The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just

Gr 1-4—Set amidst the evocative illustrations of Uribe is the life of Ernest Everett Just, a teacher, scientist, and poet famous for his foundational contributions to cell biology. Born in 1883 in Charleston, SC, Just was the son of a school teacher who encouraged his curiosity from a young age. Throughout, the discoveries Just makes—as a child and as an adult—spur his curiosity rather than sating it. It drives him to Dartmouth (during which time he also financially supported his siblings in the wake of his mother's death); to a faculty position at Howard in the biology department; to the Marine Biological Laboratory every summer for further research; and finally to Europe, where he received more respect as a scientist and thinker than he ever had in the United States because of racism. The text does not shy away from the discrimination Just and his family experienced as black Americans, and the ways it hindered him and his scholarly work throughout his life. Winner of the first NAACP Spingarn Medal, Just's accomplishments are not limited to the title of scientist: he was first a professor at Howard in the English department before becoming head of the Biology department, he wrote poetry, and he cared deeply about the experiences of his students. VERDICT A must-purchase picture book biography of a figure sure to inspire awe and admiration among readers.—Chelsea Woods, New Brunswick Free Public Library, NJ

School librarian and biographer Mangal (Anne Hutchinson: Religious Reformer) highlights Ernest Everett Just, a little-known African-American scientist from the turn of the 20th century who unlocked the mysteries of "how the different parts of the cell worked together as new life developed." Childhood hardships of disease and family deaths didn't discourage Just from pursuing his passions; curiosity and a strong work ethic propelled him to success as a professor, embryologist, and cytologist, even in the midst of jim crow segregation laws. Just attended a school his mother created in South Carolina, and he paid his way through Dartmouth College while supporting his siblings after she passed away. In muted blue hues, pencil and digital scenes by Uribe (The Queen and the First Christmas Tree) depict the undeterred scientist, surrounded by tools of his craft, teaching at Howard University and working abroad: "Ernest worked in Europe as often and as long as he could, enjoying more warmth and respect than he'd ever felt in America." Quotes from Just, as well as creators' notes, a timeline, and source notes, wrap up this vivid, inspiring tribute to a noteworthy life. Ages 8-9. Illustrator's agent: Alli Brydon, Bright USA. (Nov.)

A must-purchase picture book biography of a figure sure to inspire awe and admiration among readers."—starred, School Library Journal