A biography of the pioneering scientist and environmentalist, Rachel Carson, author of Silent Spring.
 
"Once you are aware of the wonder and beauty of earth, you will want to learn about it," wrote Rachel Carson.
 
Determined and curious even as a child, Rachel Carson's fascination with the natural world led her to study biology, and pursue a career in science at a time when very few women worked in the field.
 
This lyrical, illustrated biography follows Carson's journey—from a girl exploring the woods, to a woman working to help support her family during the Great Depression, to a journalist and pioneering researcher, investigating and exposing the harmful effects of pesticide overuse. 
 
Best known for writing Silent Spring, Rachel Carson was a major figure in the early environmental movement, and her work brought a greater understanding of the impact humans have on our planet.  Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World offers a glimpse at the early life that shaped her interest in nature, and the way one person's determination can inspire others to fight for real change.   
 
An author's note delves into how Silent Spring helped shape the modern environmental movement and inspired a generation of readers to get involved in conservation. 
 
Detailed source notes and a list of recommended reading are included.
 
A National Sciencce Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Book
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year

Laurie Lawlor's books have appeared on many notable lists, including the ALA Notable Children's Books, the ALA Best Books for Young Adults, and the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. She lives in Illinois.

Laurie Lawlor's profile page

Laura Beingessner has illustrated five books for children. School Library Journal has called her artwork "luminous" while Kirkus Reviews has praised it as "enticing." She lives in Toronto, Canada.

Laura Beingessner's profile page

"Lawlor has presented a concise and lively picture. . . . This book is a worthy introduction to a woman whose work still influences environmental decisions today."—School Library Journal
 
"Carson emerges as a proud, conscientious woman who never allowed the constraints of her era to interfere with her convictions."—Publishers Weekly
 

"This accessible account folds a commendable amount of significant information into picture book format. . . . There's an epilogue concerning the watershed effect of Silent Spring, excellent source notes, and a list of books by and about Carson."—The Horn Book

A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
John Burroughs Riverby Award
Green Earth Book Award Honor Book
An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book