Magic in a Drop of Water

91f3cN-kCiL
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Age Range
6+
Release Date
March 25, 2025
ISBN
978-0593620229
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An entertaining and gorgeous picture book biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.

A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.

Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.

Editor review

1 review
Inspires Conservationism and Women in Science
(Updated: June 04, 2026)
Overall rating
 
4.3
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
4.0
Learning Value
 
5.0
A children's biography of Ruth Patrick, a pioneer in ecology and pollution studies who pursued a career studying what she loved despite long hours of learning, overcoming peer pressure, and traipsing through marshes.

Perhaps I shouldn't admit this, as someone with a partial degree in environmental science, but I'm not sure that I knew much about Ruth Patrick before. One of the first advocates of biodiversity and anti-pollution? That's big stuff. This book shows the evolution of her childhood curiosity into a lifelong passion in a way that's inspiring to kids and adults who might wonder if it's worth pursuing their own interests and dreams.

I also appreciate how the story doesn't stop with Ruth's discoveries. An important part of being a researcher or innovator is what happens next, the public outreach and education.

The text is a little small, so bring your spectacles.
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