Lucy Hawking
Lucy Hawking is a British author and journalist best known for her work in making science accessible and engaging for young readers. Born in 1969 in London, England, she is the daughter of the legendary theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and his first wife Jane Wilde Hawking. Growing up in the orbit of one of the greatest scientific minds of the twentieth century, Lucy developed a deep appreciation for science as well as a gift for storytelling that would define her career.
After studying modern languages at Oxford University, Lucy pursued a career as a journalist and novelist. She worked as a foreign correspondent and feature writer, contributing to a number of British publications before turning her attention to children’s fiction. It was through her collaboration with her father that she found her most celebrated calling: translating the wonders of the cosmos into stories young readers could love.
Together, Lucy and Stephen Hawking co-authored the George’s Secret Key to the Universe series, a collection of science adventure novels aimed at middle-grade readers. The series follows a young boy named George who, together with his friends, journeys through space and encounters real scientific concepts woven seamlessly into the narrative. Titles include George’s Secret Key to the Universe, George’s Cosmic Treasure Hunt, George and the Big Bang, George and the Unbreakable Code, and George and the Blue Moon. Each book features explanatory essays and illustrations that bring cutting-edge physics, cosmology, and astronomy to life for children.
Beyond her writing, Lucy Hawking has been a prominent advocate for science education, particularly for children with disabilities, carrying on her father’s legacy of making science inclusive and inspiring. She has spoken at schools, universities, and international forums about the importance of nurturing curiosity in young minds. Her work represents a unique intersection of literary craft and scientific literacy, ensuring that the excitement of discovery reaches the next generation of thinkers and explorers.