The quirky and singular Nobel Prize winner Barbara McClintock, a founder of modern genetics who did things her own way, is honored in this lively young STEM biography by Sibert Honor winner Lori Alexander.

Celebrating the power of curiosity and the rewards of tenacity, this engaging and highly illustrated biography introduces young readers to the field of genetics. As a rare female botanist in early twentieth-century America, Barbara McClintock never let other people’s notions of what was proper slow her down. When she faced doubting colleagues and unsupportive institutions, she drove across the United States, climbed through windows, and even slept in her laboratory to conduct her research. In so doing, she helped pave the way for future scientific discoveries that can cure diseases and save lives—and won a Nobel Prize in the process!

Back matter includes a timeline, glossary, source notes, and further reading.

How did one scientist’s passion for corn change the world?

• A Trailblazer for Women in STEM: Follow Barbara McClintock as a rare female botanist in the 1900s who climbed through windows, slept in her lab, and refused to let anyone tell her what a girl was supposed to do.
• Genetics for Kids Made Clear: Uncover the secrets of chromosomes, “jumping genes,” and how our bodies get traits like eye color, explained in a way that is engaging and easy to understand.
• The Power of a Growth Mindset: Learn how Barbara’s unstoppable curiosity and tenacity helped her overcome decades of doubt from her peers to ultimately win the Nobel Prize.
• Fascinating History of Science: An exciting look at how scientific ideas evolve, showing that it’s okay to challenge what everyone else believes to be true.