Shark Lady

No. The book is an autobiography about Eugenie Clark and how she her passion for sharks, along with her desire to prove to those around her that girls could be scientists too. Instead of fostering development of scientific processes, it informs readers about a specific scientist and invites students to go against stereotypes that society has created.

• Author: Jess Keating
• Illustrator: Marta Alvarez Miguens
• Year Published: 2017
• ISBN: 9781492642046

Science Topics

• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Summary

Eugenie Clark is a woman who fell in love with sharks at a young age. She thought they were such beautiful creatures, but people thought otherwise. They thought sharks were scary and ugly and Eugenie wanted to show them otherwise. The only obstacle, however, was that she was a girl and people believed that girls couldn't be scientists. Eugenie put a lot of time into studying about sharks and earned many college degrees through her findings. She earned the nickname, "Shark Lady," and she was able to teach the world about how sharks were beautiful creatures. Not only did she encourage people to be more accepting of sharks, but she also taught showed the world that women could become scientists.

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: High
• Authority: High
• Accuracy: High
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

No. The book is an autobiography about Eugenie Clark and how she her passion for sharks, along with her desire to prove to those around her that girls could be scientists too. Instead of fostering development of scientific processes, it informs readers about a specific scientist and invites students to go against stereotypes that society has created.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

Since the book is a biography, it doesn't have too many opportunities for children to ask and answer their own questions, unless it's about their own personal lives. It might, however, invite students to ask questions about the different sea animals that are presented in the book, along with some vocabulary that they are unfamiliar with.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book encourages students to question their own passions and desires and how their identities might be affected based on the stereotypes that society places on them. It encourages them to go against what society thinks and work hard for what they believe in.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

Yes, I think the topics that are presented well that help students shape their identities as scientists based off of what they believe in. It encourages students to put this identity on them and that there isn't set standards on who a scientist is.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

I would say, it's pretty accurate and it's presented in a kid-friendly way that is exciting for students to learn about one scientists' life and the obstacles she overcame to become a scientist.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

Yes. The book is a realistic fiction book, but at the end of the book, there is a timeline of Eugenie's Clark's life. The information presented throughout the book is fact and it's presented in a very animated way, which can help students become engaged, but with the timeline, students might have an easier time noting the facts and understanding it's about a real person.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are pretty clear, but not necessarily accurate. The pictures go along with the story and keep the students engaged. The illustrations are very pretty and I feel like they do a great job portraying Eugenie Clark's life and her journey to tell the world about sharks, as well as become a scientist amongst the opposition against female scientists.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, It's written in language that students will be able to understand well and follow along with.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

Yes. The characters drawn in the book are diverse. Eugenie Clark is American Asian, so I think that is also a multicultural component that could be discussed with your class.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book is about Eugenie Clark proved to those around her that females could also be scientists. She broke the stereotype, so I would say the book is free from gender bias.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

Yes, examples include reading and writing in science.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book presents a neutral attitude towards science and technology.