Force of Nature

January 15, 2024
In lilting verse, Burg (Flooded) writes, “We must always leave nature/ as we find her,” quoting Rachel Carson (1907–1964), a marine biologist, conservationist, and award-winning author credited with launching the modern environmental movement. An early writing phenom enthralled by nature, Carson graduated college with a degree in biology. She received a PhD from Johns Hopkins in 1932 and went on to work as an aquatic biologist for the U.S. Department of Fisheries. Though she sometimes struggled to stand out in the male-dominated field, Carson eventually broke new ground by publishing several works, most notably the National Book Award–winning Silent Spring, which fluid text asserts is viewed as being the first to recognize “that unchecked progress wreaks havoc on our planet.” Blending biographical detail with Carson’s field notes and excerpts from her works, Burg crafts a fictionalized telling of Carson’s life, which is accompanied by delicate and realistically rendered b&w illustrations of birds, flowers, and insects by Blackall (If I Was a Horse). An author’s note expresses the hope that “readers will awaken to the beauty that surrounds us and become thoughtful caretakers of the earth, and recognize, as Rachel did, that we are part of the natural world.” Ages 8–12.

February 1, 2024
A free-verse, first-person fictional account told from the point of view of Rachel Carson that relates her remarkable life. From childhood, Carson was encouraged by her mother to appreciate but not meddle with the natural world. Life was never easy in the Carson household, but the future biologist found a way to combine science with her love of writing. Over time, she would encourage millions of readers to admire and protect our world through several influential and acclaimed books, including her best-known work, Silent Spring (1962), published two years before her death. Burg's narrative follows the events of Carson's life closely, but her relationships with her family members receive the most attention. They, as well as Dorothy, the intimate friend and kindred spirit she finally found, share her love for the natural world. (That there may have been more to the women's relationship than friendship is not explored.) Gracefully written in short, rhythmic lines, the text is pleasing to the eye and ear. Many pages of this beautifully presented celebration are enhanced by Blackall's tiny, hand-labeled, grayscale drawings of butterflies, birds, pond-water creatures, and more, reminding readers of Carson's own sense of wonder. In an appended author's note, Burg notes her sympathy with her subject and explains her choice to tell her story as fiction, so that she could "capture Rachel's indomitable spirit." Her sources are outlined in the acknowledgments. A convincing and charming portrayal of a woman who made a difference. (Verse fiction. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2024
Grades 4-7 Rachel Carson is particularly well known for 1962's Silent Spring, but what led to her writing it? Burg dives into Carson's remarkable mind in this fictionalized biography of her life, including the creation of her most famous work. Young Rachel is enchanted by the natural world and writing, and though her childhood isn't entirely happy, her parents encourage those infatuations. Following her interests to college leads to a fascination with biology, employment with the fish and wildlife department, and a path of environmental discovery that will influence all of her writings. As Carson continually butts up against gender expectations and personal tragedy, she doggedly pursues her passions with determination and grace. The stunning writing, all in verse, effortlessly floats through the details of Carson's life, offering keen observations of the natural world and adding terrific tenderness to Carson's most difficult moments. Interspersed natural drawings and excerpts from field notebooks add a wonderful sense of intimacy and awe. An outstanding ode to both the wonder of the natural world and the incredible woman who loved it so.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 1, 2024
In this first-person novel in verse, Burg (Serafina's Promise, rev. 9/13) imagines the life of the groundbreaking environmentalist from age eleven through adulthood. Rachel possesses a heightened awareness of nature and makes close observation of the plants, birds, and animals in the surrounding fields and woods. When a teacher praises her writing, she vows to become a writer of fiction. Many obstacles thwart her success, including multiple family crises, so she shifts her career ambitions to studying science. While the limitations on women in the field keep her from capitalizing on all the skills and scientific knowledge she acquires, she is persistent and publishes articles, pamphlets, letters, reports, and books -- laying the foundation for a global movement of environmental awareness and action. Burg's lyrical language keeps the focus on Carson's love of nature and raises many questions that prompt the reader to think critically; e.g., "Why is science considered / the realm of men? / Are we not all people?" and "When will man realize that he / is a part of nature, not its master?" Along with interspersed "Field Notes," Blackall's occasional black-and-white illustrations of plants and animals aptly suggest a kind of nature journal. Sylvia Vardell

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

June 21, 2024

Gr 3-7-Told in flowing prose, this is the fictional first-person account of the life of marine biologist, conservationist, and award-winning author Rachel Carson (1907-1964). Beginning in Carson's childhood, the novel immerses readers in nature alongside her. As her mom points out, "We must always leave nature as we find her. Be patient, something wonderful will happen." Carson's relationship with her mother is complicated; she pressures Carson to provide for the entire family. Her love of science and writing lead to her becoming a biologist, striving to succeed in a male-dominated field. The nature Carson documents in journals comes alive with Caldecott-winning illustrator Blackall's signature delicate art of butterflies, flowers, birds, and more, each labeled as if part of her notes. Through poetic verse, readers learn much about Carson and the hardships she faced, both within her own family and while trying to achieve her dreams. Carson once compared herself to a monarch butterfly with quivering wings who cannot wait to fly. Readers will feel the conservationist's joy of nature and may be encouraged to explore nature themselves. VERDICT A beautifully told, gentle account of a very important person in history, nature, and conservation.-Michele Shaw

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2024
In this first-person novel in verse, Burg (Serafina's Promise, rev. 9/13) imagines the life of the groundbreaking environmentalist from age eleven through adulthood. Rachel possesses a heightened awareness of nature and makes close observation of the plants, birds, and animals in the surrounding fields and woods. When a teacher praises her writing, she vows to become a writer of fiction. Many obstacles thwart her success, including multiple family crises, so she shifts her career ambitions to studying science. While the limitations on women in the field keep her from capitalizing on all the skills and scientific knowledge she acquires, she is persistent and publishes articles, pamphlets, letters, reports, and books -- laying the foundation for a global movement of environmental awareness and action. Burg's lyrical language keeps the focus on Carson's love of nature and raises many questions that prompt the reader to think critically; e.g., "Why is science considered / the realm of men? / Are we not all people?" and "When will man realize that he / is a part of nature, not its master?" Along with interspersed "Field Notes," Blackall's occasional black-and-white illustrations of plants and animals aptly suggest a kind of nature journal.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)