Born in Alexandria in the fourth century CE, Hypatia was one of the few girls of her time to receive an education in a wide range of subjects typically reserved for boys and men. She became a respected philosopher who wrote books explaining the works of other scholars, as well as a teacher of her own students. This accessible picture book biography focuses on Hypatia’s extraordinary accomplishments and legacy as a scholar in both its text and striking acrylic illustrations. An author’s note covers the details of her murder around the year 412, the reason for which is still debated today. Whether she was killed for her refusal to practice Christianity or for political reasons is unknown, but her contributions to the fields of math and philosophy are a certainty. (Ages 6–9)

The daughter of mathematician Theon, Hypatia grew up on the northern tip of Egypt in the great city of Alexandria in the 4th century A.D. Unlike most girls of her time, Hypatia learned to read and write, and as she grew older was tutored in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. In time, word spread of her brilliance and scholars from all over the world came to her seeking her advice and opinions in these subjects. Records of her fame as a teacher can be found in the writings of Socrates. One of her most famous students, Synesius, developed the astrolabe under her direction.