Rock Star

How Ursula Marvin Mapped Moon Rocks and Meteorites

By: Sandra Neil Wallace, Nancy Carpenter (Illustrator)

Write A Review

Hardcover | 14 October 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
48 Pages

Age
4 - 8

Grade
P - 3

Dimensions(cm)
26.6 x 24.1 x 1.27

Hardcover

$38.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $9.75 with

or

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

“A luminous tribute befitting a brilliant trailblazer.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Ursula Marvin was a rock star in the field of geology at a time when it was nearly impossible for women to pursue careers in science. Discover her story in this “informative, inspiring” (Horn Book) nonfiction picture book biography of an “icon of determination” (Publishers Weekly) by Orbis Pictus award recipient Sandra Neil Wallace.

While attending college in the early 1940s, Ursula Marvin fell in love with geology, but when she asked her male professor about making the field her major, he tried to stop her, saying it would be a better use of her time to learn how to cook. Ursula studied geology anyway, eventually getting her master’s and PhD in the subject.

As a visionary and groundbreaking geologist, Ursula also had to be brave. She believed meteorites held the key to unlocking the origins of the solar system. To prove it, she travelled to Antarctica where she faced fierce winds, the coldest climate on Earth, and cracks in the ice that could have crushed her, but she knew the danger was worth the risk and scientific exploration wasn’t just for men. She proved her theory and that meteorites could be made up of pieces of planets or the moon.

Ursula Marvin charted new territory as a scientist and fought gender discrimination at every turn in her career. She broke barriers in science, helped create the field of planet geology, and discovered theories that are now foundational, reshaping our understanding of the universe.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.