Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World
Laurie Lawlor, Author
Laura Beingessner, Illustrator
Holiday House, Biography, Reprint, Aug. 31, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 6 – 9
Themes: Rachel Carson, Biologist, Environmentalist, Nature, Change
Opening: Early one morning in May 1922, young Rachel Carson discovered a secret place deep in the woods fragrant with pine needles. “Witchity-witchity-witchity!” called a yellowthroat.
Book Jacket Synopsis: “Once you are aware of the wonder and beauty of earth, you will want to learn about it,” wrote Rachel Carson, the pioneering environmentalist. Rachel found many adventurous ways to study nature. She went diving to investigate coral reefs and tracked alligators on a rumbling “glades buggy” through the Florida Everglades. She worked for the U.S. Fish and Service. However, one of the bravest things she did was to write and publish Silent Spring, a book pointing out the dangerous effects of chemicals on the living world. Powerful men tried to stop the publication of the book, but Rachel and her publishers persisted, and Silent Spring went on to become the book that woke up people to the harmful impact humans were having on our planet.
Why I like this book:
- I love true stories about strong girls who find a passion, pursue it into adulthood, and end up changing the world. That’s exactly what Rachel Carson did. She is an inspiring role model for children, especially for girls. Her story is inspirational for children who love nature and want to help protect the environment.
- Laurie Lawlor has written a beautiful and extraordinary biography that tells the story of a young Rachel Carson (born in 1897) whose love of nature is nurtured by her mother. Rachel’s mother encourages her to explore the family’s 65 acres of orchards and woods, watch the starry nights and recognize the melodies of favorite birds. Laura Beingessner’s warm and colorful illustrations are true to the time period of the early 20th century.
- Rachel attends college and graduate school at great sacrifice to her family. She becomes a biologist, travels the world, studies and writes about the oceans. She begins to notice disturbing trends and wonders how they are effecting the web of life. She questions the rising ocean temperatures, investigates the deadly impact of insecticides on birds, wildlife and people. Her discoveries lead her to write a courageous book that the average person can understand, Silent Spring, in 1962. Her mission to warn people of threats caused by humans creates a big commotion. Unfortunately, she didn’t live to see the positive environmental changes she made in the world.
Resources: This book is really best suited for older children in the third to fifth grades. Don’t miss the lengthy Epilogue at the end about what happens after the book is published. There are other listed resources. Visit a national, state or local wildlife, waterfowl or marine life refuge in your area. Many have youth programs. Visit the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge website. Check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a Conservation Kids page.
Children's Books Heal 
I too love books about strong young girls who follow their passion. When I met Jane Goodall a few years ago, she signed one of her books for me, “Follow your heart”. It meant so much to me. This looks like a delightful book about a girl who did indeed follow her heart.
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What a lovely story about meeting Jane Goodall, someone who did follow her heart. I would say the same for Rachel Carson. She didn’t live long enough to realize how much she changed the worldview.
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I met Jane Goodall a couple of years ago. I think she’s a saint- literally! AMAZING woman.
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Lucky you! I never had that privilege. There are so many strong women who have made such wonderful changes for the environment.
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And we each do our part in our own small ways. xo
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Another lovely review, Patricia, of an inspirational book which I’m sure will become very popula..
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Thank you, Barbara. Such an inspirational book that shows kids how one person can make a difference.
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Excellent pick! I put this one on reserve this week for a blog post I am working on. Looking forward to reading it. Nice review!
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I hope you enjoy Rachel’s story as much as I did.
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Carson is one of my heroines! I never even thought to write a book about her though since I thought she was too popular, but I’m glad someone did. 🙂
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She really was a heroine with her groundbreaking book. I’m glad kids have a chance to meet her and be inspired.
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What a great choice! So good for kids to know that the call was sounded long ago and the threats remain.
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Yes, I agree. She was warning people in 1962. And people still don’t believe that we are harming our planet.
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What a great way to inspire the next generation! Looks like an awesome biography for youngsters, Patricia.
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It really is a book for children who really are interested in the environment.
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Pat, I’m so looking forward to reading this book. Rachel Carson was a true hero.
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Yes, she was. I want to read her book that caused such a stir!
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What a great pick! I too LOVE stories about strong girls.women. A must have for my library. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed Rachel’s story. I love strong girls/women.
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Oh, I would love to read this. I have quite a list of books with these themes and shall add this to my list. I also clearly need to lay my hands on a copy of Silent Spring.
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Yes, I want to get a copy of Silent Spring and read it. You will enjoy the PB, as it’s the kind of story you like to read. Rachel was way ahead of the time.
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How nice to see one of my very favorite books reviewed on your blog! I’m off to check it out again!
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I’m so glad to hear that it is one of your favorite books. I want to read Rachel’s Silent Spring book.
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This sounds like a really, really, awesome book! I, like you, love stories about strong girls that find a passion – and fight for it! Thanks for the review!
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Yes, I love strong girl stories who show kids that they too can make a difference in their world.
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Sounds like a fascinating book. Too old for my class, perhaps, but I’m going to look for it to read myself:)
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It is an excellent story about a woman making a difference.
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This sounds like a great book! 🙂 I’ve never heard of Silent Spring or Rachel Carson. I will have to look up the book.
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Erik, I think you would find Rachel’s story very inspiring!
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I’m going to buy this book for my 8 year old granddaughter!
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I hope your granddaughter enjoys the book. It is quite a ride for the characters.
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