Marie's Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea
by Josie James (Author) Josie James (Illustrator)
A mixed-format picture book biography of Marie Tharp, the remarkable woman who mapped the ocean floor.
Marie Tharp earned a graduate degree in geology in the 1940s, at a time when scientific careers were largely unavailable to women. Marie's vision and tenacity paved the way for her to become one of the greatest oceanographic cartographers of the 20th century. She was the first person to map the ocean floor and discover the 40,000 mile long Mid-Ocean Ridge and Rift Valley. Her astounding discovery supported the theory of continental drift, which led to the theory of plate tectonics. But it was not an easy road, and Marie struggled to receive the credit she deserved for her discovery.
From Marie Tharp's early childhood dreams all the way to her defining achievement, Josie James's Marie's Ocean is the story of one of earth science's greatest hidden figures.
Christy Ottaviano Books
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School Library Journal
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 Raúl Colón) 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.Review quotes
A National Science Teaching Association Best STEM Book of 2021
A Junior Library Guild Selection
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 . . . A winning combination of lyric description, accessible explanation, scientific history, feminism, and accomplishment.—Kirkus Reviews
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.—Booklist
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF051190 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | History of Science
Submarine topography
Tharp, Marie
Cartographers
Geomorphologists
Women cartographers
