  | Change is in the air : the hidden discoveries of Eunice Newton Foote, the first climate scientist Author: Donnelly, Rebecca | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Tells the story of the trailblazing woman who first discovered our climate was changing. In an era when few women practiced science, Eunice Newton Foote dared to search for answers to a mystery that no one else had solved.
| Illustrator: | Lopez, Merce |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (10/01/25)
Booklist (+) (02/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (00/12/25)
The Hornbook (00/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 12/08/2025 Donnelly and L?pez celebrate the acumen of American scientist and suffragist Eunice Newton Foote (1819-1888) in this engaging account of the subject’s work. Thorough text articulates the pivotal role played by Foote’s early education at Troy Female Seminary before discussing the figure’s embrace of suffrage and the independent, overlooked experimentation she undertakes to understand atmospheric temperature change, uncovering its link to carbon dioxide. Throughout, thick white outlining visualizes societal boxes constraining women and people of color, while matter-of-fact narration offers context around the era’s social norms. Not only was "a woman’s sphere... her home," but many suffragists failed to take into account the position of Black women, "free or enslaved, who could not benefit from rights reserved for white people." With thickly stroked paint, desaturated period illustrations contrast with vibrant contemporary hues that highlight Foote’s unappreciated prowess. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Extensive back matter includes notes and a timeline. Ages 4-8. (Feb.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 02/01/2026 *Starred Review* In the early 1800s, it was very rare for women to receive an education, let alone be allowed into the male-dominated realm of science. Yet Eunice Newton Foote managed to defy societal norms and pursued the study of Earth and climate science all on her own. Inspired by the Seneca Falls Women’s Convention, Foote tenaciously pursued her interests with support from family. Officially, she became the first person (of any gender) to prove that modern global warming is caused by an increase of carbon dioxide in the air. This picture-book biography offers young readers a great introduction to Foote’s accomplishments and to the nonfiction format, with Donnelly carrying the rhythmic theme of “change is in the air” through the story to explain how history can impact the present day. Arresting collage-like paintings illustrate the story with a mix of classical and modern styles to perfectly match the life of Eunice Newton Foote, particularly when they superimpose confining boxes around Foote (as well as other women and non-white people) to mimic the societal restrictions of the time. Extensive back matter enhances the main text with further historical context and critical-thinking opportunities as well as a thorough bibliography. Young scientists, feminists, and historians will be inspired by Foote’s revolutionary discoveries. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
