Book Notes: 'Brilliant!'

Barb Szyszkiewicz reviews a new book designed to inspire science-minded young readers.

Brilliant! 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People discusses a variety of scientists and mathematicians, many of whom lived in the past two centuries, and how they integrated their faith into their work as scientists.

Author David Michael Warren and illustrator Jaclyn Warren capture the intellectual curiosity, wonder at God's creation, and desire to help others that have characterized Catholic scientists and mathematicians for centuries. Their book, designed for readers ages 7 and up, is packed with information, enthusiasm, and awe.

Each scientist or mathematician is described in three pages of text and one of art. The stories of their important contributions to their field of study are presented alongside stories of their lives of faith. Their work as scientists is presented within the context of their faith; quite a few of the scientists and mathematicians mentioned in this book have been canonized saints or are in the process of being canonized.

Again and again, Brilliant! reinforces the idea that faith and science are not in conflict. Reading short biographies of people who made significant contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) while maintaining their faith and using their discoveries in ways that helped others will serve to inspire young readers who have an aptitude in these fields.

CLICK TO TWEET
The stories of inventions, discoveries, and research will inspire students interested in STEM studies. #catholicmom

Among the 25 scientists, mathematicians, and "supersmart people" featured in Brilliant! are medical doctor St. Gianna Beretta Molla, mathematician Maria Agnesi, inventor and educator Louis Braille, microbiologist Louis Pasteur, and computer-science pioneer Sr. Mary Kenneth Keller.

The Warrens' book underscores the relationship between faith and science, and the stories of inventions, discoveries, and research will inspire students interested in STEM studies.

This book is published through a partnership between Pauline Books & Media and Word on Fire Ministries.

Copyright 2021 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Image: Canva Pro
This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchases through these links benefit the author.