Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became
the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist
by Jess Keating; Illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens
Sourcebooks (June 1, 2017)
Nonfiction * Biography * Women Scientists
Audience: Ages 7 to 10
Indiebound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie's wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname "Shark Lady."
Quick thoughts on this book:
Back in the fall, I included Heather Lang's Swimming with Sharks in my mock Sibert picks. It was the first time I had read about Eugenie Clark and I was fascinated by her story. When I heard about Jess Keating's Shark Lady, I had to check it out.
Once again, as I read about Eugenie Clark's life, I was struck by her dedication and focus to studying the life of sharks. And given the time period, it must have been incredibly hard to make her mark and yet Clark did. Every time I read Clark's story, I develop a new admiration. At the end of the book, Keating includes an author's note, a timeline about Eugenie Clark, and shark facts called "shark bites".
What I love about picture book biographies is looking at how an author shines light on the life of the individual being featured in the book. This is what makes picture book biographies fabulous mentor texts for writing and also a wonderful tool for teaching children to compare and contrast, analyze and discuss two or more texts and illustrations.
For a companion text, check out Heather Lang's Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark.
Artwork by Sarah S Brannen @2017
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