Zoology: Cool Women Who Work With Animals

Reviews

Children's Literature Review
“Children often have special relationships with animals. This volume of the Girls in Science series explores ways of making a career in zoology, with thought-provoking questions to answer, and examples of three successful female zoologists. Swanson believes that studying and working with animals requires commitment, courage, and patience in a field that has fascinated humans since Aristotle became the father of zoology around 350 BCE. Others following in his footsteps include Pliny, Linnaeus, Darwin, and, in our time, Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. Canadian Stephanie King found her path through an inspiring professor and decided to focus on biodiversity and protecting the environment. She loves fieldwork and teaching what shes learned, while gaining a masters degree as a zoologist. Elise Newman decided early on to become a zookeeper. She kept many pets, including a horse, worked as a vets assistant and a volunteer at the Sacramento Zoo, and went on to college to formally study zoology. She even did field research in Tanzania, finally landing at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where she specializes in tigers. A third example, Erin Seney, loved turtles and hermit crabs, spending time cleaning up aquariums as a volunteer. During her volunteer experience, she realized that she really wanted to research sea turtles, and her specialized studies led to a faculty job monitoring Florida turtles (loggerhead, green, and leatherbacks). Throughout, Swanson emphasizes the importance of environment and conservation, as well as the hard work it takes to become a zoologist. Many careers are open to girls who love science, including teaching, researching in the field or in a laboratory, or developing new techniques and programs. The book contains a glossary and a zoology timeline, which are helpful, as are QR codes, and questions such as What skills do you have that might make you a good zoologist?”

Ithaca Child
"Zoology is the study of everything having to do with animals - what they look like, how they act and behave. It's a huge field than encompasses everything from wildlife biology to cell biology. If you raise and study snakes, you are one kind of zoologist (herpetologist). Other zoologists might study the effect of climate change on ocean animals, or work at a zoo. " Read the complete review online.

School Library Connection
"With features such as embedded questions, QR codes to websites with additional information, and tips on how to begin related projects, the books in this series are helpful and relevant for young readers searching for more information on STEM careers. Each title provides background information on the topic of study, followed by individual chapters about leading females in the field. The series aims to help young girls find attainable careers in science-related fields, as well as offer role models to build interest in the careers affiliated with the field. Photographs and illustrations are prevalent, and the text is chunked for easy reading. The "Ask and Answer" questions are perfect for helping students write from text using evidence, and the tip boxes are filled with additional information on the field and ideas that could become projects for both school and home. The format and large print make this series suitable for students as early as 6th grade. Recommended."