Rock Star by Sandra Neil Wallace

We're heading back into the nonfiction realm today with a picture book, which steps back into history. Ursula Marvin was one of the earlier meteorite specialists, and was a pioneer in her area as a woman. I've never heard of her, but then, there are many, many people who've made a difference in the world that I haven't heard about before. 

Anyway, this is a picture book, which highlights Ursula's life, and I'm excited to see how it brings the information across.

ROCK STAR

How Ursula Marvin Mapped 

Moon Rocks and Meteoroites

by Sandra Neil Wallace

Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book Nonfiction

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING OCTOBER 14th!!!

Ursula Marvin was a rock star in the field of geology at a time when it was nearly impossible for women to pursue careers in science. Discover her story in this nonfiction picture book biography by Orbis Pictus award recipient Sandra Neil Wallace.

While attending college in the early 1940s, Ursula Marvin fell in love with geology, but when she asked her male professor about making the field her major, he tried to stop her, saying it would be a better use of her time to learn how to cook. Ursula studied geology anyway, eventually getting her master’s and PhD in the subject.

As a visionary and groundbreaking geologist, Ursula also had to be brave. She believed meteorites held the key to unlocking the origins of the solar system. To prove it, she travelled to Antarctica where she faced fierce winds, the coldest climate on Earth, and cracks in the ice that could have crushed her, but she knew the danger was worth the risk and scientific exploration wasn’t just for men. She proved her theory and that meteorites could be made up of pieces of planets or the moon.

Ursula Marvin charted new territory as a scientist and fought gender discrimination at every turn in her career. She broke barriers in science, helped create the field of planet geology, and discovered theories that are now foundational such as the evolution of and life on the moon—reshaping our understanding of the universe.

GOODREADS    /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Perseverance and the drive to achieve dreams makes this an inspiring read, and not only for moon fans.

Ursula Marvin was born in the 1920's, and while she loved gazing at the stars, her father insisted she learn to be a normal woman of the time period. Ignoring his thoughts, she entered college and received a degree in geology. For years, she worked in the field and believed that meteors held hints to the universe around us. Finally, she had the chance to head to Antarctica on an expedition. But this was sprinkled with all sorts of difficulties, and she realized her ultimate goal might never be achieved.

I enjoy learning about all sorts of people, who shaped our world but are often forgotten. This book centers around a woman, Ursula Marvin, who's tenacity led to the discovery of meteorites, which then, helped other to understand more about the moon. These pages don't center on the discovery itself as much as they cover the difficulties she faced at the time. So, there's plenty of woman power going on here, but it's about so much more, too. It's interesting to learn about the struggles expeditions met when traveling to such a cold climate (age appropriate). It also shows that goals can be reached, no matter how long it takes. I found it interesting that she was 57 when the expedition took place.

The illustrations present each scene with enough details to give readers a good idea of the moments and are enjoyable. The text is straight-forward and describes Ursula's life in an interesting manner. There were several moments that it seemed to jump, suddenly, but it's paced well enough to hold interest while brining across the information. The end of the book offers a summary of Ursula's life as well as several other goodies, which can be used to learn more about her.

It's an enjoyable read and makes it easy for readers to learn more about her.

And here they are...

Sandra Neil Wallace writes about people who break barriers and change the world. She is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery, illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received the Orbis Pictus Book Award and was an ALA Notable Book. A former ESPN reporter and the first woman to host an NHL broadcast, she is the recipient of the Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Award and creates change as cofounder of The Daily Good, a nonprofit bringing twenty thousand free, culturally diverse foods to college students each year through its Global Foods Pantries. Visit Sandra at SandraNeilWallace.com.

Nancy Carpenter is the acclaimed illustrator of Thomas Jefferson and the Mammoth Hunt, Queen Victoria’s Bathing Machine, Fannie in the Kitchen, and Loud Emily, among other books. Her works have garnered many honors, including two Christopher Awards and the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at NancyCarpenter.website.

Today's read... Love is Loud by Sandra Neil Wallace

I'm a huge fan of nonfiction, especially in the kidlit realm...and today's read is just that. This is a historical picture book, which takes a look at Diane Nash and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. I do remember learning a bit about her in school, but I'll admit that I'm not near expert level and could use a refresher on her information. Plus, I'm curious as to whether this one will interest the intended age group because these topics can be a hard sell and difficult to write for this age group.

So, let's find out if this one is a winner!

LOVE IS LOUD

How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement

by Sandra Neil Wallace

Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

JANUARY 10th!!!

Meet Diane Nash, a civil rights leader who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, in this illuminating nonfiction picture book that “highlights major moments in Nash’s life” (The Horn Book, starred review).

Diane grew up in the southside of Chicago in the 1940s. As a university student, she visited the Tennessee State Fair in 1959. Shocked to see a bathroom sign that read For Colored Women, Diane learned that segregation in the South went beyond schools—it was part of daily life. She decided to fight back, not with anger or violence, but with strong words of truth and action.

Finding a group of like-minded students, including student preacher John Lewis, Diane took command of the Nashville Movement. They sat at the lunch counters where only white people were allowed and got arrested, day after day. Leading thousands of marchers to the courthouse, Diane convinced the mayor to integrate lunch counters. Then, she took on the Freedom Rides to integrate bus travel, garnering support from Martin Luther King Jr. and then the president himself—John F. Kennedy.

GOODREADS   /   B&N   /    INDIE BOUND   /   AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With original flair, this book brings Diane Nash up close and personal to young readers.

First off, this book does have lovely illustrations. The bold painted scenes hold quite a bit of emotion, and then, eye-catching paste-ons add depth, texture, and a touch of original design. These are enjoyable to flip through and discover.

The text, surprisingly, is written in second person. Yes, second. The reader is pulled into this story as if they were Diane. Starting with her very young years and baptism, the time quickly runs forward, allowing the reader to catch a general overview of her life as if it were their own. This, actually, works well and is definitely a new take. The phrases also hold a bit of poetic flow as they try to keep to the audience's level with hints of things readers might enjoy (candy apple sweetness, etc.), while weaving it metaphorically into the happenings. It is interesting and masterfully woven...and I do believe adults, who enjoy well crafted words, will especially appreciate that flow. 

The story goes through Diane's life, more quickly during her younger years until it reaches the point where she faces segregation and takes her stand. Even then, the plot speeds steadily along to keep boredom at bay. The story, while suggested for ages 4 to 8, might, however, be better for a slightly older age group. Not only are some terms not quite as sure for some readers at that level, but the mix of the poetic tones with the information isn't something all will be able to appreciate. It might even leave some a little confused. But I do love how this is done and enjoy the unique and interesting way it's put together, and believe slightly older readers will simply get more from it.

And here they are...

Sandra Neil Wallace writes about people who break barriers and change the world. She is the author of several award-winning books for children, including Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery, illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received the Orbis Pictus Book Award and was an ALA Notable Book. A former ESPN reporter and the first woman to host an NHL broadcast, she is the recipient of the Outstanding Women of New Hampshire Award and creates change as cofounder of The Daily Good, a nonprofit bringing twenty thousand free, culturally diverse foods to college students each year through its Global Foods Pantries. Visit Sandra at SandraNeilWallace.com.

Bryan Collier is a beloved illustrator known for his unique style combining watercolor and detailed collage. He is a four-time Caldecott Honor recipient for Trombone Shorty, Dave the Potter, Martin’s Big Words, and Rosa. His books have won many other awards as well, including six Coretta Scott King Illustrator Awards. His recent books include By and By, Thurgood, The Five O’Clock Band, and Between the Lines. He lives in New York with his family.

Review: Marjory Saves the Everglades by Sandra Neil Wallace

With flowers peeking their heads out to greet Spring and nature now awakening, this book slides in with great timing. Add the fact that we still have Women's History month,  and it's perfect for today's review spot. I'll admit I had never heard of Marjory Stoneman Douglas (I learn as much with these books as kids do!) and was inspired by her work. Plus, who doesn't love a peek at the gorgeous Everglades?

Before I say more...it's time for trip into nature!

MARJORY SAVES THE EVERGLADES

The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

by Sandra Neil Wallace

Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Paula Wiseman Books

Picture Book 

56 pages

ages 4 to 8

From acclaimed children’s book biographer Sandra Neil Wallace comes the inspiring and little-known story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the remarkable journalist who saved the Florida Everglades from development and ruin.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas didn’t intend to write about the Everglades but when she returned to Florida from World War I, she hardly recognized the place that was her home. The Florida that Marjory knew was rapidly disappearing—the rare orchids, magnificent birds, and massive trees disappearing with it.

Marjory couldn’t sit back and watch her home be destroyed—she had to do something. Thanks to Marjory, a part of the Everglades became a national park and the first park not created for sightseeing, but for the benefit of animals and plants. Without Marjory, the part of her home that she loved so much would have been destroyed instead of the protected wildlife reserve it has become today.

GOODREADS   /   B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY    /     AMAZON    /     KOBO

BOOK BLINK

 

                                       * lovely illustrations

                                       * easy to follow and understand

                                       * opens up the Everglades to young readers

                                       

MY TIDBITS

I was already taken by this one when I opened the cover and saw the inside. Even before the book begins, colorful birds of all shapes and sizes take flight and swirl around each other. The recount of Marjory's life and accomplishments follows along the same, nature-bound thread and does a wonderful job at introducing young listeners/readers to the Everglades, while sharing the history of an inspiring woman.

The whole thing begins with Marjory and a short recap of her childhood as she grows up in the Everglades. Her joy for the creatures and landscape around her is clear. When she grows older, like most adults, she follows a career and ends up in a more urban setting, but her love for the Everglades and desire to save it from the changing world, draws her back as she fights to keep it thriving and alive.

The illustrations are really what won me over in these pages. Every page is bright and bold, and allows the Everglades to come to life. The creatures and plant life as well as the landscape hold a playfulness, which draws in while keeping the details realistic enough to allow the reader to get a good impression of what the Everglades looks like. It's hard not to want to live there and discover it. On the same side, the illustrations also tell the tale as much on their own as with the text as they follow Marjory growing up, moving to her job, the various problems which threaten the nature, and Marjory's work to keep the landscape safe.

The tale and text is well done, very age appropriate, and easy to understand. It flows nicely and allows listeners to get to know Marjory and sympathize with her efforts as well as understand the dangers the Everglades faced. Not only do the pages teach more about Marjory but also inspire readers and show that a person can make a difference.

And here they are...

The Author...

Sandra Neil Wallace hopes that her stories inspire readers as much as they inspire her. Her most recent book, Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went From the Football Field to the Art Gallery, illustrated by Bryan Collier, received the Orbis Pictus Book Award, was an ALA Notable Book and a Booklist Top 10 Biography for Youth. Her novel, Muckers, was named a Booklist Top 10 Sports Book for Youth. Formerly, Sandra was an ESPN reporter and was the first woman to host an NHL broadcast. She lives in New Hampshire with her family. You can visit her at SandraNeilWallace.com.

The Illustrator...

Rebecca Gibbon is the illustrator of many picture books, including Elizabeth Leads the Way, an ALA Notable Book, and Celebritrees. She lives in England with her family.