Marie Curie
Little People, Big Dreams Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,321)
What’s inside...
In the Little People, Big Dreams series, discover the lives of outstanding people from designers and artists to scientists. All of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream. The book follows Marie Curie, whose love of learning helped her to revolutionize the fight against cancer with her discovery of radium and polonium. This inspiring and informative little biography comes with extra facts about Marie's life at the back.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities did Marie Curie have that made her a great scientist? Can you think of any qualities you share with her?
Why do you think Marie Curie's discoveries were so important? How do they affect our lives today?
Marie Curie faced many challenges in her life. Can you recall a time when you had to overcome a challenge?
How did Marie Curie's passion for science help her to make her discoveries? What are you passionate about?
What did you learn about the importance of persistence and hard work from Marie Curie's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Marie Curie's qualities and experiences to their own life, fostering a personal connection with the story.
Discuss the historical and societal context in which Marie Curie lived to help your child understand the magnitude of her achievements.
Use descriptive praise when your child makes insightful observations or links to boost their confidence and engagement.
Point out scientific terms or concepts introduced in the book, and if possible, conduct simple related experiments at home to deepen understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to explore more about other scientists and their discoveries to expand their knowledge and curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates Marie Curie’s relentless pursuit of her scientific dreams despite numerous obstacles, including her struggles as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persistence and hard work in achieving their goals, even when they encounter difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Marie Curie’s achievements are shown to be rooted in her strong educational background, emphasizing her dedication to learning and research.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value and pursue their own education, understanding that learning is the foundation for future success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The story highlights Marie Curie’s natural curiosity and her continuous efforts to understand the world through science.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek answers about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Contributing to society through science
Explanation: Marie Curie’s scientific discoveries not only advanced knowledge but also had practical applications, such as in medicine.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to consider how they can use their own skills and interests to make positive contributions to society.
Example Lesson: Equality and overcoming gender barriers
Explanation: The book portrays Marie Curie’s success despite societal norms that discouraged women from pursuing careers in science, showcasing her role as a pioneer for women in the field.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of equality and be inspired to challenge and overcome stereotypes in any profession.