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Seen: True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers
Seen: Rachel Carson
The second original graphic novel in a new series spotlighting the true stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better.
Booklist Starred Review!
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”
Meet Rachel Carson, the woman who changed the way America fought against the environmental crisis through her bestselling books, ultimately spurring the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Birdie Willis & Rii Abrego present the true story of the marine biologist whose dedication, compassion and integrity gave a new generation of Americans hope for a brighter tomorrow.
It’s about being seen. Both for who you are, and who you hope you can become. History is a mirror, and all too often, the history we’re told in school reflects only a small subset of the population. In True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers, you’ll find the stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better. They’re the the inventors, the artists, the activists, and more whose stories you won’t want to miss. The people whose lives show us both where we are, and where we’re going.
Booklist Starred Review!
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”
Meet Rachel Carson, the woman who changed the way America fought against the environmental crisis through her bestselling books, ultimately spurring the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Birdie Willis & Rii Abrego present the true story of the marine biologist whose dedication, compassion and integrity gave a new generation of Americans hope for a brighter tomorrow.
It’s about being seen. Both for who you are, and who you hope you can become. History is a mirror, and all too often, the history we’re told in school reflects only a small subset of the population. In True Stories of Marginalized Trailblazers, you’ll find the stories of the real groundbreakers who changed our world for the better. They’re the the inventors, the artists, the activists, and more whose stories you won’t want to miss. The people whose lives show us both where we are, and where we’re going.
80 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2021
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 23, 2021
I was happily surprised how good and lyrical and poetic is Birdie Willis's writing that seeks to capture the essence of Rachel Carson. Soulful, as she was herself soulful. I also like very much that in a series titled Seen that it tells the truth about her love for Dorothy Freeman as--with writing and nature--one of the three central passions of her life.
(My friend Jenn is doing a series of projects--musical, biographical--about Dorothy Freeman and Rachel Carson, the way they loved each other and encouraged each other in their work as those who love often do. As she has noted and I have also observed, until relatively recently, Dorothy--the love of Rachel's life--has been largely ignored in considering the life and work of Rachel Carson. But this book is a rare one in trying to establish and even celebrate that they loved each other, while admitting that that love is hard to categorize.
I am not a fan of the digital art, manga-influenced, simple, and most of it depicts her as a young woman. I know, audience issue. But it doesn't speak quite enough about the science. The authors do talk about her almost singlehanded battle against corporations that did and still do justify the use of DDT and other pesticides that have destroyed or at least have deeply damaged the environment, but for my money, they just scratch at the surface of the issues.
But let's say that Biden has surprised all of us environmentalists and taken some steps that no other predecessor in the White House has taken on climate change. Do yourself a favor, read Silent Spring or The Sea Around Us, or The Sense of Wonder. Let's begin now to establish a real and loving relationship with the environment. Earth Day, every day.
Some of Maria Popova's Brainpickings about Rachel Carson, though what I really wanted to highlight in this link is the notation Carson herself made of a birdsong, that others adapted to human song:
https://www.brainpickings.org/?s=rach...
Amanda Palmer reading Neil Gaiman's poem about Rachel Carson:
https://www.brainpickings.org/2019/02...
About Rachel Carson's books:
https://www.rachelcarson.org/Books.aspx
(My friend Jenn is doing a series of projects--musical, biographical--about Dorothy Freeman and Rachel Carson, the way they loved each other and encouraged each other in their work as those who love often do. As she has noted and I have also observed, until relatively recently, Dorothy--the love of Rachel's life--has been largely ignored in considering the life and work of Rachel Carson. But this book is a rare one in trying to establish and even celebrate that they loved each other, while admitting that that love is hard to categorize.
I am not a fan of the digital art, manga-influenced, simple, and most of it depicts her as a young woman. I know, audience issue. But it doesn't speak quite enough about the science. The authors do talk about her almost singlehanded battle against corporations that did and still do justify the use of DDT and other pesticides that have destroyed or at least have deeply damaged the environment, but for my money, they just scratch at the surface of the issues.
But let's say that Biden has surprised all of us environmentalists and taken some steps that no other predecessor in the White House has taken on climate change. Do yourself a favor, read Silent Spring or The Sea Around Us, or The Sense of Wonder. Let's begin now to establish a real and loving relationship with the environment. Earth Day, every day.
Some of Maria Popova's Brainpickings about Rachel Carson, though what I really wanted to highlight in this link is the notation Carson herself made of a birdsong, that others adapted to human song:
https://www.brainpickings.org/?s=rach...
Amanda Palmer reading Neil Gaiman's poem about Rachel Carson:
https://www.brainpickings.org/2019/02...
About Rachel Carson's books:
https://www.rachelcarson.org/Books.aspx
October 10, 2025
Wonderful first book on the legacy of Rachel Carson. I think it is very important to read about individuals who have made a difference in the way we perceive challenging situations. This book is a very good introduction to the work of Rachel Carson. As such I would put in in a category of STEM books for children.
May 2, 2021
I was hoping for information about Rachel Carson as I have not yet read any of her books, but I received an impressionistic and emotion-driven biography written in the first person that seems to think poetry trumps the hard work and research that goes into science writing. Names, dates, and other important context is eschewed for pretty seascapes. And the art is nice, but mostly depicts Carson looking like a child or teen until just a page or two before her death.
And once again, the editors of the Seen series stupidly include a teaching guide in the back that refers to page numbers in the story despite no page numbers appearing on the story pages. Only the teaching guide pages have page numbers! AAARRRRGGGHHHH!! STOP IT!
And once again, the editors of the Seen series stupidly include a teaching guide in the back that refers to page numbers in the story despite no page numbers appearing on the story pages. Only the teaching guide pages have page numbers! AAARRRRGGGHHHH!! STOP IT!
May 20, 2021
"If you learn to love nature, you will want to protect it."
I am so happy I read this graphic novel biography adaptation.
She's such an inspiration for me now.
I haven't come across the name Rachel Carson who was an environmental activist most of her life. She's enthusiastic and believed in what she did. Well, everything starts from the belief in oneself.
Reading this book today reminds me of this again and I so glad!
The artstyle and dialogues, art sequence are really easy to the eyes.
The contents also highlight the times of war and the years of depression. It deeply affected her, it cost her family, it made her struggle regarding her job and cause.
Some parts depict mental health issues, the actual struggles she used to face being a writer, her fight against man-made chemicals destroying the nature, her helplessness with cruelty towards the nature and wildlife. She lived for a cause.
The artstyle seems like a happy summer vacation until the end.
Boom! Box, I am such a fan of yours.
I am so happy I read this graphic novel biography adaptation.
She's such an inspiration for me now.
I haven't come across the name Rachel Carson who was an environmental activist most of her life. She's enthusiastic and believed in what she did. Well, everything starts from the belief in oneself.
Reading this book today reminds me of this again and I so glad!
The artstyle and dialogues, art sequence are really easy to the eyes.
The contents also highlight the times of war and the years of depression. It deeply affected her, it cost her family, it made her struggle regarding her job and cause.
Some parts depict mental health issues, the actual struggles she used to face being a writer, her fight against man-made chemicals destroying the nature, her helplessness with cruelty towards the nature and wildlife. She lived for a cause.
The artstyle seems like a happy summer vacation until the end.
Boom! Box, I am such a fan of yours.
May 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this short little graphic novel. I don't think I'd use it in my classroom, but it's still a good edition to my collection.
June 27, 2021
Does just what it's meant to do. Educated me a bit and made me want to learn more about Rachel Carson. Great art like other works published by Boom Box.
Read
October 26, 2021I quite liked this book and was also confused who the audience is. Personally, I don't think it would be a great introduction to Carson, as a lot of basic information and context was missing - but maybe this is the point, to make the reader curious to learn more. Another reviewer noted to "impressionistic" approach of this book, which I agree with. Personally, I also liked the guide/questions at the end for younger readers.
January 11, 2022
The illustrations are beautiful and enhance the words. The story itself left me feeling melancholy. Carson’s life is mainly hinted at. It may prompt some readers to further investigation. I’m not sure how unseen Carson actually is in her own field but younger people would need an introduction. I felt more sad than inspired when I finished the book.
December 16, 2025
This is a great introduction to the life and work of Rachel Carson, conservationist and author. This slim volume covers many of the details of her private and public life, and highlights her work as an author and her work fighting against dangerous pesticides. The art is lovely and evocative. There's a guide for teachers at the end as well. Recommended!
April 30, 2023
TW for Book: explosions, mentions of death, grief, animals being harmed, nature being harmed
TW for Review: mentions of not eating and not wanting to live, mentions of nature being harmed
Booooy did I see myself reflected in this book HARD. I feel so…seen. It made me cry.
“If you learn to love nature, you will want to protect it”
For years this has been my goal. My life is dedicated to loving nature and finding ways to protect it. I’ve always been inspired by my idols, Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall to protect nature, to love nature, as below as above. I’ve always wanted to do something with animals (I quite literally want to do anything and everything with nature) for a living and have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was three years old. I have been fighting for the earth, the flora and fauna, for every organism since I was a child. I love nature, and so I will forever want to protect it.
My art teacher once told me that I should go into both veterinary medicine and art. She said that I should create anatomy visuals for myself and other doctors (scientists, nurses, etc) to use. She said I could have my own business selling both my art while also providing a great service in saving the lives of animals. She had seen my deep love for wolves and she specifically told me that I should create a poetry book about wolves and their good in the world while having my art accompanying my words.
My English teacher once told me that I should publish a book and use both my talents of knowing biology with my ability to make someone feel with my words. I’ve always loved words. I’ve always loved art. They convey something that science isn’t able to convey most of the time: a feeling, a picture, an urge to want to do something. I want to make people fight for their world like I am.
“I am a writer who also loves nature”
Writing has always been a part of me like nature has. It is essential to know that I cannot be one or the other, I have to be both. My writing is always influenced by nature and nature is always influenced by writing. Both are core pieces of who I am – I cannot live without the other.
“It is not fiction, it is empathy” and “The water is still my first love” (she is, I love her very much)
This line in particular is my favorite in the book. When I write about nature, whether or not it’s non-fiction or fiction, it is sourced in my empathy. I feel with nature and nature feels with me. I must speak for those who cannot.
“There is something between us that will bind us together for the rest of our lives. It is a kind of love that no other can replicate. Only we two can define it.”
I am actually crying over this line. It is exactly how I feel about my girlfriend. I love her with my whole heart, soul, and being, and would do anything and everything for her. She exists in my world of nature, and while I am fighting for nature, I am fighting for her. I am fighting for our lives so that I may take the pleasure of being able to sit with her and talk over tea for a little longer. We finish each other’s sentences, we know exactly how the other thinks, it is like we are connected as one, in a fusion, in our dancing twin flames. Dorothy and Rachel are beautiful and in love and I can only hope to replicate the dedication, trust, and intertwining lives they had with each other with my girlfriend.
“I am a scientist. And I am angry.”
Princess Mononoke is my favorite movie of all time (tied with Howl’s Moving Castle and Disney’s Eight Below). There is a reason for my love for it that isn’t just about wolves. I kin Princess San so much to the point where I feel like our morals are the same. I would die for my planet: to save it, to defend it, to make sure nature keeps existing and not falling to the hands of corrupt humans. The earth is my home, and I think many people take that for granted. Small acts to restore what has been lost on earth do much but I am afraid the people have their ears shut and their eyes blindfolded.
I look up to Greta Thunberg and feel as though how she felt: not wanting to move, not wanting to eat, not wanting to be alive, because I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help nature and the global warming crisis. It was too much. Somewhere along those lines, I realized that I had to do something because no one else was. I started fighting the little fights. What they don’t tell you is that the little fights add up to something great. I began using my words and pen, my greatest weapons. I wrote many scientific essays on how wolves save ecosystems, the wolf population genocide, and why we shouldn’t kill the creatures that help us greatly. I made my history teacher cry when I presented on how wolves were going extinct in the Midwest because people were murdering them not because they were a problem, but just for fun. I wrote hundreds of letters to government officials not just about wolves, but about the global crisis, about nature being demolished right before us, about how people and lands are being harmed because of what we’re doing. I cried out to so many people. They needed to hear me and I needed to reach them, even if they didn’t do anything. I signed petitions, I lobbied with government officials, and I told myself that my voice mattered. Your voice matters too.
I am a college student majoring in animal science and pursuing biology. I’ve studied what happens when we don’t care. I am an incoming scientist and I am angry.
I will fight, and I will do anything to make them listen to me. I refuse to be silent.
Like Rachel, there is still so much I wish to do, so many more books I have left to write, and many more letters to send. My fight is not over, and yours isn’t either.
Kin List: Rachel Carson
TW for Review: mentions of not eating and not wanting to live, mentions of nature being harmed
Booooy did I see myself reflected in this book HARD. I feel so…seen. It made me cry.
“If you learn to love nature, you will want to protect it”
For years this has been my goal. My life is dedicated to loving nature and finding ways to protect it. I’ve always been inspired by my idols, Steve Irwin and Jane Goodall to protect nature, to love nature, as below as above. I’ve always wanted to do something with animals (I quite literally want to do anything and everything with nature) for a living and have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was three years old. I have been fighting for the earth, the flora and fauna, for every organism since I was a child. I love nature, and so I will forever want to protect it.
My art teacher once told me that I should go into both veterinary medicine and art. She said that I should create anatomy visuals for myself and other doctors (scientists, nurses, etc) to use. She said I could have my own business selling both my art while also providing a great service in saving the lives of animals. She had seen my deep love for wolves and she specifically told me that I should create a poetry book about wolves and their good in the world while having my art accompanying my words.
My English teacher once told me that I should publish a book and use both my talents of knowing biology with my ability to make someone feel with my words. I’ve always loved words. I’ve always loved art. They convey something that science isn’t able to convey most of the time: a feeling, a picture, an urge to want to do something. I want to make people fight for their world like I am.
“I am a writer who also loves nature”
Writing has always been a part of me like nature has. It is essential to know that I cannot be one or the other, I have to be both. My writing is always influenced by nature and nature is always influenced by writing. Both are core pieces of who I am – I cannot live without the other.
“It is not fiction, it is empathy” and “The water is still my first love” (she is, I love her very much)
This line in particular is my favorite in the book. When I write about nature, whether or not it’s non-fiction or fiction, it is sourced in my empathy. I feel with nature and nature feels with me. I must speak for those who cannot.
“There is something between us that will bind us together for the rest of our lives. It is a kind of love that no other can replicate. Only we two can define it.”
I am actually crying over this line. It is exactly how I feel about my girlfriend. I love her with my whole heart, soul, and being, and would do anything and everything for her. She exists in my world of nature, and while I am fighting for nature, I am fighting for her. I am fighting for our lives so that I may take the pleasure of being able to sit with her and talk over tea for a little longer. We finish each other’s sentences, we know exactly how the other thinks, it is like we are connected as one, in a fusion, in our dancing twin flames. Dorothy and Rachel are beautiful and in love and I can only hope to replicate the dedication, trust, and intertwining lives they had with each other with my girlfriend.
“I am a scientist. And I am angry.”
Princess Mononoke is my favorite movie of all time (tied with Howl’s Moving Castle and Disney’s Eight Below). There is a reason for my love for it that isn’t just about wolves. I kin Princess San so much to the point where I feel like our morals are the same. I would die for my planet: to save it, to defend it, to make sure nature keeps existing and not falling to the hands of corrupt humans. The earth is my home, and I think many people take that for granted. Small acts to restore what has been lost on earth do much but I am afraid the people have their ears shut and their eyes blindfolded.
I look up to Greta Thunberg and feel as though how she felt: not wanting to move, not wanting to eat, not wanting to be alive, because I felt like I couldn’t do anything to help nature and the global warming crisis. It was too much. Somewhere along those lines, I realized that I had to do something because no one else was. I started fighting the little fights. What they don’t tell you is that the little fights add up to something great. I began using my words and pen, my greatest weapons. I wrote many scientific essays on how wolves save ecosystems, the wolf population genocide, and why we shouldn’t kill the creatures that help us greatly. I made my history teacher cry when I presented on how wolves were going extinct in the Midwest because people were murdering them not because they were a problem, but just for fun. I wrote hundreds of letters to government officials not just about wolves, but about the global crisis, about nature being demolished right before us, about how people and lands are being harmed because of what we’re doing. I cried out to so many people. They needed to hear me and I needed to reach them, even if they didn’t do anything. I signed petitions, I lobbied with government officials, and I told myself that my voice mattered. Your voice matters too.
I am a college student majoring in animal science and pursuing biology. I’ve studied what happens when we don’t care. I am an incoming scientist and I am angry.
I will fight, and I will do anything to make them listen to me. I refuse to be silent.
Like Rachel, there is still so much I wish to do, so many more books I have left to write, and many more letters to send. My fight is not over, and yours isn’t either.
Kin List: Rachel Carson
March 28, 2021
A short graphic novel. The novel felt choppy and kids maybe lost reading the story if they have never heard of Rachel Carson before.
November 20, 2022
"Have you ever been filled with the sensation that something is not right?"
July 21, 2021
This is the second book in the YA nonfiction graphic novel series "Seen: true stories of marginalized trailblazers that focuses on the life of Rachel Carson who was writer and marine biologist who wrote the seminal work "Silent Spring" that help drive the environmental movement of the 1960s and early 70s. This brief biography is an introduction to Carson's life that may motivate young readers to read her work or to learn more about her. What I like best about this book is that is used Carson's own word's in telling her story. This book is geared more toward Tweens (12-14 year-olds) and reluctant readers who don't want to read a longer biography. It contains a bibliography and a teacher guide as well. The book is illustrated by Rii Abrego who has illustrated Steven Universe and Rick and Morty graphic novels.
September 21, 2023
How remarkably circular that Carson so loved the sea and I, upon reading her story, have made a sea of my own from my buckets of tears.
We’ve learned so much. We’ve come so far. But implementation loopholes (particularly those of militaristic affiliation) are still going strong. How would she feel if she saw Oahu today? Indonesia’s erosion and pollution? How would she feel knowing she was so loud and she was heard but the powers that be never bothered to listen and heed her very SENSIBLE and PHYSICAL ideas? Losing my mind losing my mind to the tune of naphthalene deposits in coastal habitats.
So anyway I’m sobbing this book wrecked me even more than Ms. Carson’s actual publications. She’d be so devastated. I’M GONNA DO BETTER IN THE WORLD. FOR YOU, CARSON. I’LL DO IT FOR YOU BECAUSE SOMEONE’S GOTTA.
We’ve learned so much. We’ve come so far. But implementation loopholes (particularly those of militaristic affiliation) are still going strong. How would she feel if she saw Oahu today? Indonesia’s erosion and pollution? How would she feel knowing she was so loud and she was heard but the powers that be never bothered to listen and heed her very SENSIBLE and PHYSICAL ideas? Losing my mind losing my mind to the tune of naphthalene deposits in coastal habitats.
So anyway I’m sobbing this book wrecked me even more than Ms. Carson’s actual publications. She’d be so devastated. I’M GONNA DO BETTER IN THE WORLD. FOR YOU, CARSON. I’LL DO IT FOR YOU BECAUSE SOMEONE’S GOTTA.
April 6, 2023
This bite-sized (and smaller-sized) graphic novel biography of Rachel Carson is clever, vibrant, and informative. I will definitely keep an eye out on the series as a whole because it offers a bigger picture with text and illustrations about a person's life.
In this one, Carson, writer of Silent Spring, but other texts before that lived a quietly gay life but also as a woman in science, she faced ostracization (and used RL instead of Rachel because women weren't 'believed' in science) at the start of her career.
Her ever-present awe of nature led to a life cut short but was effective in sharing the dangers of DDT specifically but how understanding and loving nature would allow us to be loved back.
In this one, Carson, writer of Silent Spring, but other texts before that lived a quietly gay life but also as a woman in science, she faced ostracization (and used RL instead of Rachel because women weren't 'believed' in science) at the start of her career.
Her ever-present awe of nature led to a life cut short but was effective in sharing the dangers of DDT specifically but how understanding and loving nature would allow us to be loved back.
February 7, 2024
These reviews hurt to read. It’s beautiful, and it’s about her journey and how she feels. If you wanted something scientific she has her other books. You understood when picking up this book that it would be a comic and less informative even just by the cover telling you. The scenes of her in the ocean are absolutely gorgeous and the artwork is perfect. I loved this and I’m inspired to read her books
May 3, 2021
Beautifully and softly written heartfelt little introduction to Rachel Carson and her absolute love for both nature and people. Quit love how carefully details about war, the Great Depression, misogyny, and other issues are sprinkled in. This isn't necessarily the book you'll reference in a paper, but that really doesn't matter, that's not the purpose. The result remains poetic and true.
July 6, 2021
Wonderfully told story of the life and work of Rachel Carson, author of the landmark book that kickstarted the modern environmental movement, Silent Spring. Complete with study guide material for incorporating this into classwork for young adult readers, Seen: Rachel Carson is a fast, inspiring read.
June 16, 2022
I had never heard of Rachel Carson until an episode of Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum (thank you, PBS Kids). So when I saw this book, I wanted to read it and learn more about her. This is a very short, quick read that illustrates her legacy. She did such amazing work for the environment. It's a shame that more people don't know her story.
April 1, 2021
"Seen: Rachel Carson" by Birdie Willis and Rii Abrego is a gorgeous historical graphic novel telling Rachel Carson's story. This book brings stunning images and profound prose for anyone interested in environmental activism and/or strong historical women.
April 27, 2021
I really loved this book and want to read more about Rachel Carson. But I just wish there was a bit more detail to her and her work with science in this book. It gives you a feel for her, but I wanted more substance.
May 1, 2022
This pocket sized biography series features Rachel Carson's work as a trailblazer - as a advocate for nature and the environment at a time when women were not well regarded in the sciences, or really outside the home.
June 9, 2022
TW: animal testing, misogyny
An utterly poetic and well written graphic novel that truly highlights Rachel Carsen's life without ever feeling rushed, despite the limited space. Beautiful art and colouring took it even farther.
An utterly poetic and well written graphic novel that truly highlights Rachel Carsen's life without ever feeling rushed, despite the limited space. Beautiful art and colouring took it even farther.
April 1, 2021
I love these little books. This one feels really beautiful and lyrical in a personal way. So much more than just a retelling of her life.
April 20, 2021
Too short to capture the spirit of the subject.
June 4, 2021
Fabulous graphic novel biography of Rachel Carson.
Read
June 21, 2021DNF. Read instead: "Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson" by Amy Ehrlich, Wendell Minor.
This book lacks the storytelling and passion that is so central to understanding Rachel Carson's life.
This book lacks the storytelling and passion that is so central to understanding Rachel Carson's life.
Read
June 21, 2021Beautiful life and again gorgeous graphics!
June 26, 2021
Too short to really make an impression, but I liked the art and would be interested in a collection of these stories.
May 18, 2022
Great historical fiction / biography graphic novel. I want to know more about Rachel Carson now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews