Young Discoverers: True Tales of Kids Who Made Incredible Discoveries
A mysterious yellow rock that kicked off the Gold Rush in nineteenth century America; a scrabble in Egyptian sand that uncovered ancient steps to a boy-king’s tomb brimming with gold; a trio of French boys burrowing down a hole in the forest to see their simple lamp illuminating vivid, lifelike cave paintings. These are just three of the twelve thrilling true discoveries that are described in this engaging, beautiful book.
What makes this book unique is spelled out in its title – the protagonists in each of the stories are youngsters – ranging from just four and a half to eighteen years old. Arranged chronologically, the stories range from 1799 to 2018: their scope is international, encompassing Egypt, Australia, Jordan, South Africa, Russia, and England, making the book refreshingly global rather than being Europe or US-centric.
Young Discoverers also makes a point of noting how some young discoverers were not rewarded or acknowledged properly for their work – for instance, young Mary Anning, the fossil-hunter from England, received little recognition in the early 1800s, when science was seen largely as a men’s preserve. A nod is also given at the end in a ‘Forgotten Discoverers’ section highlighting children who were never acknowledged for their finds … followed by advice for readers if they happen to make their own discovery!
Leroy’s colourful, entrancing illustrations flow like a river from page to page, keeping the reader fully engaged and eager to follow each tale to its dramatic conclusion.
