Happy Poetry Friday! (Wondering what Poetry Friday is? Click here.)
I recently read Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science, by Jeannine Atkins. Partially because I love her work, partially because finding wonder is my goal both in life and in writing, so how could I not be drawn to this, even if a stranger had written it.
Oh, gosh. What a lovely…novel in verse? It’s hard to know what to call this, exactly, with three separate stories (about Maria Merian, Mary Anning, and Maria Mitchell), but the poetry is just beautiful! Here’s one of my favorite poems, from the Maria Merian section:
What She Is Told
Women don’t cross the ocean,
at least not unless marries to merchants or missionaries.
No one has sailed to another continent
just to look at and draw small animals and plants.
Some travel to claim land for kinds, find treasure like gold,
or collect bark, berries, and pods to spice cakes.
But no one has sailed from sheer curiosity about the world.Voyagers are in danger of shipwrecks, hurricanes,
sea monsters, or fires from lanterns tipped by high waves.
Those who survive under sails may die of peculiar fevers
in the New World. They might be eaten by jaguars.
Maria is told, You’re too old. You can’t go alone.
But nothing will stop her now.–Jeannine Atkins, all rights reserved
I highlighted and typed out many other lovely bits and pieces from this enchanting project. Here are a few more:
Her art is science, which wants questions as much as answers.
Science is made of certainty, but welcomes surprise.
Their backs curve over their work like umbrellas they don’t own.
Fury is a microscope
Certainty is like a pillow she learned to live without. Doubt is crucial.
Maria loves how planets take measured places in the sky, but also hold mysteries.
There is so much to love here!
I enjoyed learning more about all three scientists–but I really wish the author’s note about what is fact and what is imagined was at the beginning of the book, not the end. I was disappointed to learn at the very end that many of the details were fictional (though based on thorough research!). I am fine with that, as long as I know going into a book that that is the case. Since this is a book about three real historical figures, I assumed the details were all true. I see now that the official info does call it a novel in verse. I read it as an ebook that I checked out because I love Jeannine’s poetry and approach, and I never actually saw flap copy before reading it. That would be my only quibble, though. This is gorgeous poetry and wonderful storytelling, grounded in scholarly research. A wonderful project!
And for more poetry goodness, don’t miss the Poetry Friday Roundup. Wonderful book and food blogger Jama Rattigan is rounding us up at Alphabet Soup today. Dig in!
Thanks for sharing this novel in verse, Laura. Busy trying to get ready for NCTE and our presentation. See you on Thursday.
Can’t wait!
Yes, so much to love! The book is such a loving look at science and holds so much wisdom and inspiration. Thanks for sharing these excerpts. xo
You’re right. I learned a lot, and I also felt so inspired. And entertained, too–told a good story. It works on so many levels.
You’re right — there’s so much to love about this book. I didn’t learn about any of these women when I was in school, and this is such a beautiful way of “meeting” them. 🙂
Yes!
When I was growing up, not so long ago, there simply wasn’t any real encouragement for girls and young women to study maths or sciences. We had few role models to look up. I’m so, so glad that the times are finally changing, and trailblazing, pioneering women are being celebrated and shared with new generations of young women.
Isn’t that the truth! A quote Jeannine shares in the backmatter from a former Harvard president blew my mind. And it was not that long ago at all. Can’t remember, but around 2005, I think.
I read this recently too and love Jeannine’s voice when she writes. I am taken into those lives as if I’m living them. I wish we had learned about such women when we were growing up!
Ditto on everything you said! I think I heard of Maria Mitchell as a child, barely, but that’s it. And no other women, either.
I so enjoyed Jeannine’s book – and can’t wait to read it aloud to my students soon so that I can enjoy her words all over again.
I read parts of it aloud to myself–the details were so sumptuous. Bet your students will love it!
Laura, thanks so much for reading the book and all your kind comments! It’s so great to share poetry writing with you even if from afar!
Jeannine, you have so many stunning poems in this book. It was a pleasure to read–gripping and delightful:>)
I like the girl-power last line. Looks like a great book.
It’s a really empowering book. I hope TONS of young girls read this!
Maybe I’ll get a copy for my daughter for Christmas. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this book–it looks like a great one! I thoroughly enjoyed the passages you shared, and I also appreciated the heads up about reading the author’s note first. I’m going to keep my eye out for this one! (And I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this one is just gorgeous!)
Isn’t it? Maria Merian was my favorite section, but they were all lovely. Enjoy!
Jeanine Atkins is one of my heroes! I can’t wait to get my hands on that book. Oh, the debate about what makes a niv. I know…..I know! I look forward to reading. Thanks for the review.
You will love this, Linda. Yes, those dang categories…
Thank you for this, Laura! I heard Jeannine talk about the book at Poetry Camp and it is definitely on my “To read” list!
Thanks Laura. Another verse novel for me to look out for. I love that last line of your chosen poem: “nothing will stop her now.”
I want to live with that kind of curiosity and boldness as my torches.
I’m looking forward to reading this one. Jeannine’s done such great work expanding the literature for kids on women scientists, discoverers, and adventurers.