From Booklist
Reviewed with Liz Gogerly's
Dian Fossey.
Gr. 5-8. These volumes in the Scientists Who Made History series introduce two significant women in twentieth-century science. Each book recognizes the scientific achievements of its subject and endeavors to broaden readers' understanding of the political and social context of the subjects' lives and work.
Fossey profiles a woman who left a career in occupational therapy to become the world's foremost observer of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. When poachers threatened the animals, Fossey became increasingly militant in protecting the gorillas. Her stance, which angered many locals and Rwandan leaders, may have provided the motive for her 1985 murder. Even readers who are not interested in the political aspects of Fossey's life will find themselves gripped by the story of her work.
In Franklin, Senker reports how Franklin's x-ray crystallography photo of DNA was shown without her knowledge to James Watson and Francis Crick, which enabled them to solve the puzzle of the structure of the molecule. Franklin, who died in 1958, was not credited for many years for her contribution to this discovery. Though Senker portrays Franklin clearly in the context of her times, when female scholars and scientists encountered much resistance, she emerges as a positive person who enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career. Each book includes many well-chosen photographs and ends with a time line, a glossary, and lists of recommended books and Web sites. Franklin has the distinction of being the only children's book currently available on this intriguing scientist, but both books are valuable additions to the science and biography shelves. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
'A superb series...These books would be excellent both for a library and for children and teachers to read as part of a science course.' -- TES 20030110 'Cath Senker presents Franklin's story in an honest and uncompromising way.' -- Junior Eduction, March 2003 20030110
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
See all Editorial Reviews
