Minorities in Shark Sciences


Book Description

Minorities in Shark Sciences showcases the work done by Black, Indigenous and People of Color around the world in the fields of shark science and conservation. Edited by three minority researchers, it provides positive role models for the next generation. Highlighting new and important research done in the fields of biology, ecology, and evolution, the book places emphasis on scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertise from around the world. The heart of this book is that community and minority voices are important (and have always been) to science regardless of diplomas/universities/accolades/western standards of academia. Despite the use of the term ‘Minorities’, most of the world’s population do not identify as white nor male, and in fact all "minorities" together comprise the global majority of humans. For those in these historically underserved and underrepresented demographics, it is meaningful to be highlighted and be given credit for their contributions. This book showcases to the world the many Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGTBQ+ scientists leading marine conservation, both in terms of scientific research and science communication. It has been shown in the literature that diversity in scientists creates diversity in thought, which leads to innovation. Strong minority voices are exactly what is needed to bring greater attention to the conservation of sharks, and this book illustrates innovative science by people who were historically excluded from STEM. It highlights the unique perspectives these scientists bring to their field that allow them to interact with stakeholders, particularly in the areas of conservation and outreach. As we continue to amplify these often-forgotten voices through research, outreach and engagement, we hope to stimulate innovation and transformative change in the field of shark conservation and marine science.




Sharks Don't Sink


Book Description

The uplifting story of a young Black scientist’s challenging journey to flourish outside the traditional confines of academia, inspired by her innate connection to nature’s most misunderstood animal—the shark. "Jasmin Graham has that winning combination of talent and grit needed to excel as a scientist. Every girl who wants to be a marine biologist should have this book." —Hope Jahren, New York Times bestselling author of Lab Girl and The Story of More Sharks have been on this planet for over 400 million years, so there is a lot they can teach us about survival and adaptability. For example: how do sharks, which unlike other fish are denser than water, stay afloat? They keep moving. When Jasmin Graham, an award-winning young shark scientist, started to feel that the traditional path to becoming a marine biologist was pulling her under, she remembered this important lesson: keep moving forward. If navigating the choppy waters of traditional academic study was no longer worth it, then that meant creating an ocean of her own. Jasmin joined with three other Black women to form Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization dedicated to providing support and opportunities for other young women of color. She became an independent researcher: a rogue shark scientist, seeking ways to keep these extraordinary endangered creatures swimming free—just like her. Sharks Don’t Sink is a riveting, moving, and ultimately triumphant memoir at the intersection of science and social justice: a guidebook to how we can all learn to respect and protect some of nature’s most misunderstood and vulnerable creatures—and grant the same grace to ourselves.




National Geographic Kids 5-Minute Shark Stories


Book Description

These 12 fin-tastic true tales about sharks are all the ideal length to be read aloud in five minutes, making them perfect for bedtime, story time, or anytime. Kids come face to face with great white sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and more as each 5-minute story takes them into the wild world of these incredible creatures. Join National Geographic underwater photographer Brian Skerry as he meets sharks with surprising personalities, and learn all about the king of the sea—the great white shark! Illustrated with colorful photographs of one of the planet’s top predators, these awe-inspiring true stories are perfect for any time you’re ready for a jaw-some reading adventure. Shark-crazy kids and other animal lovers will want to dip into this collection of true stories again and again! For more true animal stories from National Geographic Kids, check out: 5-Minute Baby Animal Stories A Friend for Lakota National Geographic Kids 125 True Stories of Amazing Animals And don’t miss: The Ultimate Book of Sharks National Geographic Kids Can’t Get Enough Shark Stuff National Geographic Kids Chapters: Diving With Sharks!




Climate Champions


Book Description

These 15 contemporary climate champions are on the frontlines of science to create a sustainable future on Earth. They are climate scientists, journalists, professors, academics, researchers, and policy makers from around the world who draft policies with real-world impact, run science labs to find new answers to old problems, and lead organizations at the forefront of change. These women reveal how racial and social injustices lie at the root of the climate crisis. Their stories are accessible and energetic, with spotlights on the triumphs and struggles of women who are working to protect the planet. As young readers learn how these champions are rising up around the world, they will learn how to be part of the solution.




Mother of Sharks


Book Description

Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Márquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa’s personal journey from inquisitive ocean-loving child in Puerto Rico to becoming the Mother of Sharks. As the sun sets over another gorgeous day at la Playita Del Condado in Puerto Rico, Meli doesn't want to go home. She loves the ocean more than anything, and with only five minutes left at the beach, she knows exactly where her last stop should be: the tidal pools. They are small universes of their own teeming with critters and creatures of the ocean. While looking into the pools, she meets a crab, Jaiba, who takes her on a dreamlike underwater adventure, teaches her about the importance of shark conservation, and reveals Meli's ultimate destiny: to become the Mother of Sharks. Blending the autobiographical with the fantastical, Melissa Cristina Márquez shares her incredible story not only to dispel myths about these misunderstood creatures but also to pave the way for Latinas in STEM. Paired with Devin Elle Kurtz's vibrant, emotive illustrations, this picture book is an irresistible journey through the wonders of the ocean and, above all, a rallying cry for marine conservation.




Going Blue


Book Description

Encourage teens to learn about the water crisis and take action to protect and restore local waterways. Whether it’s in a drinking glass, flowing downstream, or miles underground, water is everywhere. And it’s essential for life on Earth. But our water planet is in crisis. Going Blue educates teens about our water crisis and gives them tools and inspiration to transform their ideas into action. With color photos and illustrations, along with practical suggestions and activities, readers follow stories of young people around the world addressing water concerns and learn about issues such as clean water access, coral reef damage, runoff pollution, trash islands, factory fishing, and bottled water. The second edition of Going Blue includes: current statistics and updated facts new stories about real teens a focus on restoration and sustainability COVID’s impact on ocean trash information about setting up a hydration station at school updates on the restoration efforts ten years after the Gulf oil spill and on the Flint water crisis Teens are helping our environment by going green, and they can help rescue our ocean and waterways by going blue.







Why Sharks Matter


Book Description

Get submerged in the amazing world of sharks! Your expert host, award-winning marine biologist Dr. David Shiffman, will show you how—and why—we should protect these mysterious, misunderstood guardians of the ocean. Sharks are some of the most fascinating, most ecologically important, most threatened, and most misunderstood animals on Earth. More often feared than revered, their role as predators of the deep have earned them a reputation as a major threat to humans. But the truth is that sharks are not a danger to us—they're in danger from us. In Why Sharks Matter, marine conservation biologist Dr. David Shiffman explains why it's crucial that we overcome our misconceptions and rise above cinematic jump scares to embrace sharks as the imperiled and elegant ocean guardians they really are. Sharing his own fascinating experiences working with sharks, Shiffman tells us • why healthy shark populations are a must for supporting ocean ecosystems—and the coastal economies that depend on them • why we're in danger of losing many shark species forever • what scientists, conservationists, and readers can do to help save these iconic predators • why so much of what you've heard about sharks and how to save them is wrong Exploring the core tenets of shark conservation science and policy, Shiffman synthesizes decades of scientific research and policymaking, weaving it into a narrative full of humor and adventure. Touching on everything from Shark Week to shark fin soup, overfishing to marine sanctuaries, Shiffman reveals why sharks are in trouble, why we should care, and how we can save them. Perfect for shark enthusiasts, Why Sharks Matter is an approachable, informative guide to the world of shark conservation and the passionate, fascinating, brilliant people who work to understand and protect our oceans. This fun read will have you looking at sharks with a fresh perspective and an understanding that the survival of sharks is crucial to the survival of another apex predator—ourselves.




Been Outside


Book Description

Encompassing identity, inspiration, ancestry, and stewardship, the essays and poems by leading Black women and nonbinary scientists in Been Outside explore how experiences in the natural world and life sciences shape the self. These writers and researchers contemplate the moments that sparked their love of nature, as well as the ways time in the field and outdoor adventures have enhanced or expanded their perspectives about what is possible. What does it mean to be a Black woman or nonbinary scientist studying the natural world? Camille Mosley considers how the rich fishing tradition of Black Americans relates to their career in freshwater ecology, Sharon Dorsey reflects on her reaction to finally meeting a wildlife professional who looks like her, and Tanisha Williams shares her powerful emotional journey of returning to South Africa to study plants. Edited by Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore, these stories from twenty-two writers showcase the challenges and joys of carving out your own path through the natural world--and will inspire anyone seeking to craft their own outdoor life. In this way, Been Outside promotes collective action toward an outdoor community that welcomes everyone.




Animal Allies


Book Description

NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students Winner, 2022 These 15 women work with animals on land, air, and sea. Corina Newsome is saving seaside sparrows while Michelle LaRue uses satellites to study Antarctic birds. Lizzy Lowe takes on what many fear in researching spiders, and Erin Ashe lives out the dream of many studying dolphins and whales. Kristen Hecht chases the elusive hellbender amphibian while EnikÖ Kubinyi uses robots to get information on wolf pups. These women are working on issues that intersect with biodiversity, species conservation, biology, and more. They stand out for their work in their fields and are also dedicated to science communication to share their knowledge with others. They challenge the assumptions of who a scientist is and what a scientist looks like. These diverse, modern women are pushing the boundaries of their scientific fields while empowering others to pursue their dreams.