Review Detail

The Stuff Between the Stars by Sandra Nickel is a beautifully illustrated biography of Vera Rubin, the woman astronomer credited for proving the existence of dark matter. Following Vera’s curiosity as a child through her tenacity as an adult woman working in a “man’s world,” the story is inspiring, uplifting and encouraging to people of all ages and backgrounds.

It is clear in the first few pages of the story that the author did her research. The life of Rubin is followed closely, starting with her interest in seeing the stars outside her bedroom window. Nickel simplifies the concepts and makes them appealing for younger students, encouraging them to look up and learn more about astronomy. I especially like the bibliography and timeline at the end of the book. Here it gives the source material and lists out Rubin’s life.

This book would be a wonderful addition to a classroom library or for children who show an interest in the stars.