The amazing story of how the world’s greatest fossilist found her first huge find at the age of twelve.
Mary was born in 1799 in Lyme Regis, England. Her father, a carpenter and part-time fossil hunter, taught his children to look for fossils.
When her father injured himself and was unable to work, Mary quit school and took up fossil hunting full-time to help support her family, a task that became even more important when her father died, leaving the Annings in debt.
At the age of twelve, Mary, with her older brother Joe, found what they believed to be the skeleton of a gigantic crocodile, the Great Croc of the legends. Between dodging her rival fossil hunter the Curiman, and the sheer work of carefully digging out the fossil, Mary took almost a year to excavate what would later be termed the Ichthyosaurus.
Mary Anning was uneducated, poor and a woman, but her life’s work of fossil hunting led her to make many discoveries that influenced our understanding of prehistoric creatures and the age of the Earth.
In this triumphant novel about scientific discovery, Monica Kulling brings Mary Anning and her world to life for young readers.
Key Text Features
author's note
historical context
resources
facts
further reading
The amazing story of how the world’s greatest fossilist found her first huge find at the age of twelve.
Mary was born in 1799 in Lyme Regis, England. Her father, a carpenter and part-time fossil hunter, taught his children to look for fossils.
When her father injured himself and was unable to work, Mary quit school and took up fossil hunting full-time to help support her family, a task that became even more important when her father died, leaving the Annings in debt.
At the age of twelve, Mary, with her older brother Joe, found what they believed to be the skeleton of a gigantic crocodile, the Great Croc of the legends. Between dodging her rival fossil hunter the Curiman, and the sheer work of carefully digging out the fossil, Mary took almost a year to excavate what would later be termed the Ichthyosaurus.
Mary Anning was uneducated, poor and a woman, but her life’s work of fossil hunting led her to make many discoveries that influenced our understanding of prehistoric creatures and the age of the Earth.
In this triumphant novel about scientific discovery, Monica Kulling brings Mary Anning and her world to life for young readers.
Key Text Features
author's note
historical context
resources
facts
further reading
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — May 1, 2017 |
| Specifications | 120 pages | 5 in x 7.5 in |
| Keywords | women in science; girls in STEM; discovery; scientific history; female scientist; inspiring stories; overcoming adversity; fossils; fictional biography; nature and the natural world; work ethic; pride; responsibility; perseverance; dedication; independent spirit; social sciences; questioning; determining importance; middle grade fiction; historical fiction; author's note; historical context; facts; further reading; resources; illustrations; |
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Supporting Resources
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Excerpt |
| Written By |
MONICA KULLING is the author of more than sixty books for children, including Aunt Pearl, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher; and Ruby’s Hope: A Story of How the Famous “Migrant Mother” Photograph Became the Face of the Great Depression, illustrated by Sarah Dvojak. She has written the popular Great Idea series, and her work has been nominated for many awards, including numerous Silver Birch Express and Golden Oak awards and the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. |
| Illustrated by |
MELISSA CASTRILLON has a first class honors degree in illustration and a master’s degree in children’s book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. She is a freelance illustrator based in Cambridge, England. |
| Written By |
|
MONICA KULLING is the author of more than sixty books for children, including Aunt Pearl, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher; and Ruby’s Hope: A Story of How the Famous “Migrant Mother” Photograph Became the Face of the Great Depression, illustrated by Sarah Dvojak. She has written the popular Great Idea series, and her work has been nominated for many awards, including numerous Silver Birch Express and Golden Oak awards and the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. She lives in Toronto, Ontario. |
| Illustrated by |
|
MELISSA CASTRILLON has a first class honors degree in illustration and a master’s degree in children’s book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art. She is a freelance illustrator based in Cambridge, England. |
| Audience | ages 9 to 12 / grades 4 to 7 |
| Key Text Features | author's note; historical context; facts; further reading; resources |
Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens, 2017
Commended, Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year, 2018
Commended, Cooperative Children's Book Center Best of the Year, 2018
“Mary's story should inspire young readers to seek unconventional paths, to work hard and to never give up hope. STARRED REVIEW” —Youth Services Book Review
“With this fictionalized look at Anning's childhood, Kulling provides context for readers and offers a fascinating glimpse at how those who came before us have shaped our comprehension of the world.” —School Library Journal
“Mary presents an admirable role model for her lively mind, independent spirit, and a continuing sense of wonder that drives her to chip away at nature's mysteries.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A stirring story made more inspirational by the reality of its protagonist.” —Booklist
“Mary Anning's Curiosity packs much good material into a slim volume, introducing young readers to one of science's great characters at a pivotal point in her story.” —Foreword Magazine