SEEDS FAU

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” -- Rachel Carson

In 1962, marine biologist Rachel Carson published "Silent Spring," her famous work documenting the dangers of indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides, especially on bird populations. Though its publication was met with strong opposition from the chemical industry, the scientific community largely supported her conclusions. "Silent Spring" served as a rallying point for the young environment movement just gaining momentum at the time of its publication. The book fueled public interest in environmental and public health issues and, within a few years, the Nixon Administration formed the Environmental Protection Agency. Much of the EPA's early work focused on issues raised by Carson's work such as a 1972 law regulating pesticides and a US ban on the agricultural use of DDT. Carson's book "Silent Spring" is considered one of the twentieth century's most influential works of non-fiction and, in 2006, the editors of Discover Magazine named it one of the 25 greatest science books of all time.

To introduce children to this trailblazing environmentalist and scientist, we highly recommend "Rachel Carson & Her Book that Changed the World" for ages 5 to 8 (https://www.amightygirl.com/rachel-carson-book), "Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder" for 4 to 8 (https://www.amightygirl.com/rachel-carson-wonder), "Who Was Rachel Carson" for ages 8 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/who-was-rachel-carson), and "Rachel Carson: A Twentieth-Century Life"
(https://www.amightygirl.com/rachel-carson-life)

Rachel Carson is also featured as one of six prominent women scientists in the excellent "Girls Who Looked Under Rocks: The Lives of Six Pioneering Naturalists" for ages 10 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/girls-who-looked-under-rocks) and as one of the 52 female scientists profiled in “Headstrong: 52 Women Who Changed Science – and The World," which is highly recommended for teens and adults alike (https://www.amightygirl.com/headstrong-52-women).

For many books for kids about the importance of protecting the environment, visit our special feature on the "Top Children's Books on the Environment" at https://www.amightygirl.com/mighty-girl-picks/top-children-s-books-on-the-environment

Happy Turkey Day Seedlings!

Who else loves mashed potatoes?