The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne by Laura Alary

 The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne sheds light on this incredible woman who with her super curious mind found herself among men who told her she couldn’t be an astronomer and those who doubted her discovery, but she knew what she wanted and persisted even when she had moments of doubt.  

At the age of eight, Cecilia discovered bee orchid flower growing in England when her mother said it was impossible. But it turned out to be possible. From young age, she had a natural instinct to trust in what she believed in. This only increased her curiosity in the wonders of nature.

What other children saw as ordinary in nature, Cecilia saw something extraordinary in it.

Her teacher, seeing her inquisitiveness, encouraged her to read anything she wanted. So she did.

At twelve, she moved to London to study. She felt out of place like the bee orchid. Other children didn’t understand her interests, but she knew what she wanted.

Discoveries at Cambridge Observatory made her decide to be an astronomer. There, she began to explore the sky for herself. But often she was the only woman in her astronomy classes at Cambridge, even more not welcomed by some professors. Again, she felt isolated like the bee orchid.

This made her cross the ocean to study at Harvard where she was surrounded by other women studying the stars.

At the time, it was believed that stars were made of the same stuff as Earth, Cecilia reached a different conclusion. Others said it was impossible. As we grow and let others influence us, the same happened to Cecilia for the first time she doubted herself. She didn’t stay true to her natural instincts, but she was right in her discoveries, and it took a few years for others to catch up with her discovery.

When she became a professor at Harvard University, she encouraged her students to look carefully, measure accurately, and to trust themselves even if someone doubted them.

This biography is beautifully written with interesting illustrations supporting the text. I loved it how it began with her discovering a flower out of place and how the meaning of it followed her throughout her life. It’s a symbolic reminder that if a flower can bloom in a place that it never did, then a human being can adapt as well, and flourish even in harsh circumstances. It’s a human nature to doubt oneself. Life is not about the falls (which stops many) but how you rise up and pivot. It’s a truly touching and inspiring biography for children, ages 7-14 years.

Source: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, January 2026

 

 

  

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Cecilia Payne as a child discovered bee orchid growing in England which was unusual. As the plant, out of place, she felt throughout her life while pursuing her passion. It’s a symbolic reminder that if a flower can bloom in a place that it never did, then a human being can adapt as well, and flourish even in harsh circumstances.

 

 

 

Traits:

·         From young age, she had a natural instinct to trust in what she believed in, especially after finding bee orchid growing in England and being told it was impossible.

·         What other children saw as ordinary in nature, Cecilia saw something extraordinary in it. She was well connected with nature. Thus, understood her natural instincts better.

·         She was encouraged to nurture her unusual curiosity, and she constantly did.

·         Even if others didn’t understand her interests, she knew what she wanted. She stood steadfast in her believes.

·         As we mature, and let others influence us, we lose our natural instincts, and that’s what happened to Cecilia. When she made a new discovery at Harvard and others said it was impossible, for the first time she doubted herself.

·         When she became a professor at Harvard University, and after learning her lesson not to doubt herself again, she encouraged her students to look carefully, measure accurately, and to trust themselves even if someone doubted them.

 

 

 “No ideas should be suppressed. (…) We must not forget that some of the best ideas seemed like nonsense at first. The truth will prevail in the end.” – Cecilia Payne

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dear Universe 365 by Sarah Prout; each day presents a transformative force, showing how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The core of this transformation is the Law of Attraction. We’re an integral part of the Universe. “By maintaining awareness of your energetic state and choosing to align with higher frequencies you create a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.”

February is dedicated to connection and relationships.

For example, February 3 brings a message of empathy. “You possess the incredible gift of empathy, a bridge that connects hearts and minds. Empathy allows you to walk in another’s shoes, to feel their joy, their pain, and their dreams. Embrace this gift, letting it guide you in your interactions with others. Show kindness and understanding for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you may know nothing about. Through empathy, you create a ripple effect of compassion and love that touches lives in profound ways. Listen with your heart, offer your support, and be a source of comfort and strength. In practicing empathy, you not only uplift others but also elevate your own spirit, creating a world that is more connected, caring, and humane.”

Who Was Andy Warhol? by Kirsten Anderson

 Who Was…? biography series for middle grade captivates with the story of Andy Warhol who was the founder of the Pop Art movement.

Andrew Warhol (1928-1987) was born in Pittsburgh to emigrant family from Slovakia. He liked reading comic books. His mother encouraged him to draw as he had a gift for art.

At nine, he was selected for free art classes at Carnegie Institute.

At seventeen, he entered the Carnegie Institute of Technology where he was studying painting and design. His teachers saw his talent but he had difficulty following the assignments. He struggled during his first year.

During summer time, he worked selling fruits and vegetables with his brother, and at the same time, sketching the customers.

For a city art exhibition, he drew a boy picking his nose. His drawing wasn’t picked but people certainly talked about it. He was learning how to get attention.

After college, he moved to NYC where he got a job for a magazine drawing the ads for different products. He was doing well for himself and winning awards, but he dreamed of his pictures being sold in galleries and displayed in museums.

A friend of his helped him develop his own style in modern art. Andy began to paint his soup cans. He developed his style in something people saw every day.

His first gallery show was at the Ferus Gallery in Los Angeles in 1962 which wasn’t a success but he continued to make a name for himself. He became part of the Pop Art.

He liked celebrating everyday life through his paintings. Then, he started experimenting with silk-screen process. He used pictures of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. People were noticing his art more and more.

Then, he was offered his own show at the Stable Gallery in NYC. Every painting at this show sold. He was a success.

He kept creating more art work which was showed at the famous Castelli Gallery in NYC.

Then, at gallery in Paris, he announced that he was retiring from painting and going into making movies. But he was creating movies of everyday life, simply recording life which people found boring.

Nevertheless, he continued to make movies, still created silk-screen portraits and worked in advertisement.

He had many friends and became famous like a movie star.

He also became a manager of a rock band. The rock band failed but with time their album became one of the most influential rock albums in history.

He became so famous those rich and famous wanted portraits of themselves made by him.

In 1969, he started a magazine called Interview, interviewing anyone important at the time.

Studio 54 was the most famous club in NYC at the time. People came there to be seen with Andy Warhol.

At fifty-eight, he died of complications after gallbladder operation.

This biography exemplifies a man who dreamed big and persisted in his pursuit of what he believed in.  Growing up, he received a good structure from his mother who encouraged him to draw when seeing his talent. Thus, whenever he had a chance he was drawing something or someone but the subject matter that was at his heart was everyday things or people. Even though it wasn’t something that resonated with people at first, he persisted because he believed in it. He stayed on the path that made him happy and that took him to the very top.

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2014

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: He exhibited what other successful people did: the learning process never stops and new goals need to be set to progress with the learning process.

 

 

 

Traits:

·         From childhood, he exhibited talent for art, and his mother encouraged him to draw.

·         Whenever he had a chance, he’d draw people, even when selling fruits and vegetables during summer break from school.

·         He had his struggles, one of them difficulty following the assignments at school.

·         He took part in exhibitions to make his art visible to others. Even though when it wasn’t picked for award, the subject he was picking was making noise. So he was learning how to grab someone’s attention even when his art wasn’t picked. From early age, he was learning how to pick good out of what another could see as negative or discouraging.

·         His first job in advertisement wasn’t necessarily his dream job, but he was making good money, winning awards, and meanwhile still dreaming big.

·         A friend of his helped him develop his own style in modern art. He was open to suggestions how to develop his own style.

·         After finding his own style, he persisted even when it wasn’t resonating with people at first.

·         After making a name for himself in his own art style which made him very famous, he became setting new goals for himself. He tried making movies, managing rock band, founded a magazine to interview important people.

 

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dear Universe 365 by Sarah Prout; each day presents a transformative force, showing how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The core of this transformation is the Law of Attraction. We’re an integral part of the Universe. “By maintaining awareness of your energetic state and choosing to align with higher frequencies you create a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.”

February is dedicated to connection and relationships.

For example, February 2 brings a message of community. “You are an integral part of a greater whole, part of a global community that thrives on unity and mutual support. In community, we find strength, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Embrace your role within your community, knowing that your unique contributions make a significant impact. Foster connections with those around you, offering your skills, your time, and your compassion Together, you create a network of support that can overcome any challenge and celebrate every triumph. Recognize the power of collective effort and the beauty of shared dreams. Your community is a living entity, growing and evolving with each act of kindness and cooperation. Stand tall within this circle of life, knowing you are never alone.”

Who Was Paul Revere? by Robert Edwards

 Who Was…? biography series for middle grade fascinates with the story of Paul Revere who was a famous American patriot.

Paul Revere (1734-1818) was born in Boston. He was bright and full of energy. His father was a very good silversmith and taught his son the trade. Paul was only nineteen when his father died, and took over the shop.

He married in 1757 and had eight children. When his first wife died, he remarried and had eight more children.

Paul became a very good silversmith. He made whatever his customers wanted, including a silver chain for a pet squirrel or a silver whistle for a child. He even taught himself how to make false teeth.

He was hardworking but he also like the company of friends. After work, he often headed to a tavern where he talked about politics with his friends. He became a member of a few men’s groups. One group opposed taxes imposed by the government in England.

In 1765, the Stamp Act was passed in England, putting stamp requirement on many goods. That got Paul pretty angry. He joined secret group called the Sons of Liberty. Paul designed a medal for all the members. They marched through Boston protesting. It worked. The Stamp Act was over.

Two years later, new taxes were announced on glass, paper, paint, and tea. This put Paul and the other Sons of Liberty into work again. They asked people to stop buying things from England. Letters were sent to other colonies.

This time the king of England didn’t bend. Instead, he sent ships to the harbor of Boston as warning for the Bostonians to behave.

However, an event on March 5, 1770, led to Boston Massacre. Paul made an engraving of the event showing many details. Afterwards, the tax was lifted except a very small tax on tea.

When three ships arrived from England carrying tea, the Sons of Liberty decided that no one would by the tea. They came up with a secret plan to hold a very special tea party. On December 16, 1773, they dumped ten thousand pounds of tea into Boston Harbor.

Afterwards, Paul became the messenger between colonies, delivering news to NYC and Philadelphia about events in Boston. This brought the colonies closer together, uniting against the king of England.

Those events led to the American Revolution on April 19 – ending war in 1781.

Paul was forty-eight when thirteen colonies became the United States.

After the war, Paul opened a foundry making hammers, anvils, stoves, bells and more. Then, he built a copper mill. The Revere Copper Company is still in business today.

He died at eighty-three having more than fifty grandchildren.

This biography demonstrates a man who took actions over just words. He was active in discussions during which decisions were made by many and agreed upon. Then, actions were taken. He was passionate about the cause he took part in, and did it until the country became independent. It wasn’t just the talk. It was the actions that made him the famous patriot.

Source: Penguin Workshop, 2011

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: It wasn’t just the talk. It was the actions that made him the famous patriot.

 

 

Traits:

·         He took part in discussions about freedom.

·         He took active actions, riding his horse for money hours between Boston and NYC and Philadelphia to deliver messages.

·         He took actions when feeling oppressed by government which felt foreign.

·         He continued to take active actions until colonies became united.

 

 

“Americans will always fight for liberty.” – Paul Revere

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dear Universe 365 by Sarah Prout; each day presents a transformative force, showing how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. The core of this transformation is the Law of Attraction. We’re an integral part of the Universe. “By maintaining awareness of your energetic state and choosing to align with higher frequencies you create a bridge between where you are and where you want to be.”

January is dedicated to gratitude and appreciation.

For example, January 23 brings a message of kindness. “Kindness is the purest form of connection between souls. It transcends language and culture, touching hearts and transforming lives. Be kind to yourself – acknowledge your struggles, celebrate your strengths, and forgive your missteps. We’re human and sometimes we make mistakes! It’s okay. Always remember to be kind to yourself. Extend this kindness outward, for every act of compassion echoes into infinity. In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, choose to be the light of kindness. It’s a choice that not only changes others but also redefines your own life’s experience, filling it with warmth and love. Inspired action: Commit a random act of kindness today and make someone smile.”

Who Was Johnny Appleseed? by Joan Holub

 Who Was…? biography series for middle grade fascinates with the story of Johnny Appleseed – a nature lover who planted thousands of apple trees for pioneer families to enjoy and earned his nickname of Johnny Appleseed. His real name was John Chapman.

John Chapman (1774-1845) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. He had lots of siblings. They all lived in a small farmhouse. Thus, in order to get some peaceful time, he spent much of his time outside. His fascination with apples began in his teenage years.

As settlers were moving westward, Johnny decided to do the same at the age of twenty-three. As he passed cider mills in Pennsylvania, he collected apple seeds, and began his journey of planting orchards.

In 1800, at twenty-six, he moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio as Pennsylvania was getting too crowded for him. In Ohio, he continued planting orchards. What made him stand out was his knack for figuring out where people moved next. He got there first and planted apple trees for them to enjoy.

He was also a good storyteller and entertained settlers with stories of wilderness. He interacted with Native Americans as well. Through his travels, he met many people.

He always carried a book with him written by Emanuel Swedenborg, who believed in importance of thinking for yourself and being useful in life, and not being afraid of being different.

This biography exemplifies a man who did what he loved all his life, always peaceful, never letting life to rush him. He was deeply connected with nature where he took long hikes which made space in his mind to show the way for his happiness in life. When he felt the rush invading his life, he moved away from it. Always, seeking freedom and calmness over materialistic things. He never settled down in a home or owned many things. It wasn’t necessary for his happiness. The traits that embody him are generous, kind, helpful to others, living simply and staying true to oneself.

Published by Penguin Workshop in 2005

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: He did what he loved all his life, remaining peaceful, feeling whole without any need to rush to achieve what others sought. (Not staying true to yourself, will put a veil on you which with time will make you unhappy).

 

 

Traits:

·         He lived with many siblings in a small house, thus, in order to find his own space and comfort he spent a lot of time outside.

·         The outside showed him the way to his happiness.

·         He followed the settlers to find his purpose.

·         As he passed cider mills, he collected apple seeds and began his journey of planting trees.

·         He didn’t need much to be happy in life. Thus, he hardly had anything.

·         What made him happy was to be in nature, to be surrounded by peacefulness which led him to serve other people by planting orchards for them.

 

 

“Do not worry at being worried; but accept worry peacefully. Difficult but not impossible.” – Johnny Appleseed

 

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the subject of Prayer in his book “Wisdom of the Ages.”

The prayer can come in many different forms, one of them is to be connected to nature and that’s what Johnny Appleseed did. In being connected with the One, he found his happiness and meaning in life.

The prayer should be an expression of “a wish to be the vehicle for God’s desires rather than a request for favors from an entity outside ourselves. (…) Instead of asking to be sheltered from danger, we ask for the strength to be fearless.”

Who Was Charles Schulz? by Joan Holub

 Who Was…? biography series for middle grade charms with the story of Charles Schulz – the cartoonist who created the beloved Peanuts gang.

Charles Schulz (1922-2000) was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was nicknamed Sparky from childhood.

With no TV back then, he listened to radio programs with his parents. Thus, the characters had to be imagined.

In those times, the comic books were very popular. He always carried a pencil in his pocket and copied comic characters.

After art school and during the Great Depression, he took any job he could. In his spare time, he kept on improving his drawing skills.

After the war, he got a job lettering the words in comic strips, and was also hired to teach at the Art Instruction Schools. His fellow instructors included struggling artists, too, but they learned from one another and helped each other improve.

Then, his work started appearing in a newspaper, and magazine. His characters were relatable and people loved them. By 1955, his Peanuts characters were in one hundred newspapers. By 1958, Peanuts was in 395 newspapers.

Meanwhile, he got married and had children. He had his routine/his work but he also dedicated some time to his children.

In 1962, he published a book which was about the simple pleasure that make people happy. The book became the New York Time best-seller.

Then, the time seemed right to try the Peanuts animated TV special. A Charlie Brown Christmas became a big success and won an Emmy Award. There were many more animated TV specials.

“The only thing I ever wanted to be was a cartoonist. That’s my life. Drawing.” – Charles Schulz

This biography exemplifies a man who lived during a time when imagination had to be used in order to see characters. His life was drawing and that was his driven force throughout his life. He was passionate about what he did, and that took him beyond his imagination, leading to animated movies based on his characters. 

Published by Penguin Workshop in 2022

 

 

 

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Drawing was his life and his passion, which took him beyond his imagination.

 

Traits:

·         With no TV, only radio, he had to use his imagination to see characters.

·         During his times, the comic books were very popular. He always carried a pencil in his pocket and copied comic characters.

·         In his spare time, he kept on improving his drawing skills.

·         His first job closest to drawing was lettering the words in comic strips.

·         When he taught art, he struggled like many other artists, but the key was they supported each other and learned from each other how to improve their art.

·         Then, his work started appearing in a newspaper, and magazine. His characters were relatable and people loved them.

·         Then, the time seemed right to try the Peanuts animated TV special. A Charlie Brown Christmas became a big success and won an Emmy Award.

 

 

“I have a new philosophy. I’m only going to dread one day at a time.” – Charles Schulz

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” – Charles Schulz

“If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself.” – Charles Schulz

 

 

 

FURTHER INSPIRATION AND RECOMMENDATION:

 Charles’ words - “My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I’m happy. I can’t figure it out. What am I doing right?” - reminded me of Sadhguru’s words.

Life is not about searching for purpose but about learning how to be happy. Once we’re happy the purpose will follow.

This subject is further explored in his book – “Inner Engineering” by Sadhguru