Secrets of the Sea
The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist
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- $1.99
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
The curiosity, drive, and perseverance of the nineteenth-century woman scientist who pioneered the use of aquariums to study ocean life are celebrated in this gorgeous, empowering picture book.
How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.
Jeanne Power was inspiring, and the legacy of this pioneering marine scientist lives on in every aquarium.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Griffith employs a candid tone to showcase the real-life story of Jeanne Power, who made groundbreaking marine discoveries after moving from Paris to Sicily in 1818. Through reading about, studying, and cataloguing the Italian island's wildlife, Power, a former dressmaker, becomes a self-taught naturalist, fashioning equipment for studying underwater species. Using "one of the world's first aquariums built for scientific study," she eventually solves the quandary of the paper nautilus's stealing vs. shell-building tendencies. Despite facing gender-based discrimination and losing much of her research to a shipwreck, Power persists in breaking barriers. Stone contributes animation-style digital illustrations in a rich color palette. This is an informative, well-paced narrative biography featuring a lesser-known historical figure who persevered. Back matter features further information on Power's life and legacy, contemporary marine biology and conservation efforts, and a bibliography. Ages 6–9.
