Marie's Ocean

July 15, 2020
"I had a blank canvas to fill with extraordinary possibilities." Told in graphic-novel format with first-person narration, this engaging selection traces geologist Marie Tharp's life from childhood through the loss of her mother, her development as a student and scientist, her attempts to find a job that allowed her to use her knowledge and skills, the process she used to map the ocean floor, and her excitement at discovering evidence of continental drift theory to the gradual acceptance of her groundbreaking depiction after it was initially dismissed as "girl talk." Full of energy and excitement, the text and illustrations merge smoothly to provide depth and interest; most spreads feature paragraphs that present the general plot; they are perched atop multiple-panel sequences that allow for scientific detail, conversation, and reflection. In an inventive design choice, Tharp's actual maps were the inspiration for the textural backgrounds featured throughout. A strong sense of both the time period and the struggles Tharp faced as a woman working in science are incorporated nicely; the pacing and format will entice both engaged and reluctant readers; and the exhilaration of a new discovery is captured with a sense of wonder that is sure to inspire children and draw attention to the world of science. The depicted cast is an all-White one. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-22-inch double-page spreads viewed at 55.7% of actual size.) A winning combination of lyric description, accessible explanation, scientific history, feminism, and accomplishment. (author's note, bibliography, source notes) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)

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September 4, 2020

K-Gr 3-James's picture book biography spotlights Marie Tharp, a white geologist and oceanographic cartographer who helped revolutionize scientific knowledge of the earth. The first-person narration clearly explains the connections between aspects of Tharp's childhood, controversial scientific theories, and the sexism that kept her from conducting field research. Tharp's ambition and independent spirit are quite evident. Using direct quotes (sourced in the back matter) and real images (some created by Tharp, also sourced in the back matter), James paints a vivid narrative portrait of her subject. This title excels in the scientific explanation of Tharp's work of translating sonar data. She utilized math and geology to create a revolutionary map of the ocean floor, which added significant evidence to further validate the theory of plate tectonics. Speech bubbles and panels allow readers to connect with the humanity and personality of Tharp. Readers will also gain a better understanding of the science and math concepts that were used to make this map. Other recent biographies (Ocean Speaks by Jess Keating and illustrated by Katie Hickey; Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Ra�l Col�n) would pair well with this title. VERDICT James provides a deep dive into the STEM concepts and the detailed process that Tharp employed to show the world what lies at the bottom of our oceans. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.-John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2020
Grades 2-4 This picture-book biography introduces Marie Tharp (1920-2006) as a curious child and later, with her degrees in geology and math, as an employee in Columbia University's geology department. The only woman there, she is assigned monotonous drafting tasks. Ultimately, she takes on a lengthy, exacting, unexpectedly ground-breaking project: using an immense amount of sonar data collected by ships, she creates a detailed, three-dimensional map of the ocean floor. When her discovery of a long rift valley in the mid-Atlantic ridge bolsters the continental-drift theory (proposed long before, but widely discredited), she makes her mark on geology. The story unfolds in a first-person narrative written from Tharp's viewpoint, offering information along with her reactions to instances of discrimination against her as a woman working in science. Using speech balloons as well as standard text, the graphic-novel-style presentation is appealing, and James makes good use of maps, charts, and other images related to Tharp's work. These are helpful in understanding her findings and their significance. An engaging introduction to Tharp and her significant contributions to geology and cartography.Women in Focus: the 19th in 2020(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)