The Woman Who Split the Atom, Marissa Moss
The Woman Who Split the Atom, Marissa Moss
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The Woman Who Split the Atom
The Life of Lise Meitner

Author: Marissa Moss

Narrator: Sandy Rustin

Unabridged: 4 hr 28 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 05/10/2022


Synopsis

Bestselling author-illustrator Marissa Moss tells the gripping story of Lise Meitner, the physicist who discovered nuclear fission

As a female Jewish physicist in Berlin during the early 20th century, Lise Meitner had to fight for an education, a job, and equal treatment in her field, like having her name listed on her own research papers.

Meitner made groundbreaking strides in the study of radiation, but when Hitler came to power in Germany, she suddenly had to face not only sexism, but also life-threatening anti-Semitism as well. Nevertheless, she persevered and one day made a discovery that rocked the world: the splitting
of the atom. While her male lab partner was awarded a Nobel Prize for the achievement, the committee refused to give her any credit.

Suddenly, the race to build the atomic bomb was on—although Meitner was horrified to be associated with such a weapon. “A physicist who never lost her humanity,” Meitner wanted only to figure out how the world works, and advocated for pacifism while others called for war.

The Woman Who Split the Atom is a fascinating look at Meitner’s fierce passion, integrity, and her lifelong struggle to have her contributions to physics recognized.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Annette on February 04, 2022

Synergy: Lise Meitner Lise Meitner (1878-1968) was an Austrian-Swedish physicist best known for her discovery of nuclear fission along with the element protactinium. Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website. THE WOMAN WHO SPLIT THE ATOM by Marissa Moss tells......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on April 19, 2022

This biography is a 3.5 for me, and it's ideal for anyone looking for books about hidden figures or individuals whose contributions to science--in this case, physics--have been ignored or downplayed. In her usual engaging writing style, author Marissa Moss tells the story of Lise Meitner, a Jewish p......more

Goodreads review by Carrie on December 29, 2022

Man takes credit for woman's discovery. This story is as old as time, but Lise Meitner's story is a unique one. Not only did she get doubly discriminated against as a Jewish woman, but she also had her scientific discovery essentially stolen from someone she at one time considered a friend. Otto Hah......more

Goodreads review by Katherine on March 19, 2022

A fantastically written biography of one of modern physics' most important scientists, Ms Moss clearly describes the challenges Lise Meitner faced in her lifetime. This text would be a great read for upper-elementary through middle school grades. Connections to women's history, WWII history, and sci......more

Goodreads review by Kirsten on February 27, 2024

While I consider myself fairly well-informed on the subject of the history of discoveries in areas such as quantum physics and atomic energy, I had never heard of pioneering scientist Lise Meitner and the contributions to advancements in these areas. Lise Meitner grew up in an Austrian family that h......more