How to Hear the Universe

Gaby Gonzalez and the Search

for Einstein's Ripples

in Space-Time

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Alfred A. Knopf

(pub 3.8.22) 40 pages

Author: Patricia Valdez

Illustrator: Sara Palacios

Character: Gabriela Gonzalez

Overview:

"In 1916, Albert Einstein had a theory. He thought that somewhere out in the universe, there were collisions in space. These collisions could cause little sound waves in the fabric of space-time that might carry many secrets of the distant universe. But it was only a theory. He could not prove it in his lifetime.

Many years later, an immigrant scientist named Gabriela Gonzalez asked the same questions. Armed with modern technology, she joined a team of physicists who set out to prove Einstein's theory. At first, there was nothing. But then... they heard a sound. Gabriela and her team examined, and measured, and re-measured until they were sure."

Tantalizing taste:

" About 50 years later,

on a warm night in Argentina,

beneath the moon, the stars, and the sky,

a young girl named Gaby Gonzalez looked up.

She, two, wondered what secrets lay beyond the stars."

And something more: Patricia Valdez, in the Author's Note, wrote that "I watched the livestream of the LIGO news conference on February 11, 2016, anticipating the announcement of the discovery of gravitational waves. My excitement doubled when Gabby Gonzalez stepped up to the podium to speak. I was truly inspired to see a Latina scientist announcing this monumental discovery. Since that day, Gabby has been one of my role models. I hope she inspires others as well."

One Wish

Fatima al-Fihri

and the World's Oldest University

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

HarperCollins

(pub.3.1.22) 40 pages

Author: M. O. Yuksel

Illustrator: Mariam Quraishi

Character: Fatima al-Fihri

Overview:

"Fatima had one wish . . .Fatima al-Fihri loved to learn. She wanted to know everything, like how birds flew, why the sky was blue, and how flowers grew. But more than anything, she wanted a school for all, where anyone could study and become whatever they wanted, like teachers, scientists, and doctors.

As she grew older, Fatima carried her one wish inside her, through good times and bad. Fueled by her faith and her determination, she worked hard to make her one wish come true. For over a thousand years, Fatima’s one wish—her school—served students and scholars from around the globe, and it continues to do so today!."

Tantalizing taste:

"Fatima's faith taught her that charity – sadaqah jariyah – was like planting a single seed from which thousands of wildflowers continuously bloomed. She wondered how she could use the fortune left to her by her father and husband to honor them and to serve the community she so loved.

As she watched more people arrive daily in Fez, she knew what to do. Fez had opened its arms to her, and she wanted to do the same for those in need.

Fatima's wish burned brightly inside her."

And something more: M. O. Yuksel, in the Author's Note, explains that "Fatima al-Fihri played an important role in the advancement education and civilization. She is admired by many for her perseverance, wisdom, and generosity. Almost one 1,200 years have passed, and Al-Qarawiyyin University continues to share the gift of knowledge. Fatima is an inspiration to all, and her rich legacy lives on in the excellence the institution she founded."

Moving Forward

From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights

Sits-Ins with Airman Alton Yates

A TRUE TALE WITH

A CHERRY ON TOP

Beach Lane Books

(Simon & Schuster)

(pub. 1.11.22) 48 pages

Author: Chris Barton

Illustrator: Stefi Walthall

Character: Alton Yates

Overview:

"Meet activist Alton Yates, an Air Force veteran who dedicated his life to propelling America forward—from space travel to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond—in this inspiring nonfiction picture book.

As a child growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, Alton Yates watched Black veterans return home from fighting for their country, only to have that country turn its back on them. After Alton joined the Air Force and risked his life to make spacecraft and airplane flight safer, he returned home to the same Jim Crow laws.

Alton now had a new mission: To make a stand against Jim Crow."

Tantalizing taste:

"Wouldn't people who had risked their necks for their country be treated better when their service was complete? Wouldn't they at least be able to vote?

Not in Florida. Not in the South. Not under Jim Crow, the name for the system of laws keeping Black people - even veterans - apart from and underneath the whites.

Alton saw sailors and soldiers return from World War II and experience the same disappointment.

Then he saw it happen all over again to those who fought in Korea.

And yet, Alton could hardly wait to join the Air Force."

And something more: The back matter of Moving Forward includes Alton Yates's response to author Chris Barton's question, "What do you hope that people will take from the story of your experiences at Holloman [home of the Aeromedical Field Laboratory] and in 1960?":

"I hope that they will come away with a greater sense of optimism about the future of our country... I would hope that people would see the goodness of the American people... We have our flaws. We have things that sometimes we're not very proud of. But overall, we're still a people who realizes, I think, and appreciates the fact that we have been truly blessed. And that we have an obligation to share those blessings, or the fruit of those blessings, with others..."