Description

Winner of the middle grade STEAM Book Prize

Ordinary is what most people are and I am not. I am not ordinary at all. I am a scientist.

One stormy night, a group of villagers are struck by lightning. The only survivor is a baby – Mary Anning. From that moment on, a spark is lit within her.
Growing up poor but proud on the windswept Dorset coast, Mary follows after her father, hunting for fossils uncovered by waves and landslips: ancient creatures, turned to stone. Ignoring other people’s taunts, Mary faces danger to bring back valuable treasures to help feed her family. But tragedy and despair is never far away. Mary must depend upon her unique courage and knowledge to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist in a time when girls have no opportunities for such ambitions. What will happen when she makes her greatest discovery of all…?

With a factual section about Mary Anning, her life, and the discoveries she made.

Publisher Review

"Anthea Simmons tells Mary's story as an exciting adventure and also as a rousing story of what an intelligent and brave woman can do." * LoveReading4Kids, Julia Eccleshare * "An intriguing insight into a fascinating figure from history: Mary is a bold, brilliant and truly inspiring heroine." -- Katherine Woodfine "Mary is a fascinating character and in Simmons' hands, she rips up the page with her determination and strength" * Irish Independent * "A brilliant read." * BookTrust * "Riveting and evocative. Inspirational for budding scientists" * Stemettes * "An inspirational fictional account of a bold heroine, this also includes a factual section to inspire budding scientists" * Bookseller * "A treasure of a tale. Lightning Mary is as fiery and bright as the lightning bolt after which her father names her. Anthea Simmons has gifted her heroine with a voice as fierce and rare as the strange creatures she excavates. Mary's determination to follow her dream of becoming a scientist against the odds stacked against her at the time of being born both poor and a girl, can't fail but to inspire young readers" -- Ally Sherrick "Mary's story brings out your sense of excitement, adventure and curiosity! A good read for anyone interested in the history of an amazing woman and the birth of palaeontology" -- Ali Ferris, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre