By Anthea Simmons (author)
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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April 2019 Book of the Month | A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month April 2019
The inspiring story of Mary Anning who, born at the end of the eighteenth century, fought against all the odds to become a pioneering scientist and fossil hunter. Inspired by her father who took her out on fossil hunting expeditions on the cliffs and beaches around Lyme Regis, Mary was fascinated by the beauty of the finds and by what they said about the past.
Her exceptional curiosity was matched by incredible courage which led her to take dare-devil risks as she searched for rare examples. She also knew their worth and was never shy in selling them well to the many visitors to the area who came to wonder. 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.
An irresistible narrative from a unique historical character who broke the mould. This is the tale of Mary Anning, the 19th century fossil finder and scientist who defied convention to seek out incredible treasures on Dorset’s Jurassic coast.
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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.
An intriguing insight into a fascinating figure from history: Mary is a bold, brilliant and truly inspiring heroine. -- Katherine Woodfine
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
Anthea Simmons is a vicar’s daughter and the eldest of six children. She grew up in Cornwall where she was pony and book-mad. After a highly-successful City career, she ‘retired’ to the country to bring up her son, ride, garden, write, paint and teach. More recently she has become involved in a social enterprise dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion in the UK’s board rooms through an apprenticeship scheme. This works brings her into contact with people from all backgrounds and has sharpened her awareness of the need for access to opportunity. She lives in East Devon with (in the holidays) her Chemistry undergraduate son Henry, and her polydactyl ginger cat, Caramac.
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Set against the backdrop of the iconic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Anthea Simmons skilfully unravels the childhood of one of history’s most fascinating figures.
An inspirational and intriguing insight into the life of Mary Anning – the 19th century fossil finder who defied convention and gender roles to pursue her dreams and talents of becoming a pioneering palaeontologist. Set against the backdrop of the iconic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Anthea Simmons skilfully unravels the childhood of one of history’s most fascinating figures.... Read Full Review
Mary anning is the fast talking, determined heroine that rises up and brings out a wonderful story that teaches you something at the same time, morals and dinosaur bones!
I really enjoyed lightning mary, and I'm sure so many others will too!
It's a fabulous mix of real and made up, with the general gist being entirely true: A young girl from a background of poverty and prejudice finds something, that, little does she know, will change the world!... Read Full Review
Written in 1st narrative, it is great to finally hear the voice of Mary Anning, who wasn't recognised in her lifetime, for the inspirational scientist she was.
I have always had an interest in fossils and Mary Anning, so when the children received this book, I thought I would read it first for a change! Written in 1st narrative, it is great to finally hear the voice of Mary Anning, who wasn't recognised in her lifetime, for the inspirational scientist she was. From the very start of the book, Mary is fiery, interesting and bold. Born into a poor family, it is clear how her determination made her succeed. Based loosely on facts, the book is easy to read and Mary Anning proves to be an inspirational character.... Read Full Review
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Lightning Mary and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Lightning Mary features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month, Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Lightning Mary was written by Anthea Simmons and published by Andersen Press Ltd
Lightning Mary has 259 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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