You Can Be a Woman Botanist
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The author describes how she decided to become a botanist, what education she needed, and what work opportunities are available in the field of botany. Includes plant science ...School Library JournalGr 4-6-It's common knowledge that girls need a lot of encouragement to consider science as a viable career choice, and this book was formulated to provide that push. It begins with a brief discussion of the behavior and uses of plants. The authors also explain what it is that botanists do and what drew Bozak to the field. Unfortunately, the text is donnish and dry despite its autobiographical appeal. The five "plant science lessons" that conclude the work are relatively simplistic, while portions of the text are rather technical. Katz's gaudy illustrations are merely decorative and lend a picture-book air to the slim volume. Bozak is enthusiastic about her chosen field but her inspiration is muted and diluted by the constraints of the series format.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
\ School Library JournalGr 4-6-It's common knowledge that girls need a lot of encouragement to consider science as a viable career choice, and this book was formulated to provide that push. It begins with a brief discussion of the behavior and uses of plants. The authors also explain what it is that botanists do and what drew Bozak to the field. Unfortunately, the text is donnish and dry despite its autobiographical appeal. The five "plant science lessons" that conclude the work are relatively simplistic, while portions of the text are rather technical. Katz's gaudy illustrations are merely decorative and lend a picture-book air to the slim volume. Bozak is enthusiastic about her chosen field but her inspiration is muted and diluted by the constraints of the series format.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ From The CriticsThis book, one in a series of nine so far, describes the life and work of a botanist who happens to be a woman. If you can get past the title (so 1970-ish), you will find value for the price. The material is presented in an interesting way, embedding information in the context of following a college professor as she teaches class and describes her plant research. It is assumed that the reader has a general awareness of biotechnology and genetic engineering, but no reading list is included for those who may want to delve further into the topics. Other than the statement "Plants alone have the ability to capture energy from sunlight"; photosynthetic protists notwithstanding), the information is correct and at an appropriate level for middle to junior high school students. The vibrant color illustrations are abstract renditions of flowers, fruits, and even DNA. The illustrations may not suit middle-schoolers, but one 10-year-old proclaimed them "cool." Five plant experiments at the back of the book can be done with readily available supplies. However, the conclusions are given, which takes away from the fun of discovery. The experiences of inspirational scientists should be read not just by girls, but also by boys, who need to see women as role models in science careers, but will probably steer clear of a book with this title. Acceptable, Grades 5-8. REVIEWER: Susan Styer (Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy)\ \
