Marie Curie's Radiant Quest
By Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis · Ages 8–12
Into early 20th-century Paris and the laboratory where radium was discovered.
Awards · 2All awards →
About the book
In the second book of Dr. K’s Portal Through Time series, 10-year-old Jennifer and her 8-year-old brother, Daniel, embark on another thrilling journey through time. Once again guided by the enigmatic Dr. K, the siblings step through the time portal and find themselves in early 20th-century Paris, where they meet the brilliant scientist Marie Curie.
As Jennifer and Daniel explore Madame Curie’s world, they witness her groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity and her relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge. They step into her laboratory, where she and her husband, Pierre Curie, isolate two previously unknown elements, polonium and radium, revolutionizing the understanding of atomic science. Through hands-on demonstrations and engaging dialogue, Jennifer and Daniel begin to grasp the complex concepts of radiation, its potential uses, and the challenges faced by early scientists.
Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest is more than a scientific adventure; it is a story of perseverance, resilience, and the power of discovery. As Jennifer and Daniel learn about Curie’s struggles as a woman in science, her historic achievement as the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, and her contributions to medicine during World War I, they come to understand the profound impact of her work on the modern world.
With Dr. K’s guidance, history and science blend seamlessly into an immersive experience, making Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest an inspiring and educational read for curious minds aged 8–12.
Learn more at drkportalthroughtime.com →
What readers sayAll 18 reviews →
“My daughter loved this book! She’s been asking questions about Marie Curie ever since we finished it. The mix of adventure and real science made it really engaging for her. I think it’s perfect for kids who like learning through stories.”
“Dr. K’s Portal Through Time: Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest by Dr. Katherine E. A. Korkidis is an engaging and educational journey that blends history, science, and adventure. Through vivid storytelling and interactive dialogue, young readers meet Marie Curie and explore her groundbreaking discoveries, her resilience in a male-dominated field, and her lasting impact on science and humanity. The book makes complex scientific concepts like radioactivity and the discovery of radium and polonium easy to understand. Hands-on elements, such as a Geiger counter demonstration, spark curiosity and encourage further exploration. The historical scenes—from Belle Époque Paris to World War I—are immersive and rich with detail. With supplementary materials including a science primer and glossary, this book is a valuable resource for both parents and educators.”
“Marie Curie’s Radiant Quest is much more than a historical treasure trove. It passionately explores Curie’s tenacious spirit and the personal obstacles she overcame in a male-centered field. Dr. Korkidis brings Marie Curie’s world to life through a masterful blend of science fiction and historical fact. The result is an adventurous time-travel tale that honors Curie’s groundbreaking contributions in radioactivity, her perseverance, and her empathy. Intricate ideas are made engaging and easy to understand, while themes of curiosity and resilience inspire readers to think beyond limits. This is not just a story—it is literary fuel that encourages young minds to discover, explore, and dream.”
