Cox Library's Recommended Reading

The phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA at the leading edge of the feminist and civil rights movement, whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space--a powerful, revelatory contribution

Jim Ottaviani's graphic novel biographies of scientists are attractively drawn and fun to read. This volume follows three famous female primatologists -- Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, and Biruté Galdikas. Check out Ottaviani's biographies of Richard Feynman and Alan Turing, too!

The newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these "shining girls" are the luckiest alive -- until they begin to fall mysteriously ill Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives...

Physicist Richard Feynman tells his life story -- from madcap adventures like accompanying a ballet on the bongo drums to scientific breakthroughs like his work on the first atomic bomb -- with characteristic wit and humor. An entertaining book from a "curious character."

Part medical mystery and part family history, this book by science writer Rebecca Skloot is an insightful look at the intersection of medical ethics and U.S. race relations, told through the story of one woman, Henrietta Lacks, whose amazing cells continue to fuel medical research.

This medical mystery story follows an alarming epidemic that left tens of thousands of victims dead or disfigured 100 years ago -- and the doctors and scientists who banded together to find a cure for pellagra.

What is the nature of space and time? How do we fit within the universe? How does the universe fit within us? There's no better guide through these mind-expanding questions than acclaimed astrophysicist and best-selling author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Interweaving the latest research with personal tales and real world examples, this offers reassurance and provides valuable insights into how listeners can embrace their personal quirks and unique talents to harness their awesome potential, and more comfortably navigate their complex world

John Toedt will help us become more educated consumers with this informative book on how everyday chemicals found in many products from cosmetics to medication affect our daily lives.

According to this book, a curve ball does actually curve and there is a clear explanation along with illustrations to explain how this happens. What is it about Tiger Wood's swing that makes him better than other players? Experts at Popular Mechanics along with athletes, coaches, and sportswriters answer these and many other questions by exploring the science behind sports.