A few years ago I read an amazing chapter book, The Girl Who Drew Butterflies (my chapter book recommendation for this month), about the life of an extraordinary child and woman. These stories of little-celebrated stories need to be explored by students. So, I was excited to learn there is a gorgeously written and illustrated biography of this young woman who defied the social conventions of her time, becoming one of the first entomologists and scientific illustrators. This book delivers both of those passions that were a part of Maria’s life.
The endpapers have full-color reproductions of Maria’s nature illustrations. There are so many key ideas and details about the natural world just on these endpapers.
Curiosity, determination, and independence were hallmarks of young Maria’s life. Young readers will be amazed to learn that in Maria’s time people believed that insects were evil and people who studied them were also evil. Because of this, much of her learning had to be done in secret. They will also like knowing that young Maria discovered that grown-ups are sometimes wrong.
An author’s note provides the classroom teacher with additional information about this amazing girl and woman who spent her life documenting her passion. Maria was only 13 when she disproved spontaneous generation. Later in her life she discovered new species of animals and plants. Maria was a girl scientist and way ahead of her time. What an amazing life and story to share with young people interested in STEM.
About the Author
Since this is a biography, the focus should be on the person in the biography. However, children might like to know that the person telling Maria’s story has always been curious about the world around her. She was afraid of sand when she was little. Her great-great grandparent’s home is a museum and people pay money to visit. She writes that she ‘enjoys pursuits of the nerd variety.’ She has never met an animal (or a donut) that she doesn’t like. Her family has a small zoo of rescue sighthounds, two birds, and many fish. One of the interviews on her website, Gentle Giants, could be a good article to talk about with students.
Pathways Themes: Living Things, Heroes, Yesterday
Reviewed by Krystal Bishop, EdD
Professor of Education
Southern Adventist University
Author: Julia Galef
Author: Carl Newport
