I work in a fairly small library so when someone is looking for a book on a certain topic we usually don't have it. For the books we have in the library there are a few books I always recommend to adults and kids when they ask for books on science topics. This might be a book on a specific ecosystem or on a specific animal. They might want a nonfiction book with only facts, a nonfiction book with narrative, or a fiction book that includes science topics. In the small town the patrons of the library are very familiar to me. I know most of their names and library codes. We exchange stories and they give me advice, sometimes unsolicited but well meaning anyway.
One specific patron is a scientific artist. She illustrates textbooks and novels. Usually she utilizes other books and illustrations made by scientists and other illustrators. She uses the line of Curious Parts and Pieces of our world books made by John Niekrasz and Julia Rothman. These books have scientifically accurate, yet simplified, drawings of animals in different ecosystems. These books are perfect for kids as well as adults and for aspiring artists. Along with the beautifully illustrated designs, the books give a lot of information about all the different species of animals.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson was the book I had to read for my Honors Biology class freshman year. My classmates and I nicknamed the book “One hundred ways you're killing the world and it's killing you”. Rachel Carson was one of the most amazing scientists to have ever lived. Her books and research on marine biology were helpful in warning the world of the dangers of DOT and started most of the movements against chemical pesticides and environmental movements. She worked for the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a marine biologist. This meant that she had a lot to stand on with her book which has been deemed inflammatory and disruptive. This is because her books really are intent and drag the government and the FWS through the mud. Even though this book is a little harsh it is filled with scientific knowledge of the harmful pesticides that are used in the US. The book is in depth and descriptive and I recommend it to anyone with some background in science and the ability to sit and read an entire chapter on beetles.
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren is a memoir of her life discovering science and a book describing plant life. Hope Jahren is a teacher and scientist who lives in Oslo, Norway. She was recognized with a Fulbright Award and as one of the top ten most brilliant scientists in 2005. She has written two books, one is about her life. Lab Girl is the story of Hope growing up in rural Minnesota and how her father encouraged science. This book is the story of everything that you can achieve through science. The rewards and struggles that are all worth it in the end. The second storyline throughout the book is a love story between two scientists and lab partners who travel the world. Hope is an inspiration to young girls in science and what they can achieve and her books reflect that. I would recommend this book to anyone, but specifically to young girls in science.
These are just three of the many many books that I recommend, and there are many more that I can talk about for hours. I encourage you to check out these books at your local library or bookstore. Have fun reading!
Works Cited
“Lab Girl by Hope Jahren.” Goodreads, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25733983-lab-girl. Accessed 22 June 2024.
“Ocean Anatomy — Julia Rothman.” Julia Rothman, https://www.juliarothman.com/ocean-anatomy. Accessed 22 June 2024.
“The Story of Silent Spring.” NRDC, https://www.nrdc.org/stories/story-silent-spring. Accessed 22 June 2024.
I will definitely take a look at these!