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Lightning Mary

Author:

Anthea Simmons

Illustrator:

Published by:

Andersen Press

First Published:

4 Apr 2019

Ideal for readers age

9-12y

My Review

My daughter loved reading this inspiring story of Mary Anning and her passion for paleontology. It's an eye opening account of the determination and grit it took to be a woman in the world of science in the 1800s. Mary has responsibilities to care for her family, and it takes a great deal of courage for her to fulfill her dreams.

Heads Up!

Have a look, too at 'The Fossil Hunter' by Kate Winter, a wonderful picture book also telling the story of Mary Anning.

Publisher Review

Ordinary is what most people are and I am not. I am not ordinary at all. I am a scientist. One stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is a baby - Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her. Growing up poor but proud on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows after her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by waves and landslips: ancient creatures, turned to stone. Ignoring other people's taunts, Mary faces danger to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family. But tragedy and despair is never far away. Mary must depend upon her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist in a time when girls have no opportunities for such ambitions. What will happen when she makes her greatest discovery of all...? With a factual section about Mary Anning, her life, and the discoveries she made.
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