Dian Fossey: Friend to Africa's Gorillas

Gr 5–8—Here we meet two women devoted to primates and two with a passion for the sea (one devoted exclusively to it and the other concerned with the ocean and environment in general). The design is strong, with photos that truly capture these women's personalities. Long headings that contain questions are helpful: "What impact did Fossey's work have on animal conservation causes?" The "Did you know?" sidebars offer related scientific facts as well as powerful biographical details that deserve their own space, such as Rachel Carson's habit for signing her articles with her initials to hide her gender. Dian Fossey's life trajectory will be particularly poignant to those who love animals but struggle in science. (Fossey flunked out of pre-veterinary courses and became an occupational therapist before finding her way to the jungles of Africa.) Students will appreciate her dedication—2000 hours of observing gorillas. The graphics present a time line of primate development and maps that are as excellent and informative as the rest of this must-have series.