Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World

by Laurie Lawlor (Author) Laura Beingessner (Illustrator)

Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A biography of the pioneering scientist and environmentalist, Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring.

"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, Rachel 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.

A National Sciencce Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Book

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Select format:
Paperback
$7.99

Publisher's Weekly

Lawlor explores Rachel Carson’s development as a scientist and writer, beginning with a childhood spent reading and exploring nature. Carson (1907–1964) attended college, obtaining her master’s degree in biology (a formidable accomplishment for a woman at the time). But despite her determination to become a scientist, she was responsible for supporting her family following the death of her father. Slowly, Carson’s writing gained attention, and her dedication to protecting the environment from pollutants led to her magnum opus, Silent Spring. Beingessner’s light-filled paint and ink illustrations have an understated, 1950s-era grace, which is complemented by Lawlor’s quietly contemplative prose. Carson emerges as a proud, conscientious woman who never allowed the constraints of her era to interfere with her convictions. An epilogue elaborates on the significance of Silent Spring. Ages 6–10. Agent: Stephen Fraser, Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency. (Apr.)

Review quotes

Lawlor has presented a concise and lively picture. . . . This book is a worthy introduction to a woman whose work still influences environmental decisions today.—School Library Journal

Carson emerges as a proud, conscientious woman who never allowed the constraints of her era to interfere with her convictions.—Publishers Weekly

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
John Burroughs Riverby Award
Green Earth Book Award Honor Book
An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
Laurie Lawlor
Laurie Lawlor's books have appeared on many notable lists, including ALA Notable Children's Books, the ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. Her picture book biography Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World won a Green Earth Book Award Honor and a John Burroughs Riverby award. She lives in Evanston, Illinois.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780823431939
Lexile Measure
890
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Holiday House
Publication date
August 20, 2014
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Science & Technology
Library of Congress categories
United States
Women
Picture books for children
Carson, Rachel
Environmentalists
Biologists
Women biologists

Subscribe to our delicious e-newsletter!