Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World [pb]
Written by Laurie Lawlor & illustrated by Laura Beingessner
“Once you are aware of the wonder and beauty of earth, you will want to learn about it,” wrote Rachel Carson.
Determined and curious even as a child, Rachel Carson’s fascination with the natural world led her to study biology, and pursue a career in science at a time when very few women worked in the field.
This lyrical, illustrated biography follows Carson’s journey- from a girl exploring the woods, to a woman working to help support her family during the Great Depression, to a journalist and pioneering researcher, investigating and exposing the harmful effects of pesticide overuse.
Best known for writing Silent Spring, Carson was a major figure in the early environmental movement, and her work brought a greater understanding of the impact humans have on our planet. Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World offers a glimpse at the early life that shaped her interest in nature, and the way one person’s determination can inspire others to fight for real change.
An author’s note delves into how Silent Spring helped shape the modern environmental movement and inspired a generation of readers to get involved in conservation. Detailed source notes and a list of recommended reading are included. 32 pages
"For a slightly younger audience than Joseph Bruchac's Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder... this book is a worthy introduction to a woman whose work still influences environmental decisions today." School Library Journal (Grades 2-4)
"Though Carson never got to see the changes brought on by her work, readers can use this fine book, as well as the informative back matter, to learn all that happened next." -Booklist (Grades 2-4)
"This accessible account folds a commendable amount of significant information into picture book format... There’s an epilogue concerning the watershed effect of Silent Spring, excellent source notes, and a list of books by and about Carson.” -The Horn Book
A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year
Green Earth Book Award Honor Book
John Burroughs Riverby Award
A National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Outstanding Science Trade Book
August 31, 2014
AR Level=6.2; Lexile Level=890
