Shark Lady by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens, is on the 2019-2020 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award master list

4/17/2019

We are happy to share that Shark Lady by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens, is on the 2019-2020 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award master list!

The Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award (BCCCA) is sponsored by the Oregon Association of School Libraries. It is named after the Oregon-born author Beverly Clearly, who wrote books for 2nd or 3rd graders or transitional readers. The BCCA committee meets annually to read nominated titles, and choose titles they believe are good quality literature, and take into account text, format and illustrations. Children of all ages vote in the spring for their favorite title off of the list of nominated books.

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About the book

This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady.

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary—and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

An inspiring story by critically acclaimed zoologist Jess Keating about finding the strength to discover truths that others aren’t daring enough to see. Includes a timeline of Eugenie’s life and many fin-tastic shark facts!

About the author and illustrator

As an author and zoologist, Jess Keating has tickled a shark, lost a staring contest against an octopus, and been a victim to the dreaded paper cut. She lives in Ontario, Canada, where she spends most of her time writing books for adventurous and funny kids. Her first fiction novel How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied received a Starred Review from Kirkus and has been nominated for a Red Maple award. Visit her online at jesskeating.com.

Marta Álvarez Miguéns is a self-taught children’s illustrator. She was born in a small town in Galicia, Spain, and currently lives in La Coruña, Spain. She is the illustrator of Shark Lady (written by Jess Keating), which was named a 2018 Best STEM Book by the Children’s Book Council as well as a Best STEM Book by the National Science Teachers Association.