The Frog Scientist
Tyrone Hayes loves frogs. He loved watching them as a kid. He already knew he wanted to be a scientist when he reached graduate school and discovered that frog populations were disappearing. Determined to know why, Tyrone ultimately figured out the cause: a pesticide called atrazine. From personal stories to field work, learn about Tyrone Hayes and his dedication and contribution to scientific research.
There is a lot to explore in this guide on field biology and research. Don't mistake this as *just* a book for research papers! Exceptional photography complements very strong narrative that reads like you would expect in a biography.
None! In illustrating key points of Hayes' work, the book includes photographs of dead, dissected, and deformed frogs. This may unnerve some readers.
It is hard to characterize this exceptionally written book. It is part biography, with great insight into Tyrone Hayes' life and work; and it is also a well-structured guide on the scientific process. As mom to a daughter, I instantly took notice of the female student scientists in Tyrone's lab. Without "saying a word," the author conveyed that science isn't just for boys.
This nonfiction picture book is part of the Scientists in the Field series.
The glossary in the back helps explain both biology and scientific methods. The gallery of frogs is also helpful (complete with an explanation of the difference between frogs and toads). The author weaves together themes that are easy to extract for discussion or research: barriers for African Americans interested in college and/or science in the 1960s and 1970s; the importance of having a mentor; and how scientific research works at an international level; as well as geography, climate changes, and unintended consequences of solving one problem (only to create others).
6.3
11 and Up
8 to 10
Borrow, at least. If you have a young biologist, this is an inspirational story and scientific guide worth having on the shelf.