WHEN SCIENCE STOOD STILL: How S. Chandrasekhar Predicted the Existence of Black Holes
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Science Friday Best Science Book of 2025
“Great book on the science of stars.” – School Library Journal
“Chandra becomes a model of perseverance in the face of prejudice.” – Publishers Weekly
“A brisk tribute to a thinker who was ahead of his time.” – Kirkus
“A fabulous book that gives young readers a glimpse into how people think about science through the lens of the theory of black holes.” –Science Friday
“Incredibly well done.” – SLJ 31 Days, 31 Lists
- Author: Shruthi Rao
- Illustrator: Srinidhi Srinivasan
- Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books (October 14, 2025)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665949965
- Grades: P – 3
- Ages: 4 – 8
2025 Nonfiction Picture Books (31 Days 31 Lists)
2025 Science & Nature Books (31 Days 31 Lists)
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When scientists get things right, science leaps forward. When they get things wrong, they learn from their mistakes, and science continues to advance. But sometimes, even when scientists get it right, nobody pays attention. Then, for a while, science stands still.
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was a brilliant scientist with eyes fixed toward the stars. As a young man, he developed the theory that would eventually lead to the discovery of black holes. But when he presented his findings to the world’s leading Western scientists, they scoffed at his ideas. Chandra knew he was right. But would anyone listen?
Learn the true story of a relentless scientist and his cosmic discovery that had to wait for science to change its mind.
Uma Krishnaswami’s Blog – Guest Post
Interview with Shruthi Rao, author of When Science Stood Still by Sandy Brehl
Author Shruthi Rao on Holding your Ground with Lydia Lukidis
An in-depth analysis of WHEN SCIENCE STOOD STILL by Sandy Brehl
The Picture Book Buzz – October 2025 Interview with STEAM Team Books Members with Maria Marshall
Interview with Nancy Castaldo
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