Comet Chaser

Caroline Herschel changed the course of history by becoming the world’s first female professional astronomer. During a time when women’s career paths were limited to wives and housemaids, Herschel desired to break this standard and pursue something she loved her entire life: astronomy. Nowadays, her legacy lives on in her achievements and her celestial discoveries paved the road for modern-day astronomy. However, Herschel’s journey wasn’t easy, and her pathway to becoming an astronomer was difficult and uncertain.  

As a child, Caroline loved gazing into the stars on the cobblestone streets of Hanover, Germany. She wanted to learn more about them with her father and brothers, but her mother forced her to wash, mend, and sweep around the house instead. This all changed when Caroline’s older brother, William, requested that Caroline live with him in England. Sensing an opportunity to change her future, Caroline joined her brother with excitement and uncertainty. Will this decision jumpstart Caroline’s career or prove a costly mistake?  

Comet Chaser is an inspiring illustrated story that showcases the importance of breaking cultural norms and pursuing one’s passion. The book follows the life of Caroline Herschel through a third-person narrator, detailing her journey from an unhappy housemaid to a world-famous astronomer. The book portrays Herschel as a mentally tough and determined woman, who frequently makes difficult decisions, such as moving to England to advance her career despite the difficulties. Herschel’s willingness to take risks to improve her future is relatable and admirable.  

The tale presents an uplifting view of the importance of passion and pursuit. Although Caroline’s desire to study the stars clashed with her culture’s roles of women, her determination to do what she loved allowed her to prove the world wrong. By discovering seven new comets, Herschel showed others that she could accomplish incredible feats, opening endless opportunities and careers for women in the future. Herschel’s determination and pursuit of astronomy teaches readers to pursue their passions despite the difficulties and hardships. After all, Herschel’s life epitomizes the benefits of hard work: “At age 37, Caroline finally had a career. Caroline wasn’t a teacher, a dressmaker, or a singer. She was the world’s first professional woman astronomer.” 

Comet Chaser features colorful, watercolor illustrations that frequently span the length of each page and enhance the reader’s experience with plot-driven details. At the end of the narrative, the short story provides supplementary material, such as a glossary and a biography about Caroline Herschel. Although the large paragraphs and advanced vocabulary will be challenging for younger readers, Comet Chaser is a book for all ages, thanks to its engaging story, uplifting lesson, and noteworthy exploration of women’s changing opportunities in the career field. To learn more about how real women impacted the world, pair Comet Chaser with Mae Among The Stars by Roda Ahmed, Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, and Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross by Traci Sorel. 

Sexual Content 

• None 

Violence 

• None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

• None 

Language 

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Supernatural 

• None

Spiritual Content 

• None