Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey (Photobiographies) [Hardcover]

Tom Mathews (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Photobiographies

Dian Fossey began observing gorillas in Afri ca''s Virunga mountains, forming a bond with them. Her strong feelings for them made her an anti-poaching activist. The g orillas have survived, largely due to her efforts. '

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Gorgeous photography and a fascinating story combine to create a fitting tribute to Dian Fossey and her study of gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and the Congo. Frequent use of quotes from her journals and full-color photographs of the zoologist at work provide insight into her dedication to primate study and her later crusade to thwart the poaching and killing of mountain gorillas. Although the author briefly discusses his subject's family and early life, he concentrates on Fossey's recruitment by Dr. Louis Leakey and on her work in Africa, giving readers a clear understanding of her deep feelings and awe of these animals and her fight to save them. An afterword briefly describes the continued work of Fossey's Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda. Suzanne Freedman's Dian Fossey (Raintree, 1997) and Jack Roberts's Dian Fossey (Lucent, 1995) provide more biographical material but lack the stunning visual appeal of this title.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee,
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-6. Fully illustrated with photographs, most in color, this book introduces Dian Fossey, who studied mountain gorillas in their habitat. She founded the Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, in 1967 and spent many years observing the behavior and social patterns of gorillas, defending them from hunters and sometimes interacting with them. Many of the photos of Fossey and the gorillas are outstanding for their clarity, composition, and lighting. Although the photos of Fossey will greatly appeal to young readers, the text makes clear that Karisoke was no Eden. Matthews discusses the controversy Fossey's work engendered, the killing of gorillas by poachers, and Fossey's murder in 1985. Appendixes include a chronology, a bibliography, and a list of Web sites. Young people, particularly those intrigued by the many volumes on Jane Goodall's primate research, will find this book well worth reading. Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792273001
• ISBN-13: 978-0792273004
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 0.6 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #490,541 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Inventions & Inventors

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dian Fossey, November 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey (Photobiographies) (Hardcover)

This is a great book, and it is a wonderful way to understand the life of Dian Fossey. This is definetly a book for people who love animals and admire the work of Dian Fossey.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey, January 8, 2009

By 

Susan Antrim "Browneyedsusan" (Kenosha, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey (Photobiographies) (Hardcover)

Shipping was fast! The book was as promised. Gave as a gift along with hardcover 'Gorillas in the Mist' and recipient was thrilled!!!

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light Shining Through the Mist, February 21, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Light Shining Through the Mist: A Photobiography of Dian Fossey (Photobiographies) (Hardcover)

I think this book was pretty interesting on how she lived a lot of her life helping gorillas. She wrecked poachers traps and learned to live somewhat like a gorilla. I would be very interested to read about her murder and why it happpened. She was a very brave women and lived very simply, yet she loved it. I thought she did a great thing.