Ordinary is what most people are and I am not. I am not ordinary at all. I am a scientist. One stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is a baby - Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her. Growing up poor but proud on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows after her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by waves and landslips: ancient creatures, turned to stone. Ignoring other people's taunts, Mary faces danger to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family. But tragedy and despair is never far away. Mary must depend upon her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist in a time when girls have no opportunities for such ambitions. What will happen when she makes her greatest discovery of all...?
With a factual section about Mary Anning, her life, and the discoveries she made.
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title. You can click here to read the full reviews.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Anthea Simmons skilfully unravels the childhood of one of history’s most fascinating figures. Full review
An intriguing insight into a fascinating figure from history: Mary is a bold, brilliant and truly inspiring heroine. -- Katherine Woodfine
Riveting and evocative. Inspirational for budding scientists - Stemettes
An inspirational fictional account of a bold heroine, this also includes a factual section to inspire budding scientists - Bookseller
A treasure of a tale. Lightning Mary is as fiery and bright as the lightning bolt after which her father names her. Anthea Simmons has gifted her heroine with a voice as fierce and rare as the strange creatures she excavates. Mary's determination to follow her dream of becoming a scientist against the odds stacked against her at the time of being born both poor and a girl, can't fail but to inspire young readers -- Ally Sherrick
Mary's story brings out your sense of excitement, adventure and curiosity! A good read for anyone interested in the history of an amazing woman and the birth of palaeontology -- Ali Ferris, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
ISBN: | 9781783448296 |
Publication date: | 4th April 2019 |
Author: | Anthea Simmons |
Publisher: | Andersen Press Ltd |
Format: | Paperback |
Pagination: | 272 pages |
Suitable for: | 9+ readers |
Anthea Simmons is a vicar’s daughter and the eldest of six children. She grew up in Cornwall where she was pony and book-mad. After a highly-successful City career, she ‘retired’ to the country to bring up her son, ride, garden, write, paint and teach. More recently she has become involved in a social enterprise dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion in the UK’s board rooms through an apprenticeship scheme. This works brings her into contact with people from all backgrounds and has sharpened her awareness of the need for access to opportunity. She lives ...
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