Making the most of unexpected opportunities

Primates: the fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas by Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks looks at three women who, because of serendipitous circumstances became world famous primatologists.

All three introduced themselves to Louis Leakey, and although none were trained scientists, each impressed Leakey and with his support found funds to send them  into the field, Jane Goodall to Africa to study chimpanzees, Dian Fossey, also to Africa to study mountain gorillas and Birute Galdikas to Indonesia to study orangutans.

Told as a graphic novel, all three stories succinctly cover their initial meetings with Leakey, early experiences in the field, with brief insights into their personalities.  The stories also overlap as the women did occasionally meet.  Their passion for the work in well depicted as well as some of their struggles.

Great production value with glossy pages and coloured illustrations.  Each woman is given a distinct voice and it’s easy to follow the shifts between them.

Highly recommended for grades 7/8 and up.

Check out Nonfiction Monday, a blogging event that celebrates nonfiction children's literature.  This week's event is hosted by Booktalking.