Ursula Marvin wanted to study rocks, but her male professor wouldn’t let her major in geology. That didn’t stop her. She switched schools, graduated, and became one of the first geologists to study rocks brought back from the moon.

Her discoveries about the minerals she found in the rocks, and later in meteorites, changed what scientists know about the moon and the solar system. Marvin’s passion for her studies and her tenacity in continuing to pursue them despite obstacles in her path are the subject of Rock Star: How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites.

Author Sandra Neil Wallace shines the light on this pioneering scientist who braved extreme conditions in Antarctica to collect rock samples. Nancy Carpenter’s illustrations show Marvin as curious and dynamic, excited by her ability to advance the research.

Over a fifty year career, Marvin continued to make discoveries that helped researchers understand how the universe began. Also, she paved the way for more women to become scientists. It’s an inspiring story, and more information about Marvin is included at the back of the book.

The publisher provided a copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.