The Vast Wonder of the World

By Mélina Mangal, Luisa Uribe (illustrator),

Book cover of The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just

Book description

"A must-purchase picture book biography of a figure sure to inspire awe and admiration among readers."―School Library Journal (starred review)

Extraordinary illustrations and lyrical text present pioneering African American scientist Ernest Everett Just.

Ernest Everett Just was not like other scientists of his time. He saw the whole, where others…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Vast Wonder of the World as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ernest Everett Just said, “The egg cell is also a universe.” Reading those words gives me chills. This book showcases the same wonders that amazed me when I first began studying biology, and which I later tried to show my own students as a biology teacher. At the same time, this is the story of a scientist who persevered despite racism and discrimination. While the text and illustrations will appeal even to very young readers, the back matter gives more in-depth information about Just’s research, perfect for older kids.

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