This is the inspiring, beautifully told story of one of the world's great women, Marie Curie, whose search for a mysterious chemical element which gave off strong rays led her to discover radium and opened wide the whole field of radioactivity. Here is the story of her life, from her days as a schoolgirl in Poland, which was then under Russian occupation, to her position as Professor of Physics at Sorbonne University in Paris.

As a girl, Marie Curie, then known as Manya Sklodovska, had to struggle to learn the science that was to become her life's work. Not only did she have to outwit the Russian authorities who forbade the teaching of science in Poland, but she also had to overcome the tremendous barriers which still existed for women seeking professional careers. It was her courage and persistence and above all her deep belief in the necessity of her work that gave Madame Curie the great strength to fulfill her ambitions.

The author has captured in these pages the essence of this great woman's life. She has drawn for  us a colorful, enthralling portrait of Madame Curie not only as a scientist, but also as a wife and mother. This is a fascinating story, rich in the drama of science, the warmth of family life, and the excitement of World War I. It is a story that will be forever remembered by the child who reads it.

From the dust jacket