In Milani's graphic biography of the iconic Marie Curie, soon-to-be Nobel winner Ernest Rutherford explains the theory of transmutation in less than a dozen panels to Marie Curie's "interested in science" daughter, Irène young, she calls it "tramputation." That transparent accessibility repeats throughout, underscoring Milani's remarkable ability to present complex scientific concepts to layreaders with logic and clarity. When Milani isn't explaining in the text uidly translated from the original Italian by Schwandt e relies on atmospheric, pencil-and-watercolor art to augment the narrative of Curie's brilliant life. From Polish governess to University of Paris (Sorbonne) graduate in physics and mathematics to unparalleled scientist and double Nobel Prizewinner (the first woman in 1903; becoming the only Nobelist in two different sciences in 1911), Curie's tenacity resulted in both worldwide achievement and personal derision, especially as a woman pioneer in a male-controlled field. (Her "tramputation"-curious daughter, Irène Joliot-Curie, won her own Nobel in 1935.) Additional endmatter detailed contextual essay co-written by Milani's scientist parents, as well as a bibliography and source notes hance Milani's biography, marking it for potential classroom inclusion.

The life of the first female Nobel Prize winner is told in flashback by her daughter Irène.Marie's story picks up in 1889 when she worked as a governess for a Polish family. In the wake of a failed courtship, Marie moved to Paris, near her sister and her husband, to pursue a second degree, this time in mathematics. It was through her brother-in-law that she met Pierre Curie, who became a supportive friend, mentor, colleague, and, ultimately, a beloved spouse. Together they researched the nascent field of radioactivity, earning a Nobel Prize in physics in 1903. Along with her career ambitions and success, the book addresses struggles from the Russian occupation of her native Poland and Pierre's tragic death in a carriage accident to the scandal of her close relationship with fellow scientist Paul Langevin. Though largely a straightforward biography, Italian author and illustrator Milani (co-contributor: Post Pink, 2019, etc.) does take some poetic license in the dialogue, including a dream sequence in which Marie converses with Pierre after his death. The tender, loosely impressionistic colored pencil and watercolor illustrations add liveliness and warmth to this recounting of a remarkable life. Though Curie is one of the rare women in science to be a frequent biographical subject, this graphic novelization of her life is nevertheless a worthy addition to the canon.An appealing volume for graphic novel and science enthusiasts. (biographical information, timeline, bibliography, source notes) (Graphic biography. 12-adult)