Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement

K-Gr 3--Sisson's paneled illustrations place Rachel Carson in the natural world that fascinated her from childhood and inspired her groundbreaking books. Sisson stresses Carson's curiosity about and careful observations of birds, insects, and other animals as she grew up in Pennsylvania. Those same qualities served her well as a scientist and writer who introduced readers to the lives of sea creatures in best-selling books. Sisson's diagrams help explain the harmful effects of DDT that Carson articulated in her most influential work, Silent Spring. Sisson leaves out many personal and professional challenges Carson faced, which Laurie Lawlor includes in her picture book biography for slightly older readers, Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. Although Sisson does mention some of the controversy the Silent Spring generated in the main text, she provides additional information in an author's note that emphasizes the book's influence on the environmental movement. Her meticulous notes reveal Sisson's own extensive research. The variety of page layouts add visual interest. VERDICT This brief, upbeat biography that introduces an important scientist and her work would be a good addition to most public and school library collections.--Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato

"The perfect choice to inspire young readers and listeners, with just the right amount of detail to inspire, entrance, and encourage further investigation." - Kirkus, Starred Review

"Sisson fashions a picture book that is laudably thorough and informative, and it's a visual treat as well." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

A "brief, upbeat biography that introduces an important scientist and her work." - School Library Journal