Finding Wonders is an amazing book written in a way that strengths the reading skills of the reader. This is a great book to have in the classroom as it is told in vibrant, evocative poems. This book spreads the joy of discovery and finding wonder within the world surrounding us. Helping students explore creative forms of writing, while gaining inspiration from the three young girls who learn about who grow up to be ground breaking scientist. Thus, making this a perfect book to have within the classroom or to read as inspiration to students who may be struggling to feel confident in their skills, capabilities or love for science. ( )

The story of three scientist woman who thought beyond what they were taught. Maria Merian , Mary Anning and Maria Mitchell biographies stories of being interested in insects , landforms and outer space are each told in the book at different times in life and locations. The book is told in vibrant poems to give some the wonderful creative outlook of these women and their idea of behind science. This will connect in class when learning about poetry style and diversity story telling . Also when learning about insects , landforms and outer-space in science classes. ( )

This reads a bit like three short novellas, since each girl's story doesn't overlap with the others. The verse is pretty, but the stories felt a little slow. I think for the right reader, this would work well, and I also think it would be a great choice for someone who needs a biography even though some elements are fictionalized based on extrapolating from known information. There's a great bibliography at the end. (Also, my favorite story to read was the one about Maria Mitchell because I love stars.)

These prose poems give us a glimpse into the lives of three young girls who challenged their times and made amazing contributions to science. Growing up in Germany in the 1600s, superstitions make it difficult for Maria Merian to study natural creatures such as caterpillars, with locals believing they come from mud (not eggs) and that "even a good girl may turn / into a witch . . ."

Mary Anning is raised in England in the 1800s and learns to uncover small fossils from her father. But what happens when she finds the imprint of a huge "sea dragon," challenging the idea that the earth is only 6,000 years old and with no mention of animals like this in the Bible? And is spending time searching for fossils worth it when her family is starving?

Maria Mitchell grows up on Nantucket Island in the 1800s. She is financially better off than the first two girls and has a chance to study the stars, but struggles against parts of her Quaker upbringing. And having enough food doesn't prevent people she loves from leaving or dying.

Jeannine Atkins has done an excellent job researching the lives of these three young girls who would one day turn into remarkable scientists. The poetic structure and language keep the material from becoming too heavy-handed or dense, a bonus when dealing with scientific concepts.

The book begins with a quote from Maria Mitchell and I'll use it to end here:

"We especially need imagination in science. It's not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry." ~Maria Mitchell, astronomer ( )

Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science is perfect for inspiring any young girl that she can make great contributions to the world of science. The book brings three scientists to life by taking you into their every day life. ( )