About The Book

Modern Women in STEM

DETERMINED TO BE EXTRAORDINARY: SPECTACULAR STORIES OF MODERN WOMEN IN STEM

Determined to be Extraordinary will motivate young girls to pursue STEM careers by presenting contemporary, real-life examples of women successful in STEM. The role models they were looking for are right here, right now.

Twenty-seven inspiring women leaders in STEM from around the world come together to tell their original, passionate stories describing their perseverance, spirit, brilliance, and personal growth through words and photographs. Sadly, books about women in science for young girls are history books. Determined to be Extraordinary motivates young girls to pursue STEM careers by presenting contemporary, real-life examples of women successful in STEM. The role models they are looking for are right here, right now!

After reading the children’s science books targeted to young girls, my 10-year-old and I were frustrated. Most of the women in the books were dead, so their stories were written by someone else, and the books were illustrated. Books of substance about modern contemporary female STEM role models do not exist. A reviewer of a competitive book remarked: “If someone has a recommendation for a good book about women scientists, I’d love to hear it…” This book is the solution.

Representation matters. Cultural stereotypes can discourage girls from considering STEM fields as viable career paths. Seeing successful women in STEM fields can inspire and motivate young girls to pursue STEM careers. When they see someone who looks like them achieving greatness, it reinforces the belief that they can do it, too. ‘Determined to be Extraordinary’ isn’t just a book – it’s an invitation. An invitation to be inspired, to dream bigger, and to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the phenomenal women shaping our future.

Reviews

Praise for Determined to be Extraordinary

The story showed me that you don't have to be good at everything to succeed in life. You just have to have enough courage and dedication to a cause.

I really liked the author's voice throughout the chapter: it was encouraging and inspiring, but also very realistic in how she described her experiences and how she got into STEM in the first place. The Miss Massachusetts story at the end was also a nice touch, and while not crucial to the chapter, it definitely made the author's journey more interesting and relatable.

What I enjoyed most about this story was that the theme was extremely motivational to get out in the world and do whatever you feel is right for you. It was also just the right length and really grabbed me as a reader. Lastly, I enjoyed the pictures!

I liked the quotes because they are inspiring. The story itself was very much her story, not anyone else's, and that was wonderful as I was reading it.

I really liked how motivational this piece was. it was very inspiring because all of these women did not let other people´s thoughts get in their way. That´s why I thought that the piece that I read was very motivational

What I liked most about this story is it shows what her life really was and that she doesn't romanticize her life to be something it wasn't. Because of this, I could relate more from being pushed out to go hiking, to doing homework, it also makes it more unique.

Praise for Modern Women in STEM

The story showed me that you don't have to be good at everything to succeed in life. You just have to have enough courage and dedication to a cause.

Ishita Malhotra

Reader

I liked the quotes because they are inspiring. The story itself was very much her story, not anyone else's, and that was wonderful as I was reading it.

Elsie Ross

Reader

I really liked the author's voice throughout the chapter: it was encouraging and inspiring, but also very realistic in how she described her experiences and how she got into STEM in the first place. The Miss Massachusetts story at the end was also a nice touch, and while not crucial to the chapter, it definitely made the author's journey more interesting and relatable.

Kylo James

Reader

What I enjoyed most about this story was that the theme was extremely motivational to get out in the world and do whatever you feel is right for you. It was also just the right length and really grabbed me as a reader. Lastly, I enjoyed the pictures!

Ella Perez

Reader

10 Things This Book Will Teach You

Learn how to…

1Boost your bravery and confidence, inspiring you to pursue STEM careers.
2Draw valuable lessons from successful women who overcame challenges and persevered.
3Reflect on personal challenges and apply the wisdom of others to your own life.
4Connect with the idea that science is a human endeavor, making it engaging and accessible.
5Navigate the evolving roles of men and women at home and in the workplace.

6Develop career awareness and explore your interests and talents in STEM.
7Find inner strength to overcome challenges beyond your control.
8Discover real-life female STEM role models who have excelled in their fields.
9Appreciate the diversity of women from various backgrounds in science and technology.
10Be extraordinary in your STEM journey, inspired by the stories and lessons in this book.