Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia

Of Numbers and Stars: The Story of Hypatia

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3.97 of 5 stars 3.97  ·  rating details  ·  36 ratings  ·  14 reviews
Hypatia grew up on the northern tip of Egypt in the city of Alexandria in the fourth century C.E. Tutored by her father, the mathematician Theon, Hypatia quickly became an authority in the subjects of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Word spread of her brilliance, and scholars from all over the world journeyed to Alexandria to seek her teachings.
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published January 23rd 2006 by Holiday House
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Kathryn
I feel very divided in reviewing this book, and torn between giving it three and four stars.

Things I like: This kid-friendly version of the story of Hypatia, a girl born Alexandria in the fourth century CE in a time when girls are not supposed to study philosophy or mathematics or science. But, Hypatia's dad totally rocks and declares that girls should be allowed to learn just as much as boys can and, being a scholar himself, sets out to teach his daughter everything he knows. Hypatia drinks it...more
Chak
We found this short book about 4th century Egyptian female mathematician and scholar Hypatia in the library. It is an easy book to read to a child before bed or in one sitting and has beautiful illustrations. However, you may not want to read the "Author's Note" in the back of the book to a child, since it talks about Hypatia's murder and subsequent lack of investigation, though a few lines under it, there's a short, but good section entitled "More About Math." Hardcover, library-covered weight:...more
Lisa Vegan
Feb 26, 2010 Lisa Vegan rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: every child; girls who enjoy math & science; especially for ages 7-10
Well, one way for me to tell what makes a successful book is finishing it and then wanting to learn much more than what was contained in the book. This book made me more curious about Hypatia and her life and times, probably more than is known, unfortunately.

This is one of six picture books being read in March over at the Children's Books group and I saved what I thought would be my favorite two books for last. I read this book second to last and it did not disappoint.

Hypatia was a remarkable wo...more
Marcia
Hypatia lived in Alexandria in the 4th century in a time when girls were not educated. Her father had different ideas and taught her like a son. She became a well know scholar in math, science and philosophy. While the book is just a quick introduction and doesn't go into detail, it is a welcome addition to any study of the ancient world, or great women.
Nicole
For kids studying ancient civilizations, it's good to see an example of scholarly women. It doesn't go into much details, but shows that Hypatia was a woman interested in studying math, philosophy, geometry, and astronomy. The author's notes at the end explain that Hypatia was brutally killed for reasons that are not clear.
Sarah
Picture book biography of Hypatia, a philosopher, mathematician, astronomer & teacher from ancient Alexandria. Basic language, not too long, and lovely soft illustration would make this perfect for early elementary readers.
Luann
Sep 13, 2010 Luann rated it 4 of 5 stars
Recommended to Luann by: Children's Books group
I don't remember ever learning about Hypatia of Alexandria. But after reading this biography, I would love to learn more! This is a very well-done biography for children, and the perfect book for introducing children to Hypatia and this period in history. I think D. Anne Love hit the perfect balance of just enough detail to keep things interesting, yet not too much to bog the story down. Pam Paparone's illustrations are wonderful and also hit that perfect balance of simplicity with just enough d...more
Abby Johnson
Hypatia lived in the 4th century in Alexandria, Egypt. In a time when women were rarely educated, Hypatia was taught by her father and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She became a respected and well-known scholar of her time, giving lectures and advising other scientists and mathematicians. The art and text are paired beautifully here and back matter lists sources and additional information. A wonderful informational picture book, perfect for Women's History Month.

Full review on my blog...more
sarafem
For girls daring to be different, striving to break barriers, become mathematical and scientific geniuses, I could not recommend a book more highly than this one. This is a true story of Hypatia, a fourth century Alexandrian girl whose father said that she would get an education just like Egyptian boys. At that time women were not allowed to get an education at all, but her father used his influence as a professor to ensure that she got her opportunity. She became a respected scholar and teacher...more
Lee
Feb 15, 2010 Lee marked it as to-read
Shelves: picture-books
March picture book club selection
Sally
Going to read in class. 32 pages. Don't need to buy.

*****

Loved the illustrations, and it was a nice overview of her life and contributions for kids. It kindly left out her "heresy" and murder.
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
Very nice introduction for children to the life of Hypatia, 5th century A.D. mathematician and scientist. Now I want to read more!
Miriam
The library does have this after all; they just typed starts into the catalog in place of stars.
Kathleen
Review from library copy.

Blows off the whole "librarian of Alexandria" bit.
Philosophia
May 17, 2013 Philosophia marked it as to-read
Samantha
Apr 15, 2013 Samantha marked it as to-read
Anika
Mar 20, 2013 Anika added it
Mark Jun
Mar 09, 2013 Mark Jun marked it as to-read
Carla Mckiddy
Mar 04, 2013 Carla Mckiddy marked it as to-read
Ola
Jan 21, 2013 Ola marked it as to-read
Laura
Dec 14, 2012 Laura marked it as to-read
Cassandra
Dec 02, 2012 Cassandra marked it as to-read
Brigitte McKenna
Dec 01, 2012 Brigitte McKenna marked it as to-read
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I was born in western Tennessee, the eldest of four children. My father was a lover of books who taught me to read even before I started school. My mother was (and still is!) the world’s best mom and a lover of music who sang in the kitchen as she taught me to cook.

I enjoyed playing games and riding bikes but my favorite activity was reading. Among my favorite authors were Lois Lenski, Louisa May...more
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