Fossil Hunter - by Cheryl Blackford

Book Synopsis

"This in-depth, beautifully illustrated biography of Mary Anning sings with the passion and perseverance of the woman herself, who from girlhood on scoured the shifting cliffs of her native Dorset to dig out prehistoric mysteries and make sense of them--altering forever our view of the past." --Joyce Sidman, Newbery Honor winner and Sibert Medal winner

A fascinating, highly visual biography of Mary Anning, the Victorian fossil hunter who changed scientific thinking about prehistoric life and would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists of all time. Perfect for children learning about woman scientists like Ada Lovelace, Jane Goodall, and Katherine Johnson.

Mary Anning grew up on the south coast of England in a region rich in fossils. As teenagers, she and her brother Joseph discovered England's first complete ichthyosaur. Poor and uneducated, Anning would become one of the most celebrated paleontologists ever, though in her time she supported herself selling by fossils and received little formal recognition. Her findings helped shape scientific thinking about extinction and prehistoric life long before Darwin published his famous work on evolution.

With engaging text, photographs, and stunning paleoart, Fossil Hunter introduces this self-taught scientist, now recognized as one of the greatest fossilists the world has ever known.

Review Quotes

"Deftly weaving in paleontological and geological facts, this riveting account presents an unflinching look at what it meant to be born poor, uneducated, female, and brilliant, at a time when women were denied the opportunity to become scientists. I couldn't put it down." - Sarah Albee, NYT bestselling author of Accidental Archeologists and Bugged
"Appearing on almost every page are paleo-art paintings, photos of [Anning's] fossils, a historic strata map, etchings, images from Anning's journals, and more, that present a visual representation as exciting as her story. . . . An excellent addition to any collection where there is an interest in paleontology or -women's history." -Janet S. Thompson - School Library Journal
"This in-depth, beautifully illustrated biography of Mary Anning sings with the passion and perseverance of the woman herself, who from girlhood on scoured the shifting cliffs of her native Dorset to dig out prehistoric mysteries and make sense of them--altering forever our view of the past." - Joyce Sidman, Newbery Honor winner and Sibert Medal winner
"Well-written and thoroughly researched." - Kirkus Reviews
"A personal and compelling glimpse into an important scientific mind." - Booklist