The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe

by Sandra Nickel, Aimée Sicuro (Illustrator)

An biographical picture book about a female astronomer who made huge discoveries about the mysteries of the night sky and changed the way we look at the universe.

Vera Rubin was one of the astronomers who discovered and named dark matter, the thing that keeps the universe hanging together. Throughout her career she was never taken seriously as a scientist because she was one of the only female astronomers at that time, but she didn’t let that stop her. She made groundbreaking and incredibly significant discoveries that scientists have only recently been able to really appreciate—and she changed the way that we look at the universe.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Space, Childrens, Astronomy

48 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2021

About the author

Sandra Nickel is an award-winning author of picture books. She holds a Master of Fine Arts and has presented workshops on writing for children and young adults throughout Europe and the United States. She is honored to be the winner of a Christopher Award, a three-time winner of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators Crystal Kite Award, a finalist for the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction for Younger Readers, a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection honoree, and a Charlotte Huck Award Recommended author.

Reviews

[Benson Shum]

The Stuff Between the Stars by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimee Sicuro. What a great book about Vera Rubin and her journey. I'm so happy I got to learn about what an incredible scientist Vera Rubin was. The challenges she had to overcome and how she never gave up. It's such an inspiring story. And Aimee's illustrations are a perfect fit with Sandra's words.

[Brenda Kahn]

Beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated picture book biography of yet another woman in STEM of whom I was unaware.

[M]

School read, did not like it at all just not my preferable genre or style, not a fan of picture books

[Kellee Moye]

Full review: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2...

I love learning about amazing women. At the same time, I think it is so sad that these same women aren’t already being taught in schools. Whenever dark matter is discussed, why isn’t Vera Rubin’s story delved into?! It should be. She was someone that should be admired and learned from. Her grit to overcome the blatant sexism in her field is just so tough to even wrap your brain around. These female pioneers deserve all of the name yelling from the hill tops we can give them.

For that reason, I am so thankful for this book. I did not know about Vera Rubin. Nickel’s story did a wonderful job of intertwining Rubin’s personal story, professional story, and pure passion into a narrative that taught me about her and about space. I also loved the illustrations and the design of the book. Sicuro’s use of darkness and light & spacing were so thoughtful, and I loved the mix between the realistic and the scientific in illustrations.

[Karla Valenti]

Sandara Nickel and Aimée Sicuro have created a beautiful, inspiring, and very engaging book in THE STUFF BETWEEN THE STARS. Chronicling the life of Vera Rubin, this book takes readers through the life of a young girl inspired by the unknown as she grows into a leading scientist, seeking and finding answers despite the doubt and opposition she received throughout most of her life. The artwork beatufiully reflects Vera's spinning thoughts and ideas, evoking the same feeling of inspiration in readers that Vera must have felt gazing up at the night sky. The book gracefully balances historical details, scientific facts, and the emotional challenges of being a working mother (especially in a male-dominated field). This is a lovely book, highly recommended.

[Kaitlyn]

Stunning! From the art to the imagery to the wonderful subject of Vera Rubin, this book is absolutely stunning. Every library--home, school, public--should have a copy. Please share this inspiring story with everyone in your life.

[Christy]

I loved The Stuff Between the Stars! Though I did well in the subjects, I’m not a science/math person. I wouldn’t choose to study astronomy or calculus. Give me a good book, and I’m happy as a clam. This book actually made me as happy as a clam! I felt so much “girl power” happiness as I read about how Vera Rubin knew from a young age that she loved studying the stars in the night sky.

When she was in high school Vera learned that women weren’t welcome in a man’s world (of science). When she left for college, Vera was the only astronomy major in her class at Vassar. But she didn’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams. Men told her that her ideas about stars revolutions were rubbish, and she was discouraged. But instead of stopping, she formed a new hypothesis to study: were the galaxies any which way or did they follow a pattern? And much later: dark matter.

The Stuff Between the Stars is a book that you’ve got to read with your girls. They need to know that they have what it takes to discover the undiscovered, to cure the incurable, to solve the unsolvable. And, to break that unbreakable record. We must speak up. Our daughters deserve to compete on a level playing field. Vera Rubin is someone our girls should know about and look up to! I highly recommend using this book as well as those in the selected bibliography section of the book to learn about Vera and her accomplishments.

[Katelyn Aronson]

A beautifully-wrought book in its breadth and subject matter, not to mention its accompanying illustrations. This is the inspiring account of astrophysicist Vera Rubin--a brilliant woman, and quite alone in her field at a time when women did not become astronomers. Author Nickel recounts Rubin's life in almost lyrical prose, detailing how she went from being unknown, to being criticized, to being ignored, to at last being recognized as the discoverer of dark matter. The story of such a role model will surely be treasured by budding researchers and scientists of all ages. Obviously well-researched and finished off with educational back matter, the book is a treasure for both private and public libraries, and I cannot help but smile at the thought of all the girls it will inspire.

[Julie Abery]

Such a fascinating book! The story of Vera Rubin has great depth and is packed full of interesting facts on stars, dark matter, and astronomy, as well as being a story of how a woman stepped into a "man's world" and despite being ignored and bullied she kept knocking on the door until they heard her! Beautifully written by Nickel, with absolutely stunning artwork by Sicuro, this is a book not to be missed! Highly recommend.

[Jami Gigot]

I really loved this book. I did not know of Vera Rubin and was amazed at her contributions to astronomy as well as her strength and determination in a field dominated by men. What a fabulous book to encourage young readers to follow their passions despite adversity. Also the illustrations are gorgeous and a perfect match to the text!

[Samantha]

Please give me all the picture books about overlooked scientists thank you. I loved this one about Vera Rubin, who kept going despite so many people telling her she couldn't. As a result, we know dark matter exists. Thanks, Vera Rubin.

[Nicole Sampson]

This was so inspiring, especially for young girls and women. I had never even heard of Vera Rubin before. My son loves all things about space and enjoyed learning about her discoveries.

[Cara BookShelfMomma]

Each one of you can change the world, for you are made of star stuff, and you are connected to the universe. — Vera Rubin

Vera Rubin started as a young girl with a passion and deep love for the stars and the universe. She went on to Vassar College to study astronomy, being the only astronomy major in her class. She was a women in a typically man dominated area of study. She continued to study and gain knowledge and gained the title of Doctor of astronomy. She continued to tell men her theories even though she was criticized or ignored. But she persisted and got a job at the Paloma Observatory in California (the first woman). Finally the men in her field admitted that she was right. This is an amazing story how perseverance and knowledge can change the world. She is definitely a woman to look up to. You’ll love this well written and beautifully illustrated book.

[Elizabeth Bedia]

Inspiring! THE STUFF BETWEEN STARS follows the life of the highly accomplished astronomer, Vera Rubin. She was a consummate scientist and pioneer in the field of astronomy at a time when women were shunned from those predominantly “male” fields. Nickel’s masterful and engaging prose paired with Sicuro’s brilliant illustrations draw the reader in from the very start. Inspiring themes of perseverance, inner strength, and the importance of family abound. The back matter provides further opportunities for learning. A perfect story for aspiring scientists everywhere. Highly recommend!

[Erin Dealey]

I was hooked from the start by the lyrical title of Sandra Nickel's #must-read NF picture book biography, and it certainly lived up to its promise. Readers of all ages will be drawn in by young Vera, growing, questioning, and persisting in a world where women were to be seen and not LEARN or--heaven forbid--enter the man's world of astronomy. Nickel's lovely imagery is equally matched by Aimee Sicuro's magical illustrations. This book is truly "made of stars."

[Patricia Newman]

Sandra Nickel's lyrical text draws readers into Vera Rubin's story right from the title. And then there are gems like, "Every night, as the sun's light emptied from the sky..." I particularly love the emphasis placed on Vera's struggle to overcome society's bias against women in science. Aimee Sicuro's illustrations are perfectly matched to the subject matter with night sky blues and purples throughout.

[Erin Buhr]

Although it took most of her life to be respected as an astronomer, Vera Rubin persisted. Her intelligence is impressive, but I came away most in awe of her determination. Vera fell in love with the skies and was determined to study them. Because of her we know far more about the universe that we likely would have for a long time without her. I love this story, well told and beautifully illustrated, for the role model she is for little girls interested in pursuing a career in science everywhere.

[JaNay Brown-Wood]

What a stunning book! From the beautiful endpages to the vibrant images of stars, night skies, telescopes, and a determined protagonist--the illustrations and the text tell a powerful story of a female astronomer and her stellar discoveries and journey. Nickel's text is lyrical and information-packed, while weaving in a strong message to young, female scientists that the sky is NOT the limit (you can go beyond), and that your dreams are attainable despite what others might say. This is definitely a book that I'll be sharing with my daughter, who also loves all things space and stars, and who also has big dreams! I also really loved the Vera quote at the end of the book. Lovely and wonderful.

[June]

Despite being discouraged in pursuing astronomy as a male field and later being ridiculed and then ignored by astronomers about her findings Vera persists. As her findings become accepted and she asserts herself, by getting herself hired. Vera discovers that there is no female bathroom and tapes a skirt on one of the male bathrooms. She discovers dark matter and that it makes up 80% of the universe.

"Each of you can change the world, for you are made of star stuff and you are connected to the universe."

Author's note: Vera never forgot her treatment as she started her career and was a big mentor. Vera's observations with those of others showed galaxies move away from each other as the universe expands. Vera loved the way ideas change as more is discovered about our universe.

[Edward Sullivan]

A picture book biography of the American astronomer whose many important discoveries includes discovering evidence of the existence of dark matter. Aimée Sicuro's handsome illustration are rendered in watercolor, ink, and charcoal pencil.

[Jill]

Subtitled “How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe, this book introduces kids to Vera Cooper Rubin, an American astronomer who revealed that the known universe was just the tip of the iceberg. Her evidence established the presence of vast clouds of dark matter holding galaxies and stars in their grip. As “The New York Times” wrote upon Vera's death at age 88 in 2016, “Her work helped usher in a Copernican-scale change in cosmic consciousness . . . "

The author reports that as a child, Vera loved to look at the stars, and studied maps of the night sky. She built her own telescope and was determined to major in astronomy when she went to college, even though her high school teachers advised her that astronomy was a “man’s world” and she should study something like art instead.

But she persisted, and graduated from Vassar College in 1948, the sole astronomer in the class.

She got married and had children, but she still continued her research.

She had hoped to get a Ph.D. from Princeton, but the astrophysics graduate program not only did not admit women but would not even send her a course catalog. She went to Cornell for a master’s degree and finished it in 1951.

When her husband got a job at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, she enrolled at Georgetown University, earning her doctorate with the finding that galaxies were clumped together in patterns. She began teaching astronomy, but decided she really wanted to be where the large observatories were. She applied in person for a job at Palomar Observatory in California, impressing the director so much he hired her on the spot. Alas, as the author writes:

“Vera’s first discovery was that there was no women’s room.”

Vera observed galaxies at Palomar as well as at Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona and recorded the spin of galaxies as she watched. To her astonishment, she discovered that the stars on the edges of galaxies were moving as fast as the stars at the center, which were nearest to the galaxy’s pull of gravity. What was affecting the stars at the edges? “Dark matter" 'thought Vera.'”

Astronomers refused to believe her work at first. But Vera was able to replicate her findings with observations made of over two hundred galaxies. Nickel recounts:

“The senior astronomers stopped shaking their heads. They finally admitted Vera was right. She had shown that the mysterious dark matter made up more than 80 percent of the matter in the universe.

Vera was no longer at the edge of astronomy. She was at its very center.”

The author concludes with a quote from Vera:

“Each one of you can change the world, for you are made of star stuff, and you are connected to the universe.”

Back matter includes an Author’s Note, timeline of Vera Rubin’s life, and a selected bibliography.

The New York Times obituary of Vera relates a number of anecdotes about how difficult it was for her to be accepted into the world of male astronomy. For example, one time, the article notes, Vera was excited to be summoned to a meeting with the eminent astrophysicist George Gamow, only to learn that they would have to talk in the lobby because women were not allowed upstairs in the offices.

Dr. Rubin never forgot, and endeavored to serve as a “guiding light” for a generation of female astronomers.

Aimée Sicuro uses watercolor, ink, and charcoal pencil to illustrate scenes in Vera's life, including a wonderful allusion to Marc Chagall's wedding paintings to show her marriage. Starry backgrounds appear first as just part of Vera’s dreams at night, but end up being featured as the constant reality of her life's work.

Evaluation: This picture book for readers 7 and up reflects the view of the author that “no topic is too complicated for kids. You just have to find the right way to tell it.” She succeeds admirably, all the while showing kids that females have played a significant role in fields historically considered to be male bastions. She maintains they can continue to do so, with doggedness, pluck, and perhaps a sense of humor to endure the slings and arrows of sexism they will encounter along the way.

There is still a lot of work to do on that score. In a 1989 interview with physicist Alan Lightman, Vera told him:

"My daughter is an astronomer. She got her Ph.D. in cosmic ray physics and went off to a meeting in Japan, and she came back and told me she was the only woman there. I really couldn't tell that story for a long time without weeping, because certainly in one generation, between her generation and mine, not an awful lot [has changed]. Some things are better, but not enough things."

[Cora Hamilton]

Very interesting, good nonfiction, and on the Seqouyah MasterList.

[Ben Truong]

The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe is a children's picture book written by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. It centers on a star-struck girl becomes a renowned astronomer.

Vera Florence Cooper Rubin was an American astronomer who pioneered work on galaxy rotation rates. She uncovered the discrepancy between the predicted angular motion of galaxies and the observed motion, by studying galactic rotation curves. This phenomenon became known as the galaxy rotation problem, and was evidence of the existence of dark matter.

Levinson's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. This engaging biography will appeal to budding scientists, particularly those with a penchant for sky searching, albeit some of the text may be too technical. Backmatter includes an author's note, quotes, timeline, notes, and bibliography. Numerous delicate illustrations aptly feature dark blue, star-spangled, galactic backgrounds were done wonderfully by Sicuro.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. From childhood, Vera Rubin loved the stars, noting their movements from her bedroom window. Fascinated by the galaxies’ rotations, she was determined to become a scientist and became the only female astronomy major at Vassar College. Marriage and motherhood didn’t deter her from developing a solid career in teaching and research. Rubin earned her doctorate and, doing painstaking calculations, made major astronomical breakthroughs – that were dismissed at first due to the sexist assumptions of the male scientific community.

All in all, The Stuff Between the Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe is a creditable, earnest biography of a famed woman scientist.

[Nancy]

The life of Vera Rubin (1928-2016) is explored through Sandra Nickel’s informative text and Aimée Sicuro’s beautifully crafted watercolor, ink, and charcoal-pencil illustrations, often incorporating artistic swirls that mimic the major focus of Rubin’s studies, rotating galaxies. Following graduation from Vassar as the only astronomy major in her class and marrying, she continued to test her galaxy movement theories that were refuted or ignored by senior astronomers. After being hired by the Carnegie Institution, she became the first woman to observe at California’s Palomar Observatory and to use the powerful telescopes atop Kitts Peak in Arizona. Her research on what some earlier astronomers called “dark matter,” the mysterious stuff filling the space between the stars which comprises 85% of matter in the universe, serves as an important foundation for current astronomy research. Back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline of her life, source notes, and a bibliography. (Gr 3 Up)

[Gracie Montoya]

Based on a true story from the mid 1900’s a biography is told in a picture book form about the life of Vera Rubin and the journey she took to discover most of the universe. In the story, we look into Vera’s childhood and watch her fascination for the galaxy grow bigger and bigger as she studies the galaxy in college and follows the stars patterns and eventually lands a job as a scientist. Based back in the early 1900’s when women were faced with inequality Vera Rubin goes beyond boundaries to get her theories and studies about how the universe is made to be heard and seen by other scientists. Faced with much skepticism, Vera remains certain of her discoveries and through her confidence in herself and her abilities gets her voice heard and later finds out that her theories are correct. This story is an excellent example for students to show just how far you can go if you believe in yourself. There is nothing I dislike about the book, the illustrations are big and full or color and artistic.

[Meghan]

This book was received as an ARC from Abrams Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am vaguely familiar with dark matter and know some of the basic knowledge but, I am not familiar with the life of Vera Rubin and what it took for her to become the first female astronomer and one of the greatest scientists of all time. Learning about Vera and the adversity she took when presenting some of her discoveries to an elite group of scientists and I loved the line where it said that she didn't take to well to negative words, and that put a smile on my face. This book will be perfect when we do Women's History Month next year and I know our community will appreciate it.

We will consider adding this title to our J Non-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Lindsay Bonilla]

This book follows the life of Vera Rubin, from her first love of the stars as a child studying the sky through her bedroom window to achieving her ultimate goal of becoming a well-respected astronomer. Author Sandra Nickel’s beautiful text is informative and evocative, perfectly capturing the struggles Rubin faced at a time when women were not taken seriously in the field of astronomy. She sprinkles references to the stars and universe throughout the book, weaving them perfectly into the text, which makes this such a delight to read. (For example, Vera drove through a snowstorm as thick as the Milky Way. OR The men clustered together like the bright bulge of a galaxy.) The illustrations are lovely, imaginative and full of wonder. This book will definitely inspire curiosity in readers to learn more about stars, the universe and dark matter!

[Jessie]

About Vera Rubin from childhood through community acceptance of her arguments and evidence in favor of dark matter.

I appreciated how upfront this book is about some of what we think we've figured out being wrong, while also recognizing that the scientific community can often be too skeptical of new ideas (and too influenced by who those ideas come from).

I did have some questions about part of the timeline here. Rubin got a master's and a doctorate (and her work for both of those is mentioned), and she had multiple advisors! And they just... weren't here, and so a reader doesn't know if they were unhelpful or as skeptical as other folks or what.

I really like how watercolor was used with ink and pencil in the illustrations here!

[Kate Peridot]

Such a clever book. I love how US picture books stretch older than UK ones and talk about really interesting subjects ... what else is in the night sky apart from stars? There is so much blackness after all, it can't be nothing. Vera Rubin asked the right questions, challenged her contemporaries' thinking and showed us that the most interesting discoveries are outside of our immediate vision - and we should look at the dark space in-between. My children and I always learn something from Sandra Nickel's books and enjoy the backmatter which gives more detail for older children and parents who want to discover more. Aimée's illustrations of Vera and the whirling galaxies are as beautiful and timeless (at least from a human's point of view) as the stars themselves.

[Ellon]

I like reading picture book biographies. They teach so much!

I struggled a bit with this one though. It was certainly telling the story of an extraordinary woman but I felt that the text was pretty dry. I don't know if it was just me, but I had a hard time understanding the concepts that the book mentioned. I wonder how difficult it will be for kids to grasp.

One thing I loved was the illustrations, especially when they incorporated "star stuff" into every day life like the galaxies in the snowstorm.

Overall, still a decent book as it tells of a strong woman who was often not taken seriously but a little hard to understand the science concepts presented.