GREAT MINDS OF SCIENCE

Profiles of nine Black men and women who have made significant contributions in scientific or technical fields.

With this work of graphic nonfiction, Bolden has two goals: introducing potentially lesser-known achievers while offering readers suggestions for professional careers. In lively language, the author traces the careers of five women and four men: beginning with Matilda Evans (1872-1935), a South Carolina physician who founded multiple clinics and hospitals, and ending with marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (b. 1980). In between, Bolden presents scientists in several fields, as well as a commercial airline captain and a self-taught inventor. All smile encouragingly at viewers from Wilkerson’s squared-off scenes when not standing in thoughtful, dignified poses in characteristic settings, and though the panels aren’t sequential, a few of them feature direct quotes in dialogue balloons. Each entry closes with a timeline and an inset box with additional names or facts; source notes at the end include references to exchanges between the author and some of her subjects. Tightly overlapping pictures and detached blocks of text battle with one another for space on many pages, which makes the narrative hard to navigate at times. Still, as role models, these nine are well chosen for their range of professions and backgrounds and are almost certain to be new to young readers.

A promising series kickoff, sure to stir the imaginations of burgeoning scientists.