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Of Numbers and Stars
Hypatia grew up on the northern tip of Egypt in the city of Alexandria in the fourth century C.E. Tutored by her father, the mathematician Theon, Hypatia quickly became an authority in the subjects of mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. Word spread of her brilliance, and scholars from all over the world journeyed to Alexandria to seek her teachings.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2006
About the author
D. Anne Love
12 books13 followersI was born in western Tennessee, the eldest of four children. My father was a lover of books who taught me to read even before I started school. My mother was (and still is!) the world’s best mom and a lover of music who sang in the kitchen as she taught me to cook.
I enjoyed playing games and riding bikes but my favorite activity was reading. Among my favorite authors were Lois Lenski, Louisa May Alcott and Harper Lee. I was in love with words and stories, with the feel of paper as I turned the pages, with the smell of ink.
Major, the golden retriever
In high school, and later, in college, I discovered newspaper writing and worked for the paper to help pay for my education. I became a teacher, and later, a school principal, and then a college professor, but I never forgot my dream of someday writing books. In 1989, I began writing full time, and in 1995 Holiday House published BESS’S LOG CABIN QUILT, my first novel for young readers.
Since then I have published a number of other books. Writing is still my full time job, though I spend a lot of time visiting schools, talking to students and teachers about my favorite subjects: books and reading!
In addition to Texas, I’ve lived in Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and California. Currently I live in central Ohio with my husband Ron, and Major our rambunctious golden retriever. But Austin, Texas is, and always will be the place I call home.
I enjoyed playing games and riding bikes but my favorite activity was reading. Among my favorite authors were Lois Lenski, Louisa May Alcott and Harper Lee. I was in love with words and stories, with the feel of paper as I turned the pages, with the smell of ink.
Major, the golden retriever
In high school, and later, in college, I discovered newspaper writing and worked for the paper to help pay for my education. I became a teacher, and later, a school principal, and then a college professor, but I never forgot my dream of someday writing books. In 1989, I began writing full time, and in 1995 Holiday House published BESS’S LOG CABIN QUILT, my first novel for young readers.
Since then I have published a number of other books. Writing is still my full time job, though I spend a lot of time visiting schools, talking to students and teachers about my favorite subjects: books and reading!
In addition to Texas, I’ve lived in Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and California. Currently I live in central Ohio with my husband Ron, and Major our rambunctious golden retriever. But Austin, Texas is, and always will be the place I call home.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 47 reviews
March 9, 2010
I feel very divided in reviewing this book, and torn between giving it three and four stars.
Things I like: This kid-friendly version of the story of Hypatia, a girl born Alexandria in the fourth century CE in a time when girls are not supposed to study philosophy or mathematics or science. But, Hypatia's dad totally rocks and declares that girls should be allowed to learn just as much as boys can and, being a scholar himself, sets out to teach his daughter everything he knows. Hypatia drinks it all in with deep enthusiasm and becomes a very wise woman--people come from miles around to hear her views. I love that the story brings to life such "ancient history" not only with the words but with the excellent illustrations (which I found both lovely and humorous) yet it also touches upon a theme that is still, sadly, prevalent today--boys are "supposed to be" better at math and science than girls. Hypatia is an awesome example of how girls can excel in these areas, even when other people don't think they can!
Things I didn't like: While I thought the story was really interesting, I never was really captivated by Hypatia herself. It's all very... distant, somehow. The story doesn't convey much of her personality, except what the illustrations convey and even that could have been richer. I was also rather upset by the disconnect between the story and the author's note. We finish reading a delightful and triumphant story about how Hypatia was so awesome and loved by her students... then we turn the page and read about her brutal murder (whether due to her failure to embrace Christianity or her progressive ways has not been proven). WHAT!?!?!? I felt like I'd been hit in the head. True, parents can choose not to read the author's note to their children, and I don't even think that Hypatia's murder needs to be mentioned in the storyline itself--but I do think it is doing children (and Hypatia!) a disservice not to show more of the opposition Hypatia faced in her life. We get the idea that girls aren't supposed to ride through the streets of Alexandria on horseback or study the stars, but the weight of just how far against tradition Hypatia went, and how angry many people would be with her because of it, is not really conveyed. Her success would glow even more if it was made clear what she risked in order to attain it (indeed, she ultimately lost her life for her views!)
Things I like: This kid-friendly version of the story of Hypatia, a girl born Alexandria in the fourth century CE in a time when girls are not supposed to study philosophy or mathematics or science. But, Hypatia's dad totally rocks and declares that girls should be allowed to learn just as much as boys can and, being a scholar himself, sets out to teach his daughter everything he knows. Hypatia drinks it all in with deep enthusiasm and becomes a very wise woman--people come from miles around to hear her views. I love that the story brings to life such "ancient history" not only with the words but with the excellent illustrations (which I found both lovely and humorous) yet it also touches upon a theme that is still, sadly, prevalent today--boys are "supposed to be" better at math and science than girls. Hypatia is an awesome example of how girls can excel in these areas, even when other people don't think they can!
Things I didn't like: While I thought the story was really interesting, I never was really captivated by Hypatia herself. It's all very... distant, somehow. The story doesn't convey much of her personality, except what the illustrations convey and even that could have been richer. I was also rather upset by the disconnect between the story and the author's note. We finish reading a delightful and triumphant story about how Hypatia was so awesome and loved by her students... then we turn the page and read about her brutal murder (whether due to her failure to embrace Christianity or her progressive ways has not been proven). WHAT!?!?!? I felt like I'd been hit in the head. True, parents can choose not to read the author's note to their children, and I don't even think that Hypatia's murder needs to be mentioned in the storyline itself--but I do think it is doing children (and Hypatia!) a disservice not to show more of the opposition Hypatia faced in her life. We get the idea that girls aren't supposed to ride through the streets of Alexandria on horseback or study the stars, but the weight of just how far against tradition Hypatia went, and how angry many people would be with her because of it, is not really conveyed. Her success would glow even more if it was made clear what she risked in order to attain it (indeed, she ultimately lost her life for her views!)
September 18, 2019
Hypatia was born in an academic environment. While the majority of girls were only educated in manners of the home and domesticity, her father taught her academic subjects and did not prevent her from learning. As Hypatia grew up, she learned more and more and in time established herself as quite a teacher. People came to hear her from near and far and her appeal was quite broad. This is her story.
WOW! I have read about quite a few amazing woman but Hypatia is easily one of the most impressive and honorable. Born to a mathematician and teacher, Hypatia was blessed to have a father that encouraged her learning subjects typically only taught to boys (philosophy, math and science). And that was just the beginning. Hypatia became quite the expert lecturer and commanded the attention of many. I love the beautiful illustrations and colors used to depict ancient times. The prose flowed beautifully with the narrative. This book is definitely as ode to a great woman whose life ended much too soon. This abridged version of Hypatia's life was triumphant, inspiring and just flat-out amazing. I have to say though, that the author gave us the PG version of her life as Hypatia had most sad horrible death. Still, I very much enjoyed this book.
Hypatia was born in the fourth century. Her date of birth is a bit a mystery and usually placed between 350 and 370 AD. Hypatia was a philosopher, astronomer, mathematician, teacher, lecturer and generally viewed as a wise counselor. She lived in Alexandria, Egypt during the Roman Empire. Her father, Theon, ran a prestigious and exclusive school and he did not suscribe to the idea that girls should just be confined to the home. Despite being a pagan, Hypatia appealed to a wide audience. Unfortunately much of her work did not survive but Hypatia is the first woman mathematician whose life is relatively well-known. During her time, Hypatia was considered the world's leading expert in math and astronomy. Political turmoil led to her murder by a gang (I would definitely recommend reading about this despicable incident). This woman died for her belives but fortunately her legacy continues on. She is one popular feminist symbol and a great example as well.
February 27, 2010
Well, one way for me to tell what makes a successful book is finishing it and then wanting to learn much more than what was contained in the book. This book made me more curious about Hypatia and her life and times, probably more than is known, unfortunately.
This is one of six picture books being read in March over at the Children's Books group and I saved what I thought would be my favorite two books for last. I read this book second to last and it did not disappoint.
Hypatia was a remarkable woman with an unusual and wonderful, and perhaps an even more remarkable, father (Theon) who decided that, unlike most females of her time, she would have opportunities to learn and study. She became an expert in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy; she was a scholar, learner (of many, many things), teacher, writer, and she was famous during her lifetime.
Well, what a bummer of an (true) ending in the author’s note in the back. Despite Hypatia’s fate, I do think children will find her inspiring. There’s a “More About Math” short note in the back of the book that is interesting. (I didn’t love math until I took college psychology department statistics, then I was sad that I hadn’t been taught math well because I think I could have enjoyed it earlier.) This book might encourage some kids to get excited about math and science and learning in general. This biography is engaging and well told, and some interesting discussions could ensue between those who have read it.
I’m not sure how I feel about the illustrations. They fit the book so I do like them. (If this style of art appeared in another book it’s likely I would not be a fan.) Near the start of the book, there’s a pictorial map of the Alexandria area of Egypt that I found very appealing.
The other five books I’m reading for the book club my library owns and I’ll most likely be able to renew them and keep them for reference during at least part of March; this book I had to get from inter-library loan so, sadly, I will not be able to keep it too far into the month of the discussion. Luckily, it’s a memorable book about a memorable woman.
5 or 4 stars? 4 or 5 stars? Numbers are sometimes difficult.
This is one of six picture books being read in March over at the Children's Books group and I saved what I thought would be my favorite two books for last. I read this book second to last and it did not disappoint.
Hypatia was a remarkable woman with an unusual and wonderful, and perhaps an even more remarkable, father (Theon) who decided that, unlike most females of her time, she would have opportunities to learn and study. She became an expert in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy; she was a scholar, learner (of many, many things), teacher, writer, and she was famous during her lifetime.
Well, what a bummer of an (true) ending in the author’s note in the back. Despite Hypatia’s fate, I do think children will find her inspiring. There’s a “More About Math” short note in the back of the book that is interesting. (I didn’t love math until I took college psychology department statistics, then I was sad that I hadn’t been taught math well because I think I could have enjoyed it earlier.) This book might encourage some kids to get excited about math and science and learning in general. This biography is engaging and well told, and some interesting discussions could ensue between those who have read it.
I’m not sure how I feel about the illustrations. They fit the book so I do like them. (If this style of art appeared in another book it’s likely I would not be a fan.) Near the start of the book, there’s a pictorial map of the Alexandria area of Egypt that I found very appealing.
The other five books I’m reading for the book club my library owns and I’ll most likely be able to renew them and keep them for reference during at least part of March; this book I had to get from inter-library loan so, sadly, I will not be able to keep it too far into the month of the discussion. Luckily, it’s a memorable book about a memorable woman.
5 or 4 stars? 4 or 5 stars? Numbers are sometimes difficult.
December 9, 2019
A lovely picture-book biography of the fourth-century mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, famed for her scholarship (as well as her beauty), Of Numbers and Stars was one of the official March selections for the Picture-Book Club, over in the online children's books group to which I belong. As someone who's long wanted to read more about Hypatia's life, someone who didn't even know there was a children's book available on the subject, I'm very pleased that it made the cut!
Hypatia's father, Theon, a professor at the university in the ancient city of Alexandria, made the atypical decision to educate his daughter, and the results were astonishing! D. Anne Love's narrative follows its subject from her infancy, through her youth, and into her famed adulthood, when her scholarship attracted students from around the Mediterranean world. Her eventual death, at the hands of a violent mob of Christian fanatics, stirred up by (St) Cyril, is detailed only in the afterword, something that left me with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, I'm aware that Love's target audience is young, and that misogyny and religious bigotry are very dark topics. On the other hand, relegating the brutality and injustice visited upon this woman to a footnote, felt almost like a white-washing of history. Hypatia's murder isn't a footnote, it's a very real part of the historical record, and as I contemplated Love's decision to (mostly) bury it, I found myself wondering: do picture-book biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr., leave out his assassination, because it is too disturbing? What about Joan of Arc - do children's books discuss her being burned at the stake? I wonder... (and I may have to investigate this further)
Leaving that issue aside, I did enjoy Of Numbers and Stars, and am glad that there is at least one book about Hypatia available to young children. The acrylic illustrations by Pam Paparone were colorful and pleasant, with a mosaic-style that felt very appropriate to the tale. All in all, I would recommend this title to younger readers, despite the criticism expressed above.
Hypatia's father, Theon, a professor at the university in the ancient city of Alexandria, made the atypical decision to educate his daughter, and the results were astonishing! D. Anne Love's narrative follows its subject from her infancy, through her youth, and into her famed adulthood, when her scholarship attracted students from around the Mediterranean world. Her eventual death, at the hands of a violent mob of Christian fanatics, stirred up by (St) Cyril, is detailed only in the afterword, something that left me with mixed feelings.
On the one hand, I'm aware that Love's target audience is young, and that misogyny and religious bigotry are very dark topics. On the other hand, relegating the brutality and injustice visited upon this woman to a footnote, felt almost like a white-washing of history. Hypatia's murder isn't a footnote, it's a very real part of the historical record, and as I contemplated Love's decision to (mostly) bury it, I found myself wondering: do picture-book biographies of Martin Luther King, Jr., leave out his assassination, because it is too disturbing? What about Joan of Arc - do children's books discuss her being burned at the stake? I wonder... (and I may have to investigate this further)
Leaving that issue aside, I did enjoy Of Numbers and Stars, and am glad that there is at least one book about Hypatia available to young children. The acrylic illustrations by Pam Paparone were colorful and pleasant, with a mosaic-style that felt very appropriate to the tale. All in all, I would recommend this title to younger readers, despite the criticism expressed above.
September 13, 2010
I don't remember ever learning about Hypatia of Alexandria. But after reading this biography, I would love to learn more! This is a very well-done biography for children, and the perfect book for introducing children to Hypatia and this period in history. I think D. Anne Love hit the perfect balance of just enough detail to keep things interesting, yet not too much to bog the story down. Pam Paparone's illustrations are wonderful and also hit that perfect balance of simplicity with just enough detail to add interest and establish the setting. This includes a bibliography and a short author's note giving additional details about Hypatia along with a brief history of math.
September 25, 2013
Lovely illustrations but the story itself was presented in a boring way. Not enough attention was paid to why this women's story was important, how rare her situation was and how it may have paved the way for others. It also subtly seems to give all credit to the father, while suggesting that the mother had no particular desire/joy/pride in her daughter's education.
June 17, 2011
The library does have this after all; they just typed starts into the catalog in place of stars.
June 3, 2014
amazing book. about a girl who learn about sience.
October 31, 2016
One of the favorite books my family has discovered in recent years is Of Numbers and Stars (2006, Holiday House). It's a picture book about Hypatia. I've read it to my daughter a dozen times at least, starting when she was five. By age seven she read it to herself.
I asked my daughter what she thought was the most important element of the story, and she cited the unusual freedoms that Hypatia enjoyed. At a time when most girls weren't allowed to do such things, Hypatia rode a horse through the streets of Alexandria. She was also educated in mathematics, science, and philosophy, but I think the horse made the biggest impression on my daughter.
In all these things, Hypatia was encouraged by her father, Theon of Alexandria. He was a scholar, noted for his work in mathematics and astronomy. Though little is known about him, it seems he had an enlightened attitude toward the rights of women, or at least his own daughter. (One wonders how Theon regarded his wife. I hasten to add that my own wife is my partner in all things; I'm writing here from a personal perspective, but I suspect she'd agree with the spirit of this review.) Hypatia proved to be quite brilliant in her own right, suggesting a strong natural-born intellect, but without her father's influence and advocacy, it's doubtful she would have had much opportunity to develop these gifts or to pursue her career as the first female mathematician in recorded history.
As a committed feminist and as a father of a young girl, I see Hypatia as an inspiring figure, a role model of sorts. True, we've come a long way since 5th century. Women can now go horseback riding in public, to say nothing of the right to conduct their own affairs. And yet I'm aware that gender equity is hardly a done deal. The gains of recent history, such as they are, might be easily undone without continued vigilance, and moreover there are still plenty of serious challenges that must be confronted.
And what about Theon? He's no less inspiring to me. Like Theon, I want my daughter to have every opportunity to develop her natural gifts, and not be unduly burdened by stilted societal expectations. I do my best to bring a feminist consciousness to my parenting. I'd never buy my daughter a Barbie, but I backed GoldieBlox on Kickstarter. I encourage her interest in all subjects, but if I emphasize science and mathematics a little more, it's because I'm aware of our country's gender gap in those areas. Above all, I want to bolster her confidence and self-esteem, to let her know she can accomplish much if she puts her mind to it.
As crucial as those issues are, I see something even more profound at work in the story of Hypatia and her relation to her father. Theon didn't just advocate for his daughter's equal rights. He also shared his love of logic, knowledge, and the natural world with her. In the story as told by D. Anne Love, and reflected so vividly in the illustrations by Pamela Paparone, Hypatia is clearly fascinated by the beauty of the universe, the manifold forms of life, the deep and abiding truths found in numbers and stars, and Theon is right there beside her, a guide, a teacher, a collaborator.
That's who I want to be. It's one of my most deeply cherished hopes that as my daughter grows up, her appreciation for nature will continue to increase, that she will remain sensitive to the aesthetics of existence. I want to help her grow and develop those faculties to the best of my ability.
Perhaps if I'd lived 1600 years ago I might have been a scientist, like Theon, but it was my fate to be born in a time when so many of our endeavors have become extremely particular. Stephen Hawking notes that "in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, science became too technical and mathematical for the philosophers, or anyone else except a few specialists." I'm not one of those specialists. It almost pains me to admit it! Still I think there's great value in playing the scientist in every day life. I have a broad array of interests and a general curiosity about things, and I try my best to share that with my daughter.
Recently, for example, we were curious about the coming of springtime. Could it be detected by observation of the temperature? So we started a chart of highs and lows for each day. It's been gratifying to see the chart expand daily, and I've relished the abstract beauty of our colored pencil markings as they grow across the grid. It's also revealed some truths about winter weather in the subtropics, as the graph is impressively jagged. We've enjoyed it so much that we've decided to keep it going for a while, and we fully anticipate a smoother graph in the summer.
It's my hope that through this little project my daughter might learn a little something about science and mathematics and art, about observing the natural world, about collecting data and representing it visually, about seeing patterns and appreciating beauty.
In my daughter I see so much potential for the future. She might do great things. I don't know if the world needs heroes anymore, but I'm pretty sure our society needs a major readjustment in how we relate to each other and the Earth. Perhaps my daughter will help to continue that process.
Even as I cherish such hopes, I'm also cognizant of the risks. The struggle for the future is contentious, and those who take an active role may pay a price. That price often seems higher for women. It's worth remembering that Hypatia came to a very bad end. Love and Paparone don't depict this in their book per se; it's addressed sensitively in an author's note. The preponderance of online reviews express some difficulty with this. It's a painful and bitter pill to swallow, but I can't conceive of a better way to handle it in a children's book.
We wish our children were growing up in a more just and humane world, but as adults we know it ain't so. We shelter our children from such harsh realities to some extent, but we know they will confront injustice and cruelty in their own time. All we can do is equip them, nourish them, love them, and hope for the best.
I asked my daughter what she thought was the most important element of the story, and she cited the unusual freedoms that Hypatia enjoyed. At a time when most girls weren't allowed to do such things, Hypatia rode a horse through the streets of Alexandria. She was also educated in mathematics, science, and philosophy, but I think the horse made the biggest impression on my daughter.
In all these things, Hypatia was encouraged by her father, Theon of Alexandria. He was a scholar, noted for his work in mathematics and astronomy. Though little is known about him, it seems he had an enlightened attitude toward the rights of women, or at least his own daughter. (One wonders how Theon regarded his wife. I hasten to add that my own wife is my partner in all things; I'm writing here from a personal perspective, but I suspect she'd agree with the spirit of this review.) Hypatia proved to be quite brilliant in her own right, suggesting a strong natural-born intellect, but without her father's influence and advocacy, it's doubtful she would have had much opportunity to develop these gifts or to pursue her career as the first female mathematician in recorded history.
As a committed feminist and as a father of a young girl, I see Hypatia as an inspiring figure, a role model of sorts. True, we've come a long way since 5th century. Women can now go horseback riding in public, to say nothing of the right to conduct their own affairs. And yet I'm aware that gender equity is hardly a done deal. The gains of recent history, such as they are, might be easily undone without continued vigilance, and moreover there are still plenty of serious challenges that must be confronted.
And what about Theon? He's no less inspiring to me. Like Theon, I want my daughter to have every opportunity to develop her natural gifts, and not be unduly burdened by stilted societal expectations. I do my best to bring a feminist consciousness to my parenting. I'd never buy my daughter a Barbie, but I backed GoldieBlox on Kickstarter. I encourage her interest in all subjects, but if I emphasize science and mathematics a little more, it's because I'm aware of our country's gender gap in those areas. Above all, I want to bolster her confidence and self-esteem, to let her know she can accomplish much if she puts her mind to it.
As crucial as those issues are, I see something even more profound at work in the story of Hypatia and her relation to her father. Theon didn't just advocate for his daughter's equal rights. He also shared his love of logic, knowledge, and the natural world with her. In the story as told by D. Anne Love, and reflected so vividly in the illustrations by Pamela Paparone, Hypatia is clearly fascinated by the beauty of the universe, the manifold forms of life, the deep and abiding truths found in numbers and stars, and Theon is right there beside her, a guide, a teacher, a collaborator.
That's who I want to be. It's one of my most deeply cherished hopes that as my daughter grows up, her appreciation for nature will continue to increase, that she will remain sensitive to the aesthetics of existence. I want to help her grow and develop those faculties to the best of my ability.
Perhaps if I'd lived 1600 years ago I might have been a scientist, like Theon, but it was my fate to be born in a time when so many of our endeavors have become extremely particular. Stephen Hawking notes that "in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, science became too technical and mathematical for the philosophers, or anyone else except a few specialists." I'm not one of those specialists. It almost pains me to admit it! Still I think there's great value in playing the scientist in every day life. I have a broad array of interests and a general curiosity about things, and I try my best to share that with my daughter.
Recently, for example, we were curious about the coming of springtime. Could it be detected by observation of the temperature? So we started a chart of highs and lows for each day. It's been gratifying to see the chart expand daily, and I've relished the abstract beauty of our colored pencil markings as they grow across the grid. It's also revealed some truths about winter weather in the subtropics, as the graph is impressively jagged. We've enjoyed it so much that we've decided to keep it going for a while, and we fully anticipate a smoother graph in the summer.
It's my hope that through this little project my daughter might learn a little something about science and mathematics and art, about observing the natural world, about collecting data and representing it visually, about seeing patterns and appreciating beauty.
In my daughter I see so much potential for the future. She might do great things. I don't know if the world needs heroes anymore, but I'm pretty sure our society needs a major readjustment in how we relate to each other and the Earth. Perhaps my daughter will help to continue that process.
Even as I cherish such hopes, I'm also cognizant of the risks. The struggle for the future is contentious, and those who take an active role may pay a price. That price often seems higher for women. It's worth remembering that Hypatia came to a very bad end. Love and Paparone don't depict this in their book per se; it's addressed sensitively in an author's note. The preponderance of online reviews express some difficulty with this. It's a painful and bitter pill to swallow, but I can't conceive of a better way to handle it in a children's book.
We wish our children were growing up in a more just and humane world, but as adults we know it ain't so. We shelter our children from such harsh realities to some extent, but we know they will confront injustice and cruelty in their own time. All we can do is equip them, nourish them, love them, and hope for the best.
Read
April 5, 2021This is one of the few children's picture books that profiles Hypatia. It gives a nice overview of what the city of Alexandria was like during the 4th century, as well as her unique upbringing that led to her being a beloved teacher in Alexandria. We also enjoyed the illustrations.
There main problem I have with this book is in the author's note, where the author states it as "accepted" that Cyril of Alexandria was responsible for inciting a riot that ended in Hypatia's death. There's actually no conclusive evidence that he was the cause of her death, and this idea is based on one historical account written a century after her death that was sympathetic to the political faction she belonged to. For this reason I am glad that the author at least did not include this in the body of the story, but I wish she had done more comprehensive research.
For some references on Hypatia's death:
Bakke, David. "Hypatia." Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia: https://ccdl.claremont.edu/digital/co...
Costa, Giovanni. "Hypatia, the Daughter of Theon." Greek Orthodox Theological Review: https://www.academia.edu/12682330/HYP...
There main problem I have with this book is in the author's note, where the author states it as "accepted" that Cyril of Alexandria was responsible for inciting a riot that ended in Hypatia's death. There's actually no conclusive evidence that he was the cause of her death, and this idea is based on one historical account written a century after her death that was sympathetic to the political faction she belonged to. For this reason I am glad that the author at least did not include this in the body of the story, but I wish she had done more comprehensive research.
For some references on Hypatia's death:
Bakke, David. "Hypatia." Claremont Coptic Encyclopedia: https://ccdl.claremont.edu/digital/co...
Costa, Giovanni. "Hypatia, the Daughter of Theon." Greek Orthodox Theological Review: https://www.academia.edu/12682330/HYP...
March 22, 2016
This is a very informative and positive biography of Hypatia, and the illustrations, which strongly resemble the patterns and pictures found on ancient pottery, are gorgeous. I'm all in favor of getting female biographies of interesting people into the hands of kids at an early age, particular women who loved education and thinking and creating, and Hypatia does indeed fit the bill and is very rarely studied in the elementary grades (or, let's face it, at all). Unfortunately, this is a bit like doing a bio of Marie Antoinette and ending it before she's thrown in jail. Hypatia suffered a horrible death, and that is mentioned in the end notes. I'm not sure what else could have been done with this information since it certainly isn't how you'd want to end the story. There are also notes on the history of mathematics and a mini-bibliography, which are good additions. This is a nicely put together book, though it's handling of her death is a bit problematic. Again, though, I don't know how else it could have been done, and I'm thrilled to find a book that actually has a female character in it from North Africa.
April 11, 2015
Little a and I were introduced to Hypatia through a documentary on Alexandria. I was able to locate this picture book through our local library. Paparone's illustrations are beautiful and add much to the text. Love's research into the life of Hypatia is evident. She handles the gruesome end to Hypatia well by including an after note. This makes the information accessible and present but not front and centre of Hypatia's life. Love provides context to the importance of Hypatia's education as well as explains how out of the norm an educated and celebrated woman was not of the times. This is a great book to show girls a strong female role model. it fits well with the push for girls to enter STEM fields as well as Egyptian fans.
March 5, 2008
For girls daring to be different, striving to break barriers, become mathematical and scientific geniuses, I could not recommend a book more highly than this one. This is a true story of Hypatia, a fourth century Alexandrian girl whose father said that she would get an education just like Egyptian boys. At that time women were not allowed to get an education at all, but her father used his influence as a professor to ensure that she got her opportunity. She became a respected scholar and teacher, particularly in geometry and astronomy. Very inspirational story for girls.
March 21, 2011
Hypatia lived in the 4th century in Alexandria, Egypt. In a time when women were rarely educated, Hypatia was taught by her father and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She became a respected and well-known scholar of her time, giving lectures and advising other scientists and mathematicians. The art and text are paired beautifully here and back matter lists sources and additional information. A wonderful informational picture book, perfect for Women's History Month.
Full review on my blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/...
Full review on my blog: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/...
December 9, 2022
I first heard of Hypatia when doing research for a paper I wrote for a leadership class years ago, and was fascinated by her skill and fame as a teacher beloved by her Christian and pagan students alike, and intrigued by the significant contributions she made to her fields. I really enjoyed this short picture book that offered a view of Hypatia both as a student and as a teacher. The illustration style suited the antique subject matter yet also incorporated a few subtle modern touches here and there. The writing was smooth and flowed well. I think this story makes a good introduction to a very interesting historical figure for young readers who are curious about the ancient world or about how they might make a difference in the present day.
August 29, 2020
Lovely illustrations seemingly inspired by frescoes from the ancient world. The story of Hypatia's life, though full of girl-power, isn't rendered here with much enthusiasm or lyricism, unfortunately. making for a somewhat forgettable book.
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May 14, 2016The daughter of mathematician Theon, Hypatia grew up on the northern tip of Egypt in the great city of Alexandria in the 4th century A.D. Unlike most girls of her time, Hypatia learned to read and write, and as she grew older was tutored in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. In time, word spread of her brilliance and scholars from all over the world came to her seeking her advice and opinions in these subjects. Records of her fame as a teacher can be found in the writings of Socrates. One of her most famous students, Synesius, developed the astrolabe under her direction.
Subject: Mathematicians -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Women mathematicians -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Philosophers -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Hypatia, -415-Juvenile literature.
Added Author:
Subject: Mathematicians -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Women mathematicians -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Philosophers -- Egypt -- Biography -- Juvenile literature.
Hypatia, -415-Juvenile literature.
Added Author:
October 23, 2014
Throughout the years, different students have studied famous people, both ancient and recent, and Hypatia was often chosen to research. While this book is for younger students, I know my older students would have enjoyed hearing of the life of this woman, who studied many things because her father thought girls should study as well as boys. The story shows the beginning studies, like learning about the fish in the sea, stars in the sky, and birds in the air. But when Hypatia, already an accomplished scholar, discovered mathematics while visiting her father at his university one day, she fell in love. She became respected and sought out for her knowledge. The illustrations add information as Hypatia’s story is told. It’s a good biography, with a page of extra information at the end.
January 22, 2013
We found this short book about 4th century Egyptian female mathematician and scholar Hypatia in the library. It is an easy book to read to a child before bed or in one sitting and has beautiful illustrations. However, you may not want to read the "Author's Note" in the back of the book to a child, since it talks about Hypatia's murder and subsequent lack of investigation, though a few lines under it, there's a short, but good section entitled "More About Math." Hardcover, library-covered weight: 349 grams.
March 14, 2017
This is the story of an amazing woman from the ancient world, a woman who defied the rules of the society she lived in and rose to the heights of academia, using mathematics to push forward the entire society. Though her story is obscure, it's one that should be shared and spread. I was amazed with all that she accomplished. The text is just right for an elementary audience, and it would be a great addition to a STEM collection for its focus on inventiveness and mathematics.
November 27, 2010
For kids studying ancient civilizations, it's good to see an example of scholarly women. It doesn't go into much details, but shows that Hypatia was a woman interested in studying math, philosophy, geometry, and astronomy. The author's notes at the end explain that Hypatia was brutally killed for reasons that are not clear.
July 17, 2012
Hypatia lived in Alexandria in the 4th century in a time when girls were not educated. Her father had different ideas and taught her like a son. She became a well know scholar in math, science and philosophy. While the book is just a quick introduction and doesn't go into detail, it is a welcome addition to any study of the ancient world, or great women.
February 1, 2019
This was an interesting introductory book for young readers and listeners into the life of mathematician-astronomer-philosopher and overall impressive woman ahead of her time, Hypatia. The author leaves the story on a positive note; however, the information in the afterward should not be overlooked. Interest level: Elementary grades.
March 12, 2009
Going to read in class. 32 pages. Don't need to buy.
*****
Loved the illustrations, and it was a nice overview of her life and contributions for kids. It kindly left out her "heresy" and murder.
*****
Loved the illustrations, and it was a nice overview of her life and contributions for kids. It kindly left out her "heresy" and murder.
May 2, 2013
Picture book biography of Hypatia, a philosopher, mathematician, astronomer & teacher from ancient Alexandria. Basic language, not too long, and lovely soft illustration would make this perfect for early elementary readers.
December 1, 2013
This was also a great book. Illustrating how hard it was for a woman to succeed, and make it. In this book women didn't go to school but her father was a professor and he wanted to teach her everything he knew. Good Book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2019
This is a good introduction to an unknown philosopher and mathematician. It doesn’t address the challenges that must have faced Hypatia and her father as she was brought with the freedom and education only available to men. The art is spectacular.
February 13, 2017
Very nice introduction for children to the life of Hypatia, 5th century A.D. mathematician and scientist. Now I want to read more!
Want to read
February 15, 2010March picture book club selection
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