“In school we learned the earth / was once covered in water. / Imagine! / Ocean water covering everything … Someday I want to visit / the ocean and meet all / the wonderful creatures / who live there!” A lyrical novel-in-verse about Rachel Carson begins with her childhood in rural Pennsylvania. Young Rachel delighted in nature; it also provided escape and solace as family members navigated difficult times. A child who loved writing, Carson studied English in college until falling in love with biology, switching majors despite warnings of limited opportunities for women in science. She’d almost graduated before finally seeing the ocean for the first time. She entered a graduate program in marine biology but had to find paying work after the death of her father and her older sister left her the sole provider for her mother and two young nieces. Writing about science and nature became a beautiful melding of her two passions. She wrote several highly regarded books for children before Silent Spring, penned while undergoing treatment for cancer and caring for her young nephew. Carson faced immense losses in her life, which are given full feeling here, but they’re balanced with the joy she found in nature and family—especially her nieces and great-nephew. Her remarkable spirit and accomplishments also leave a lasting impression in this inspiring work graced by black-and-white spot art.

A beautiful, hopeful story of how a young impassioned naturalist grows up to change the world. For everyone who cares about our fragile planet and perfect for fans of Wishtree and Wildoak.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist

"An absolute joy to read." --Book Riot

Rachel was a girl who loved

science and the sea,

books and writing

and all the creatures of the world.

Rachel was quiet,

a listener by nature.

But when she saw problems,

she could not remain silent.

Some people thought girls

shouldn't be scientists.

They thought girls

shouldn't use their voices

to question or challenge,

even to protect

all the creatures of the world.

Luckily Rachel didn't listen

to them.