Rachel Carson and Ecology for Kids

March 20, 2020

Gr 4-7-This timely and well-researched biography and activity book about legendary ecologist Rachel Carson falls somewhat short. The text focuses on Carson's career and home life. The prose is accessible and doesn't oversimplify complex topics. The thoughtful writing and ecological activities could provide depth to classroom units on the environment. Unfortunately, although attractive and full of graphic touches and photographs, the book's design gets in its own way; the biographical text is frequently broken up, often in the middle of a sentence, by an activity. Callout boxes about historic events and people distract the reader, as does the occasional highlighted vocabulary word (though a glossary in the back clarifies the definitions). Ultimately, the dual purpose of the book hinders its utility and may make it difficult to use for casual browsers, report writers, and teachers. The supporting documentation for the biography is excellent and includes a bibliography with locations, quote citations, a time line, a glossary, and a robust index. VERDICT Purchase for collections that regularly serve homeschooled populations or teachers.-Jennifer Knight, North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles, WA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from April 1, 2020
Grades 5-12 *Starred Review* Rachel Carson is best known today for her 1962 book Silent Spring, a sensation that caused public outcry against the overuse of pesticides. But that wasn't Carson's first publication; it wasn't even her first successful one. In prior years, as Rae's accessible, thoroughly researched work shows, Carson worked through the hardships of poverty, the Depression, and WWII to gain a scientific education and create a career writing about the interconnectedness, and preciousness, of all life. The book does a masterful job of intertwining entertaining and poignant stories about Carson with significant detail on topics that interested the scientist. The compelling narrative is interspersed with black-and-white photographs of Carson and archival items related to her life and work, as well as boxed information on other scientists, ecological facts, the history of the environmental movement, and more. Of great value are 21 included activities that range from free, simple projects such as sitting observing nature to more involved endeavors like seeing bioaccumulation and biomagnification in action (some activities are accompanied by forms that might lead patrons to write in the book). Back matter includes a select bibliography that lists some items suitable for young readers. A great choice for science and biography shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)