Discovering the Stuff of Stars
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(pub. 1.27.2026)
56 pages
Ages 7 -12
Author: Laura Alary
Illustrator: Yas Imamura
Character: Cecilia Payne
Overview:
" Cecilia Payne loved learning to see nature’s wonders, even things other people called impossible. While studying at Cambridge, she dreamed of becoming a great astronomer like the ones she read about in the library. But too many people thought women didn’t belong among stars or atoms.
So, Cecilia packed her bags for Harvard, where she could surround herself with women who also loved astronomy and physics. These 'Harvard Computers' shared their treasures with her―thousands of photographs of starlight. Cecilia found a way to read the patterns in these photos and started asking big questions. Could these photos show her what stars are made of? What if they showed Cecilia something all the great astronomers called impossible?"
Tantalizing taste:
"Other children looked up at the stars and imagined fantastic things: celestial campfires, twinkling diamonds, holes snipped in the velvet dome of heaven. But Cecilia saw a mystery to be solved. She wanted to know what the stars really were."
And something more: The author, Laura Alaray, shared in the Author's Note: "Cecilia's resourcefulness was one aspect of the unique kind of self-confidence she possessed... Cecilia was confident because she worked hard and knew how to do thorough and careful research. When she was sure she was right about sometihng, she stuck to her position because she trusted herself ...
Of course you don't have to be a girl to be inspired by Cecilia Payne. Maybe you just feel different. Out of place. Maybe you know what you want to be and do, but there seem to be too many obstacles blocking your way. Maybe you will think of Cecilia and take heart. I hope so."
I’m honored to be invited to be a speaker for the third year at the amazing Sonoma Valley Authors Festival! 🌟
I am a speaker for the Festival sponsored Students Day for Young Readers Program. Last year I spoke to more than 600 students at five local elementary schools and the festival gave away more than 1000 copies of my books!! WOO HOO! 📚
This year I'll be sharing THE GLASS PYRAMID: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M Pei illustrated by Khoa Le (pub. by Athenenum/Simon & Schuster).
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival returns May 1–3, 2026 — a weekend of ideas, inspiration, and connection in the heart of wine country.
While I'm off speaking at elementary schools, the Festival participants will hear from an incredible lineup of speakers (see the Festival website for the full list -- ever growing!) at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Learn more at svauthorsfest.org
I'm excited to be invited to be a speaker as part of the Americian Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsored Architecture Week for students! 🎉 Teachers, librarians, homeschoolers, anyone interested in architecture, design and new ideas can sign up now to get a FREE zoom link to join me: https://www.aia.org/community/events/architecture-week-202! I'll be giving away signed books too!
My two presentations:
Tuesday April 14th from 1 - 1:30 PM EST for storytime and Q & A of THE GLASS PYRAMID: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I.M. Pei illustrated by Khoa Le.
AND/OR
Tuesday April 14th from 2 - 2:30 PM EST for storytime and Q & A of MAYA LIN: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines illustrated by Dow Phumiruk.
Architecture Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the power of good design, with a goal of inspiring hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students.
