Did you know Marie Curie’s real name (before she got married) was Maria Sklodowska? Did you also know she was Polish?

Marie Curie was fascinated in science, and wanted to go to University. She needed Latin and Greek for her studies, but girls were not taught these subjects. Russia had control of Poland, not only restricting girl’s studies, but outlawing any studies on the Polish language and Culture. To achieve her dream Marie knew she had to go to Paris.

Before she went she got a job as a governess, and not only taught her employer’s children, but bravely taught the local children too. She felt it her duty to keep the Polish Culture and language alive any way she could. When she moved to Paris in 1891 she studied hard, and met many interesting people including her husband Pierre.

Working together, she discovered Radium and Polonium (Minerals). This work led to two Nobel Prizes for Science. One in Physics and one in Chemistry. This work was the base of what we know as Radiotherapy Treatment for Cancer today. Marie did all of this before she turned 44 and before World War I hit the world.

Then not only did tragedy strike, Marie too passed away – from the very Radium she carried round in a test tube in her pocket.

Marie Curie was a dedicated scientist in a time when women weren’t taken seriously (at first). She worked extremely hard, had a brilliant mind, and received two Nobel Prizes for Science. This episode of the Graphic Science Biographies Series details Marie’s life and struggles and achievements along the way, leading her to tour the USA in 1921.

Clear, coloured, and fun, graphic novel illustration brings Marie Curie’s life to life, making it much more accessible to young readers. I know I learnt a lot.

Author / Illustrator – Jordi Bayarri

Age 7+

(Science, Nobel Prize, Determined, Sexism, Radiotherapy, Minerals, Fame, Series, Graphic Novel, Minerals. Lab work)