Extreme Scientists
Exploring Nature's Mysteries from Perilous Places
By Donna M. Jackson
(Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, Hardcover, 9780618777068, 80pp.)
Publication Date: May 2009
Categories: Biography & Autobiography - Science & Technology, Science & Nature - Environmental Conservation & Protection, Science & Nature - Trees & Forests
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Scientists in the Field .s.s. to the extreme!
When Paul Flaherty goes to work, he climbs into a four-engine WP-3D Orion turboprop plane and heads directly into the eye of a hurricane. Miles below, Hazel Barton’s job in microbiology takes her to the depths of the world’s most treacherous caves. And on the other side of the topsoil, way, way above the forest floor, Stephen Sillett passes his days (and sometimes his nights) in the canopies of the tallest trees on earth.
Welcome to the work—and worlds—of extreme scientists. From hurricanes to caves to the crowns of towering redwoods, these scientists battle some of the earth’s most intense conditions in order to save lives, preserve species, and help us to better understand the way our planet works.
Donna M. Jackson is an award-winning author of many science books for young readers. Her works include the critically acclaimed Bone Detectives, Bug Scientists, and Wildlife Detectives—all honored by the NSTA/CBC’s Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children award; ER Vets, an Orbis Pictus and ASPCA Henry Bergh honor book; and Extreme Scientists, named a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2009. Donna was inspired to write this book on Caitlin’s work after reading about the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunamis and how elephants may be able to sense shockwaves before such catastrophes. Donna lives in Colorado with her husband, Charlie, and their family.
"While the clearly written text includes vivid passages about the dangers these scientists face, it goes on to discuss what drives them to pursue their subjects and what they have discovered along the way. Each of the three sections concludes with an interview. The many excellent, color photos portray these adventurers as scientists intently focused on their work, though sometimes in unusual or unusually beautiful surroundings . . . Fascinating."--Booklist, starred review
“Photos are key here, and they’re dramatic indeed . . . Kids who need convincing that science isn’t all white coats and test tubes will have their eyes opened here.”--The Bulletin
"Readers will encounter fascinating facts about weather forecasting, cave bacteria and fungi and life in the treetops. Each section ends with a series of quick questions to these courageous scientists."--Kirkus Reviews
"Jackson hits just the right balance between informative descriptions of the science and excitement surrounding the risks involved in the activities of the scientists. The numerous intriguing photos achieve this balance as well, showcasing all three scientists both in the lab and out in their elements."--The Horn Book Magazine
"This exemplary title is just the thing for those who think that all scientists are sedentary."--School Library Journal
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