding her mother and developing a strong sense of self-belief—and an exciting snapshot of Maria Mitchell’s early scientific discoveries the novel is readable and captivating. With well-developed characters, well-founded historical research, and themes of empowerment, this novel is wholly recommended for readers aged 8–12, especially those interested in history, STEM, or feminist literature. All previous books in this series have been reviewed earlier.
Reviewed by Julie Deane