A review by hanlapham
Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Category: Pictorial Biography

Title: Secrets of the Sea

Author: Evan Griffith 

Illustrator: Joanie Stone 

Date Published: March 9, 2021

Age Appropriateness: 

I think this book would work well with students 6-12. There is a lot of good content and the story is very well done. It would engage lots of students.

Summary:

Jeanne leaves everything she once knew and begins to live a new, exciting life where she discovers her new passion, sea creatures. She builds an aquarium so she can study them closely. As a scientist, her goal was to settle an argument, so she did. When all of her work to prove this argument was destroyed, she didn’t let it get to her and she tried again, not giving up her passion. This book was engaging, interesting, and told a story of a strong, intellectual woman!

Review:

This story takes the reader through a woman’s journey, teaching kids that even when life is disruptive, painful, and does not go as planned, it is important to not give up. Jeanne demonstrates the strength to move forward and try new things, to fail and not want to give up, and to stand up for yourself and what you believe in. When I was looking for a story to read, I wanted to find a woman who I did not know much about. I think many stories are focused on men inventing/discovering and believe it is important to find prominent women to focus on as well. I think there is so much potential for use of this book in the classroom.