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bickie's review
3.0
Short and accessible, this is a brief historical fiction story based on Mary Anning's uncovering of the "giant croc" of Lyme Regis in 1811. There is some conflict in the plot as Mary, her brother Joe, and their father, Richard, try to elude the rival "curiosity," or "curio" finder/seller, Captain Cury. Touches on poverty and debtor's prison. Good example of persistence and pursuit of your own interests even if it is not popular. Best for ages 7-9.
michellehenriereads's review
5.0
My thanks goes to the publisher and Edelweiss for an ARC. I'm voluntarily leaving a review, and all opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paleontology
Audience: Middle grade readers, about 9 - 12
I've always been fascinated by Mary Anning. In a time where girls and women didn't study science, Mary pursued her passion.
In this story, we get to see the struggle and first major find of Mary—icthyosoraus. I learned new things and fact checked to see how involved her brother Joe had been.
This is an amazing and inspiring story of perseverance and curiosity about the natural world.
I'm grateful for women like Mary Anning to shine a light on what can be accomplished with effort. This book would be great as a classroom read to discuss social norms concerning gender, science, honesty, perseverance, and joy. I also think young readers will eat this up! It's got drama and tension. It's got the amazing discovery. It's absolutely wonderful.
The only thing I would change is that I wanted it to be longer—I just wanted to stay in Mary's world longer. But maybe there'll be a sequel.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy reading! (And happy discovering new things!)
Michelle
PS: Kudos to the illustrator! I loved all the artwork!
The book is in my all-time favorites. :)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Paleontology
Audience: Middle grade readers, about 9 - 12
I've always been fascinated by Mary Anning. In a time where girls and women didn't study science, Mary pursued her passion.
In this story, we get to see the struggle and first major find of Mary—icthyosoraus. I learned new things and fact checked to see how involved her brother Joe had been.
This is an amazing and inspiring story of perseverance and curiosity about the natural world.
I'm grateful for women like Mary Anning to shine a light on what can be accomplished with effort. This book would be great as a classroom read to discuss social norms concerning gender, science, honesty, perseverance, and joy. I also think young readers will eat this up! It's got drama and tension. It's got the amazing discovery. It's absolutely wonderful.
The only thing I would change is that I wanted it to be longer—I just wanted to stay in Mary's world longer. But maybe there'll be a sequel.
I highly recommend this book!
Happy reading! (And happy discovering new things!)
Michelle
PS: Kudos to the illustrator! I loved all the artwork!
The book is in my all-time favorites. :)
at0ncebecoming's review
5.0
Excellent book for young readers - especially those who have leanings towards bioarchaeology or zooarchaeology! This was a great read for a few evenings during winter break.
vanislandcircus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
azra_benic's review
5.0
it was sad very very sad right off the bat the author shows not tells that things were bad for the family and that the family is not rich nor in the middle but broke when I reminded my self it was a true story it made me happy for Ann but sad for all she had to go through and the true reason I wanted to read it was because it is a willow book and after I read it I did not regret it
moggmogg's review
4.0
A fictional account of Mary Anning's childhood in which she finds an Ichthyosaurus fossil at age 12. A nice snapshot of the adversity she met as a girl in the 17oos with an interest in fossil hunting. ES/MG Fossils; Science; Gender Roles
rivendell_academy's review
4.0
There was a lot of focus on Joe, when we expected more from Mary's point of view.
erine's review
4.0
As much about the realities of crippling poverty as it is about archaeology, this is a lovely short story about Mary Anning. It blends together in my head with Finding Wonders - another fictional biographical novel that includes Mary Anning as one of the vignettes.