Marie's Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the Mountains Under the Sea

K-Gr 3--James's picture book biography spotlights Marie Tharp, a white geologist and oceanographic cartographer who helped revolutionize scientific knowledge of the earth. The first-person narration clearly explains the connections between aspects of Tharp's childhood, controversial scientific theories, and the sexism that kept her from conducting field research. Tharp's ambition and independent spirit are quite evident. Using direct quotes (sourced in the back matter) and real images (some created by Tharp, also sourced in the back matter), James paints a vivid narrative portrait of her subject. This title excels in the scientific explanation of Tharp's work of translating sonar data. She utilized math and geology to create a revolutionary map of the ocean floor, which added significant evidence to further validate the theory of plate tectonics. Speech bubbles and panels allow readers to connect with the humanity and personality of Tharp. Readers will also gain a better understanding of the science and math concepts that were used to make this map. Other recent biographies (Ocean Speaks by Jess Keating and illustrated by Katie Hickey; Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Raúl Colón) would pair well with this title. VERDICT James provides a deep dive into the STEM concepts and the detailed process that Tharp employed to show the world what lies at the bottom of our oceans. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.--John Scott, Friends Sch. of Baltimore

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A National Science Teaching Association Best STEM Book of 2021
A Junior Library Guild Selection

The pacing and format will entice both engaged and reluctant readers; and the exhilaration of a new discovery is captured with a sense of wonder that is sure to inspire children and draw attention to the world of science . . . A winning combination of lyric description, accessible explanation, scientific history, feminism, and accomplishment.—Kirkus Reviews

Tharp's work with physiographic diagrams is explained in a detailed and easily understandable way, and the illustrations . . . incorporate maps of the ocean floor. This empowering, accessible account of Tharp's career serves as a reminder that "sometimes it's hard to convince people to believe something new"—and shows readers precisely how the groundbreaking Tharp did just that.—Horn Book

The first-person narration clearly explains the connections between aspects of Tharp's childhood, controversial scientific theories, and the sexism that kept her from conducting field research. James provides a deep dive into the STEM concepts and the detailed process that Tharp employed to show the world what lies at the bottom of our oceans. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.—School Library Journal

Using speech balloons as well as standard text, the graphic-novel-style presentation is appealing, and James makes good use of maps, charts, and other images related to Tharp's work. These are helpful in understanding her findings and their significance. An engaging introduction to Tharp and her significant contributions to geology and cartography.—Booklist