Sylvia Earle: Guardian of the Sea

My (10-year-old) daughter brought this book to me with a request: "This is what I want to buy all of my friends for their birthdays this year!" She loved the sense of adventure and risk-taking that Beth Baker describes in this approachable biography of an American heroine. Baker's wonderful writing is complemented by terrific underwater photos of Earle in action. Baker's book captures qualities in Earle that many kids--boys and girls alike--will find inspiring. A terrific read-alone for 4th-7th graders; also an engrossing read aloud text.

Kudos to Beth Baker for writing a book that is not only inspiring but informative and entertaining. Sylvia Earle, Guardian of the Sea, is a well written documentation of the life of a most interesting pioneer. Ms. Baker expertly captures the experiences of a woman, who plunged into the undersea world of exploration -- a field that has long been male dominated. Like Jacques Cousteau, Earle is curious about the wonders of the ocean, and undeterred about what her perceived role should be in the world, she successfully becomes a noted scientist, marine biologist and deep sea diver.Her life is a shining example for all to strive and achieve their highest goals. It is of particular significance to young girls, who can read about Ms. Earle's pursuits and enter arenas that they might have thought were closed to them. Although the book is geared toward 9-14 year olds, it is an enjoyable read for all who have ever dreamed.

If you'd like your children to learn the rewards of perserving against great difficulties for what they believe in, the intrinsic value of the ocean and all living things, the adventure of Sylvia Earles life is an inspirational tale not to be missed. She was a true pioneer whose passionate quest for knowledge of the ocean and its inhabitants ran head on into societies reluctance for women to pursue professions beyond telecommunications and restuaranteurs(operators and waitresses). Author Beth Baker starts the book with Sylvia out of air, deep in the ocean, and keeps your attention throughout. This superbly crafted account, complete with color photos, is a delight for young readers.

this is an absolutely wonderful book for young readers about an important american woman. Baker's writing is lucid and informative, telling the too-little known story of this great explorer. Inspirational for girls and boys alike!