  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 11/01/2019 Gr 2–5—A relatively unknown entomologist comes out of oblivion in this engaging picture book biography. Born in 1867, Charles Henry Turner was a groundbreaking African American scientist and teacher. He was raised in a loving household surrounded by books. After attending college, he continued his study of insects. He discovered, for example, what he called "intelligent action," where a spider would spin a web just right for its particular home. Harrington's text is inviting, and Turner's enthusiasm comes through clearly: "Questions that itched like mosquito bites, questions that tickled like spider webs." The word indefatigable is used throughout. Taylor's bright, cheerful, expertly rendered cartoon illustrations complement the text. Close-ups depict Turner studying ants or butterflies intensely. While there is some discussion of the prejudice Turner endured, the overall tone is upbeat. VERDICT Harrington and Taylor have rescued a worthy scientist from obscurity. Recommended for all libraries serving this grade range.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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