How to Hear the Universe: Gaby González and the Search for Einstein's Ripples in Space-Time

by Patricia Valdez Narrated by Ana Osorio

Overview

Discover new realms of outer space in this biography of scientist Gabriela Gonzalez, who immigrated to America and became a ground-breaking scientist. Written by a molecular biologist, this audiobook explores science, space, and history.

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.
 
Completing the work that Albert Einstein had begun 100 years earlier, Gonzalez broke ground for new space-time research. In a fascinating biography that covers 100 years, 2 pioneering scientists, and 1 trailblazing discovery, Patricia Valdez sheds light on a little known but extraordinary story.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

05/09/2022

Physicist Gabriela “Gaby” González (b. 1965) stars in this polished STEM biography that opens 100 years ago with a skillfully rendered, approachable description of Albert Einstein’s theory that space-time could ripple. The problem: “Without a way to hear ripples in space-time, people considered Einstein’s idea simply a fairy tale.” Fast forward 50 years to Argentina, where young González develops a passion for physics. In lively prose, Valdez describes how González moves to the U.S. and spends “long days and long nights thinking, testing, and measuring,” trying to encounter Einstein’s ripples, until eventually, she and a team—portrayed with varying abilities and skin tones—successfully perceive the collision of two black holes. Palacios’s digital and watercolor art bursts with science tropes, including equations, stars, and white lab coats, supporting the book’s broader, empowering embrace of science as transcending space and time. Ample back matter includes an author’s note alongside further resources. Ages 4–8. (Mar.)

From the Publisher

★ "This STEM title is an excellent addition to any public or school library; Gaby González deserves the same recognition as Margaret Mitchell, Katherine Johnson, Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, and Mario Molina." —School Library Journal, starred review

School Library Journal

★ 04/29/2022

Gr 1–4—Albert Einstein published his theory of general relativity in Germany in 1915, but he could not detect or measure the ripples (gravitational waves) in space-time that he theorized existed. Years later, in Argentina, a young girl named Gabriela (Gaby) González became curious about time, space, and gravity; she went on to study physics, and became part of the team that eventually was able to measure the gravitational waves Einstein had described. This advanced subject matter is presented with clarity and a sense of wonder, making it accessible to a young (often space-obsessed) audience, with additional back matter (time line, glossary, sources, notes) for those who want more detail. Palacios's illustrations feature recurring motifs of dragonflies, frogs on lily pads, speech bubbles filled with pictures and diagrams, chalkboards full of equations, and five-pointed stars. VERDICT This STEM title is an excellent addition to any public or school library; Gaby González deserves the same recognition as Margaret Mitchell, Katherine Johnson, Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, and Mario Molina.—Jenny Arch

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178850916
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	03/08/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	Up to 4 Years

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