The story of Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist — a scientist who studies bugs — is told in this fascinating book for young readers.

Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color? All of these questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. He was fascinated by plants and animals and bugs. And even when he faced racial prejudice, Turner did not stop wondering. He constantly read, researched, and experimented.  

Author Janice Harrington and artist Theodore Taylor III capture the life of this inspiring scientist and educator in this nonfiction picture book, highlighting Turner's unstoppable quest for knowledge and his passion for science. The extensive back matter includes an author's note, time line, bibliography, source notes, and archival images.
© Rachel Eliza Griffiths
Janice Harrington is the author of the picture books Going North (Ezra Jack Keats Award winner), The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County (an ALA Notable Book), and Busy-Busy Little Chick. She is also the award-winning writer of two poetry books for adults. Among her honors is a 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for Poetry. A former librarian and professional storyteller, Ms. Harrington now teaches creative writing in the Department of English at the University of Illinois and lives in Champaign, Illinois. janiceharrington.com. View titles by Janice N. Harrington
Theodore Taylor III is an illustrator and comic artist. He received the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award and the Texas Bluebonnet Award for When The Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop. He is also the illustrator of the graphic novel, Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes. He lives in Richmond, Virginia. Visit theodore3.com. View titles by Theodore Taylor III
  • SELECTION
    Oregon Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Master List
A NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book

★ "A relatively unknown entomologist comes out of oblivion in this engaging picture book biography. Harrington’s text is inviting, and Turner’s enthusiasm comes through clearly... Taylor’s bright, cheerful, expertly rendered cartoon illustrations complement the text. Harrington and Taylor have rescued a worthy scientist from obscurity." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A thorough biography of early African American scientist Charles Henry Turner... (the) extensively researched, jam-packed text intrigues and inspires with Turner's example of discovery and hard-won, meaningful contributions to knowledge about life. A well-written tribute to a deserving champion of science." —Kirkus Reviews

"Full-color digital illustrations and Harrington’s conversational, sometimes lyrical prose tell the story of 'indefatigable' African-American entomologist and zoologist Charles Henry Turner... fascinating..." —Publishers Weekly 

About

The story of Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist — a scientist who studies bugs — is told in this fascinating book for young readers.

Can spiders learn? How do ants find their way home? Can bugs see color? All of these questions buzzed endlessly in Charles Henry Turner’s mind. He was fascinated by plants and animals and bugs. And even when he faced racial prejudice, Turner did not stop wondering. He constantly read, researched, and experimented.  

Author Janice Harrington and artist Theodore Taylor III capture the life of this inspiring scientist and educator in this nonfiction picture book, highlighting Turner's unstoppable quest for knowledge and his passion for science. The extensive back matter includes an author's note, time line, bibliography, source notes, and archival images.

Author

© Rachel Eliza Griffiths
Janice Harrington is the author of the picture books Going North (Ezra Jack Keats Award winner), The Chicken-Chasing Queen of Lamar County (an ALA Notable Book), and Busy-Busy Little Chick. She is also the award-winning writer of two poetry books for adults. Among her honors is a 2007 National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship for Poetry. A former librarian and professional storyteller, Ms. Harrington now teaches creative writing in the Department of English at the University of Illinois and lives in Champaign, Illinois. janiceharrington.com. View titles by Janice N. Harrington
Theodore Taylor III is an illustrator and comic artist. He received the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award and the Texas Bluebonnet Award for When The Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop. He is also the illustrator of the graphic novel, Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes. He lives in Richmond, Virginia. Visit theodore3.com. View titles by Theodore Taylor III

Awards

  • SELECTION
    Oregon Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Master List

Praise

A NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book

★ "A relatively unknown entomologist comes out of oblivion in this engaging picture book biography. Harrington’s text is inviting, and Turner’s enthusiasm comes through clearly... Taylor’s bright, cheerful, expertly rendered cartoon illustrations complement the text. Harrington and Taylor have rescued a worthy scientist from obscurity." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A thorough biography of early African American scientist Charles Henry Turner... (the) extensively researched, jam-packed text intrigues and inspires with Turner's example of discovery and hard-won, meaningful contributions to knowledge about life. A well-written tribute to a deserving champion of science." —Kirkus Reviews

"Full-color digital illustrations and Harrington’s conversational, sometimes lyrical prose tell the story of 'indefatigable' African-American entomologist and zoologist Charles Henry Turner... fascinating..." —Publishers Weekly 

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