Primates

Ottaviani, J. (2013). Primates: The fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. New York, New York: First Second.

This graphic novel/ comic book – like story is superb! Along with Jane Goodall, animal activists Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas join the ranks to pave their way to the awesome women they became.  Ottaviani divided their stories into three different sections included panels and dialogue bubbles to make it more dynamic and engaging.  It’s a truly riveting story because of how factual and true to life.  What makes it even more appealing is that it’s organized in chronological order.  The author also overlaps the stories to show how the same archeologist found these women, and how they interact in each other’s lives.  It’s a story full of action and facts.

What a great way to expose students to environmentalists and what power they can have to change the world for those that can’t change it for themselves.  Science teachers can use this to go over projects on conservation, history teachers can use it to explore important moments in history, and English teachers can do a biographical piece in comic book format.

Parents can continue the effort at home by talking to their children about the importance of conservation and the power that any determined individual, even women, can do to change the path of destruction and preservation in the world.