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Shark Lady: True Adventures of Eugenie Clark
A biography of the ichthyologist whose interest in fish began at the age of nine during weekly trips to the Aquarium in New York City Copyright Libri GmbH All rights reserved
96 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1978
17 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Ann McGovern
103 books49 followersAnn McGovern Scheiner (née Weinberger) was an American writer of more than 55 children's books, selling over 30 million copies. She may be best known for her adaptation of Stone Soup, as well as Too Much Noise, historical and travel non-fiction, and biographies of figures like Harriet Tubman and Deborah Sampson Gannett and Eugenie Clark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 12, 2018
I bought this book at Goodwill when I was around nine years old. During the summer my dad and I made a trip to Goodwill at least once every couple of weeks or so, not because we were poor or because my dad was cheap, but because my dad was an antique dealer and he knew the manager and could get first dibs on donations of antique furniture. Now, this wasn't one of those Goodwills that are in depressing low-rent strip malls, right between the Dominican hair/nail/tanning salon and the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store that makes Goodwill look like Neiman Marcus. This was sort of a "flagship" Goodwill that was in the downtown historic district. It had a classic department store-type storefront with finely-dressed mannequins in the display windows, often brandishing the latest in 1950s vacuum cleaner or toaster oven technology (keep in mind that this was the late 1970s).
Inside, it was much like an old-timey department store, except everything was second-hand. Upstairs (there was an elevator!) there were offices and a furniture showroom. Downstairs in the basement was my favorite: a large room packed to the rafters with books, books and more books, like a very cluttered, disorganized library. It was very quiet and dimly lit, and it seemed as if hardly anyone ever went down there except me, so I still wonder if it was a place where customers were usually allowed to go or if I was allowed the favor of going down there because my dad was friends with the manager (or perhaps because I was an annoying little pest, and this would conveniently keep me out of the way while the adults did business).
The "librarian," or caretaker, was a fellow who seemed a bit slow, if not mentally challenged, or perhaps he was what might be diagnosed as autistic today. He looked a bit like Exidor from Mork & Mindy, actually, if that's not too obscure a reference. You know, this guy:
He was quiet, not unfriendly, but not friendly either, and he didn't say much other than to tell me where certain types of books were located. He just sort of minded his own business. It was a little creepy being a little kid down there by myself with this guy, but I couldn't resist the allure of all those books. I quickly became comfortable down there with Exidor and learned that I had nothing to fear. Nowadays parents would probably freak out about something like that, but my dad never gave it a second thought, I'm sure. It was a more innocent time, etc., etc.
Anyway, I bought a lot of books there--Tom Swift books and classic old Big Little Books with hard cardboard covers and color pictures; not the cheap, flimsy paperback black & white reprints like they sold at the grocery store--but this Eugenie Clark book is the one I most fondly remember. I loved it, getting completely immersed (ha ha) in the story of young Eugenie's fascination with aquatic life, beginning(at the same age that I was then) with a visit to the New York Aquarium, eventually blossoming into a career as one of the world's premier ichthyologists, specializing in sharks and poisonous fish. Cool stuff.
After reading it I really had a crush on Eugenie Clark. As you can see she was pretty hot, even when measuring a shark from nose to dorsal fin with a pair of calipers. I would imagine us swimming in the ocean together fearlessly among schools of great whites; perhaps one would attack my pelagic miss and I would come to milady's rescue by repelling the beast with a stiff jab to its snout ("My hero!").
The crush lasted until I saw her on TV years later and realized that she was pretty old now. It never entirely went away, though. I ♥ you, Eugenie.
Inside, it was much like an old-timey department store, except everything was second-hand. Upstairs (there was an elevator!) there were offices and a furniture showroom. Downstairs in the basement was my favorite: a large room packed to the rafters with books, books and more books, like a very cluttered, disorganized library. It was very quiet and dimly lit, and it seemed as if hardly anyone ever went down there except me, so I still wonder if it was a place where customers were usually allowed to go or if I was allowed the favor of going down there because my dad was friends with the manager (or perhaps because I was an annoying little pest, and this would conveniently keep me out of the way while the adults did business).
The "librarian," or caretaker, was a fellow who seemed a bit slow, if not mentally challenged, or perhaps he was what might be diagnosed as autistic today. He looked a bit like Exidor from Mork & Mindy, actually, if that's not too obscure a reference. You know, this guy:
He was quiet, not unfriendly, but not friendly either, and he didn't say much other than to tell me where certain types of books were located. He just sort of minded his own business. It was a little creepy being a little kid down there by myself with this guy, but I couldn't resist the allure of all those books. I quickly became comfortable down there with Exidor and learned that I had nothing to fear. Nowadays parents would probably freak out about something like that, but my dad never gave it a second thought, I'm sure. It was a more innocent time, etc., etc.
Anyway, I bought a lot of books there--Tom Swift books and classic old Big Little Books with hard cardboard covers and color pictures; not the cheap, flimsy paperback black & white reprints like they sold at the grocery store--but this Eugenie Clark book is the one I most fondly remember. I loved it, getting completely immersed (ha ha) in the story of young Eugenie's fascination with aquatic life, beginning(at the same age that I was then) with a visit to the New York Aquarium, eventually blossoming into a career as one of the world's premier ichthyologists, specializing in sharks and poisonous fish. Cool stuff.
After reading it I really had a crush on Eugenie Clark. As you can see she was pretty hot, even when measuring a shark from nose to dorsal fin with a pair of calipers. I would imagine us swimming in the ocean together fearlessly among schools of great whites; perhaps one would attack my pelagic miss and I would come to milady's rescue by repelling the beast with a stiff jab to its snout ("My hero!").
The crush lasted until I saw her on TV years later and realized that she was pretty old now. It never entirely went away, though. I ♥ you, Eugenie.
April 20, 2017
I LOVED this book as a child. I read it until it fell to pieces and then I read the sections that remained. I used it as a how to, gathering road kill and placing it on ant hills and then boiling the bones to have my own skeletons.
I had forgotten the title and author and had even forgotten the book entirely until I stumbled on a photo of the cover by complete accident. It was fantastic to get all those memories back.
I no longer own my copy, so will have to buy another to share with my daughter.
I had forgotten the title and author and had even forgotten the book entirely until I stumbled on a photo of the cover by complete accident. It was fantastic to get all those memories back.
I no longer own my copy, so will have to buy another to share with my daughter.
August 3, 2020
I first read this book when I was a child. Fascinated by a woman who was a scientist, and had dreamed of swimming with sharks, this became a book I held onto.
I revel in full circle moments and truly enjoyed reading this book to my own children recently. Although women working in various roles outside the home is now common place, I still find books showcasing women within fields of science to be edifying and important.
Math and Science never were my forte but they're one of my daughter's. It's important for both sexes to know they truly can become whatever they dream of being when they're young.
Fair warning, at times this book gets quite graphic: From an apartment that becomes filled to the brim with various aquariums, to a dead monkey in the fridge, to boiling dead rats for the purpose of studying their skeletal remains; it's amazing what loved ones will put up with when raising the next generation to fulfill their life's purpose!
Eugenie Clark broke through stereotypes and "just like a girl" derogatory commentary to become a celebrated Doctor within Ichthyology. This book covers a highlight reel of her life, from travels abroad to areas of laboratory study. No point is beleaguered and all chapters are short to ensure that Eugenie's accomplishments are noted and celebrated but won't bog any young readers down with too much information.
This book is an oldie but a goodie and still relevant for today's youth. A solid 4 stars. It's important to remember that the profound, small thoughts we at times have when we're young are precisely the markers we can look to in order to know what we're most likely to become when we're older. For that reason alone, I highly recommend this book.
In memoriam, thank you, Eugenie Clark for paving the way for young people after you in areas of Scientific study. For encouraging the young and emboldening the aged. You're never too old to continue forth in the pursuit of those areas of life that bring you the most joy and fulfillment; and, as a byproduct, gifting others around you with joyful moments too.
Also, in memoriam, thank you, Ann McGovern, for sharing some of Eugenie Clark's life with young people everywhere. Your words, easy reading that any elementary to middle grade reader would be able to take to heart and understand. Books that share in a non-intimidating fashion are books that inspire. This book, a gift to the masses; again, I say, "Thank you".
I revel in full circle moments and truly enjoyed reading this book to my own children recently. Although women working in various roles outside the home is now common place, I still find books showcasing women within fields of science to be edifying and important.
Math and Science never were my forte but they're one of my daughter's. It's important for both sexes to know they truly can become whatever they dream of being when they're young.
Fair warning, at times this book gets quite graphic: From an apartment that becomes filled to the brim with various aquariums, to a dead monkey in the fridge, to boiling dead rats for the purpose of studying their skeletal remains; it's amazing what loved ones will put up with when raising the next generation to fulfill their life's purpose!
Eugenie Clark broke through stereotypes and "just like a girl" derogatory commentary to become a celebrated Doctor within Ichthyology. This book covers a highlight reel of her life, from travels abroad to areas of laboratory study. No point is beleaguered and all chapters are short to ensure that Eugenie's accomplishments are noted and celebrated but won't bog any young readers down with too much information.
This book is an oldie but a goodie and still relevant for today's youth. A solid 4 stars. It's important to remember that the profound, small thoughts we at times have when we're young are precisely the markers we can look to in order to know what we're most likely to become when we're older. For that reason alone, I highly recommend this book.
In memoriam, thank you, Eugenie Clark for paving the way for young people after you in areas of Scientific study. For encouraging the young and emboldening the aged. You're never too old to continue forth in the pursuit of those areas of life that bring you the most joy and fulfillment; and, as a byproduct, gifting others around you with joyful moments too.
Also, in memoriam, thank you, Ann McGovern, for sharing some of Eugenie Clark's life with young people everywhere. Your words, easy reading that any elementary to middle grade reader would be able to take to heart and understand. Books that share in a non-intimidating fashion are books that inspire. This book, a gift to the masses; again, I say, "Thank you".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2024
A fine read recommended by my grandson. Don't cook rat skeletons in my kitchen.
May 3, 2016
Personal Response:
This book was really good. I liked it because it sucked me in from the beginning. I was reading this book and I though it was fiction. I was surprised when I found it was a biography. I also found Eugenie Clark's story very interesting. I liked following her life story starting when she was a kid to when she grew up.
Plot:
When Eugenie was little, she always liked to study fish. She wanted to learn everything about fish. She lived with her grandma, and when Eugenie did experiments, her grandma did not like it. She would cut the fish open to see what was on the inside. When Eugenie was growing up, she wanted to move to Florida because it was closer to the ocean. She wanted to be able to go in the water to see how fish lived. She wanted to get married, too. She married a doctor. She got pregnant and had a daughter. After she had her daughter, she was really nervous to be by the water again, because she had spent so much time away from it. She wanted to study sharks, so she built her own laboratory. She brought fish to her tanks. Her lab made her famous and her friends invited her to Japan to do research about sharks there. She discovered the sharks there were different than the ones in Florida. The ones in Japan spent more time in underwater caves. She did more research on why the sharks stayed in their caves more. a couple years later, she got divorced because their relationship was not going so well. Her new wish in life was to become a lab teacher at a school. She became a teacher and her students loved to ask her about fish. They wrote a book in honor of her called Shark Lady.
Characterization:
The main character was Eugenie Clark. Eugenie had a lot of friends because she was so nice. She studied a lot and worked really hard. The book shows her life from childhood to adulthood. It tells how she learned more. She changed throughout the story because she worked hard and became famous. Eugenie was also a good friend, because, in the end, she made her friend Dr. Heller the supervisor of her lab.
Dr. Heller was another character. He was one of Eugenie's friends when she travelled to Japan. Dr. Heller was a good friend for Eugenie because they both liked sharks and were able to travel together.
Impacts Of Setting:
This book took place in Florida and Japan. It took place during 1972, during the summer and winter. They worked more during the summer, because they had to swim in the water to study the sharks.
Thematic Connection:
The theme of the story is, if you work hard, your dreams can come true. Eugenie worked hard, studied her whole life, and, in the end, was able to do what she always wanted to do.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to all people who like to study fish and sharks. This book would be good for 10-16 year old boys and girls. I recommend this book to people who like to read non-fiction.
This book was really good. I liked it because it sucked me in from the beginning. I was reading this book and I though it was fiction. I was surprised when I found it was a biography. I also found Eugenie Clark's story very interesting. I liked following her life story starting when she was a kid to when she grew up.
Plot:
When Eugenie was little, she always liked to study fish. She wanted to learn everything about fish. She lived with her grandma, and when Eugenie did experiments, her grandma did not like it. She would cut the fish open to see what was on the inside. When Eugenie was growing up, she wanted to move to Florida because it was closer to the ocean. She wanted to be able to go in the water to see how fish lived. She wanted to get married, too. She married a doctor. She got pregnant and had a daughter. After she had her daughter, she was really nervous to be by the water again, because she had spent so much time away from it. She wanted to study sharks, so she built her own laboratory. She brought fish to her tanks. Her lab made her famous and her friends invited her to Japan to do research about sharks there. She discovered the sharks there were different than the ones in Florida. The ones in Japan spent more time in underwater caves. She did more research on why the sharks stayed in their caves more. a couple years later, she got divorced because their relationship was not going so well. Her new wish in life was to become a lab teacher at a school. She became a teacher and her students loved to ask her about fish. They wrote a book in honor of her called Shark Lady.
Characterization:
The main character was Eugenie Clark. Eugenie had a lot of friends because she was so nice. She studied a lot and worked really hard. The book shows her life from childhood to adulthood. It tells how she learned more. She changed throughout the story because she worked hard and became famous. Eugenie was also a good friend, because, in the end, she made her friend Dr. Heller the supervisor of her lab.
Dr. Heller was another character. He was one of Eugenie's friends when she travelled to Japan. Dr. Heller was a good friend for Eugenie because they both liked sharks and were able to travel together.
Impacts Of Setting:
This book took place in Florida and Japan. It took place during 1972, during the summer and winter. They worked more during the summer, because they had to swim in the water to study the sharks.
Thematic Connection:
The theme of the story is, if you work hard, your dreams can come true. Eugenie worked hard, studied her whole life, and, in the end, was able to do what she always wanted to do.
Recommendation:
I recommend this book to all people who like to study fish and sharks. This book would be good for 10-16 year old boys and girls. I recommend this book to people who like to read non-fiction.
November 2, 2015
Personal Response
I like this book because I like sharks and I learned a lot about them. Seeing someone else jump in the water and work with them is impressive.
Plot
Eugenie went to China to meet the king and gave him a shark that did tricks. She also went to the Philippines to study sharks. Eugenie also went to Florida and started an aquarium.
Characterization
The main character for this book is Eugenie Clark. At the beginning of this book Eugenie was suppose to stay home with her grandmother while her mom went shopping and also had to go to work but her grandmother was very sick and couldn't watch her. Eugenie's mom took her into the city, Eugenie's mother said work isn't a place for a 9 year old to be so she told Eugenie to go to the aquarium instead of being at her moms work. Eugenie became a famous diver and scientist around the world. She grew from being a kid sitting at her mother’s work to going to aquariums to become a famous diver and scientist.
Setting
This book does not have a specific place. It takes place in areas that have oceans like Florida, China, and islands that weren't named. It talks about how sharks in most areas are alike. It aloud Eugenie Clark to explore different areas of the world.
Theme
One theme in this book is courage. Eugenie Clark as a lot of courage when it comes to discovering sharks and working with them. Being able to jump in the water to seek the sharks out and learn more about them takes a lot of courage.
Recommendation
I would say this book is for any age group because it teaches you about sharks and fish. The one age group I would recommend this book to is between 7th and 8th grade. The reason why I say those two age groups is because its easy reading for them and at those ages they know better then to go swim with the sharks. The gender I am going say that would read this book more is for boys because girls don't really like reading about sharks. It also tells you about this one fish that all big fish that eat other fish will not eat this one fish because it has this milky poison oozing out of it.
Ratings
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 because it was a good book and I think more people should read more books like this one because it tells you about real things in life and what people do for a living.
I like this book because I like sharks and I learned a lot about them. Seeing someone else jump in the water and work with them is impressive.
Plot
Eugenie went to China to meet the king and gave him a shark that did tricks. She also went to the Philippines to study sharks. Eugenie also went to Florida and started an aquarium.
Characterization
The main character for this book is Eugenie Clark. At the beginning of this book Eugenie was suppose to stay home with her grandmother while her mom went shopping and also had to go to work but her grandmother was very sick and couldn't watch her. Eugenie's mom took her into the city, Eugenie's mother said work isn't a place for a 9 year old to be so she told Eugenie to go to the aquarium instead of being at her moms work. Eugenie became a famous diver and scientist around the world. She grew from being a kid sitting at her mother’s work to going to aquariums to become a famous diver and scientist.
Setting
This book does not have a specific place. It takes place in areas that have oceans like Florida, China, and islands that weren't named. It talks about how sharks in most areas are alike. It aloud Eugenie Clark to explore different areas of the world.
Theme
One theme in this book is courage. Eugenie Clark as a lot of courage when it comes to discovering sharks and working with them. Being able to jump in the water to seek the sharks out and learn more about them takes a lot of courage.
Recommendation
I would say this book is for any age group because it teaches you about sharks and fish. The one age group I would recommend this book to is between 7th and 8th grade. The reason why I say those two age groups is because its easy reading for them and at those ages they know better then to go swim with the sharks. The gender I am going say that would read this book more is for boys because girls don't really like reading about sharks. It also tells you about this one fish that all big fish that eat other fish will not eat this one fish because it has this milky poison oozing out of it.
Ratings
I rate this book a 4 out of 5 because it was a good book and I think more people should read more books like this one because it tells you about real things in life and what people do for a living.
May 14, 2014
I read “Shark Lady” by Ann McGovern. Eugenie Clark had dreams when she was young. As a little girl, Eugenie went to the aquarium every day waiting for her mom to get done with work. Then she got fish of her own. She took care of the fish and kept records on them. Then she went to college to be ichthyologist. After she graduated, she got a doctorate degree. She was given the opportunity to start her own aquarium in Florida. She studied sharks and fish. She learned a lot about them and even found out they can learn just like us. When she got older, she became a teacher at a university.
Eugenie Clark is the main character. When she was young, she lived with her mom and her grandma. Eugenie married a doctor who loved the idea of moving to Florida to live with their children. Eugenie also had a assistant in Florida named Beryl.
When Eugenie was a teen, she lived with her mom and grandma in New York most of her life until she moved with her husband and kids to Florida. Then she moved to Maryland where she would spend the rest of her life teaching at the university. The book did not say an exact year that it took place. It sounds like it was a few years back, because they were using the old style diving helmets.
I personally gave this book four out of five stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good biographies. This book is not all about sharks and fish. I would recommend this book to anyone at the high school level. This book is an easy read and anyone can read and understand it.
Eugenie Clark is the main character. When she was young, she lived with her mom and her grandma. Eugenie married a doctor who loved the idea of moving to Florida to live with their children. Eugenie also had a assistant in Florida named Beryl.
When Eugenie was a teen, she lived with her mom and grandma in New York most of her life until she moved with her husband and kids to Florida. Then she moved to Maryland where she would spend the rest of her life teaching at the university. The book did not say an exact year that it took place. It sounds like it was a few years back, because they were using the old style diving helmets.
I personally gave this book four out of five stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes good biographies. This book is not all about sharks and fish. I would recommend this book to anyone at the high school level. This book is an easy read and anyone can read and understand it.
March 26, 2016
This book was pretty interesting actually. I learned alot about Eugenie Clark, whom I've never heard of before now. It revitalizes my love and interest for sharks again. I would absolutely love to work with them, or study them. Eugenie has had quite a fulfilling life of diving with sharks, studying fish, and working in a lab. Apparently she's famous over in Japan, and has some famous friends who she has bonded with over their mutual love of the ocean and its inhabitants.
If you have any kids who are interested in sharks, I really recommend this book, or if you're interested in people who work with sharks and want a quick, easy read.
If you have any kids who are interested in sharks, I really recommend this book, or if you're interested in people who work with sharks and want a quick, easy read.
April 8, 2019
March 2019: Still love this book. My daughter just wants to keep reading it over and over. There's very little here that isn't appealing.
March 2018: What a great book. My daughter was totally captivated by Eugenie's story and fascinated by the sharks. A great chapter book for fans of books like 101 Bedtime Stories for Rebel Girls, who want more real-life awesome women to read about.
March 2018: What a great book. My daughter was totally captivated by Eugenie's story and fascinated by the sharks. A great chapter book for fans of books like 101 Bedtime Stories for Rebel Girls, who want more real-life awesome women to read about.
February 15, 2018
My shark loving son and I read this book. I cannot say anything negative. I wish I could find more books like this.
The book follows Eugienie Clark's life. It had many interesting facts and also very funny at parts.
The book follows Eugienie Clark's life. It had many interesting facts and also very funny at parts.
February 27, 2016
I remember reading this when I was little and it's still a nice little book for kids and the drawings are great.
October 30, 2019
‘’Shark lady’’ by:Euginie Clark is a life true story and Euginie is real this,is a story of a little girl that was all alone and her mom never spend a lot of time with her because she needed to work and so one day Euginie’s mom took her to the aquarium she wouldn't feel very sad and from that day she loved going to the aquarium and also loved fish to she had seen a lot of sharks to so she made a promise to herself that when she works with fish when she grew up she would swim at the side of a shark.when she grow up she become a scientist of fish and discovered a new species of fish and also discovered sharks and wen she was in her acuarium she wanted to prove that sharks where smart and made an invention for sharks.one day when she was revising the sharks she nodest that some sharks were death and she knew that it wasn’t the sharks foult,and wondered why would a person do that to sharks,I really liked this story because it has adventures and misteries and even is inspirational because Eugini wanted to work with fish and did it.And I really recomend this book to every one.
February 28, 2022
The book "Shark Lady" was a biography written about the marine biologist Eugenie Clark and the discoveries she made throughout her life. Not only was she a phenomenal scientist, but she was also one of the first women, let alone women of Japanese descent, in her field of work. Even after death, she is still an inspiration for girls in STEM all over the world.
There are many reasons I loved this book, not only did I read children's books about her as a kid, I have always wanted to be a marine biologist myself. Of course I had a base level understanding of who she was, but reading this book told me the story of her life. It taught me how she got into marine biology as a child and how she persevered the sexism and racism she faced in her day-to-day life, but this book was what really made me respect her and what she did for the science world. This book inspired me to further research her and learn even more about her and her discoveries.
There are many reasons I loved this book, not only did I read children's books about her as a kid, I have always wanted to be a marine biologist myself. Of course I had a base level understanding of who she was, but reading this book told me the story of her life. It taught me how she got into marine biology as a child and how she persevered the sexism and racism she faced in her day-to-day life, but this book was what really made me respect her and what she did for the science world. This book inspired me to further research her and learn even more about her and her discoveries.
May 1, 2024
This book has been on my shelf 27 years... so I decided to give it a shot before passing it on to a friend. It was an interesting story, even for a grade level reading (I was 9 when I bought it, might have appreciated better then...).
Shark Lady's Eugenie Clark seems like a hard-working scientist, but most of all, she has enjoyed her work and spear-headed her field which is more than many can say.
Shark Lady's Eugenie Clark seems like a hard-working scientist, but most of all, she has enjoyed her work and spear-headed her field which is more than many can say.
March 13, 2024
This is a good children’s book about Eugenie Clark who was a famous ichthyologist (study of fish) in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. She worked in several marine labs in her lifetime and contributed significant research into sharks and the Moses sole fish. The book is great for young people and encourages them to follow their passions as Eugenie did.
March 14, 2014
I read “Shark Lady” by Ann McGovern. This biography was very interesting. Eugenie Clark had plenty of dreams when she was young, and she wanted them to come true just like the rest of us. As a child, Eugenie went to the aquarium everyday waiting for her mom to get done with her newspaper stand. At the aquarium she saw new fish all the time and liked looking at everything she could. One day, she wanted fish of her own. Eugenie and her mom went and got her fish. She took good care of these fish and kept a record on them. She went to college to be ichthyologist. She worked for a famous ichthyologist and learned a lot from him. After she graduated, she got her doctorate degree. She was asked to start her own plantation in Florida where she and her assistant looked at different kinds of fish. She always wanted to swim with sharks. One day when she went diving, she saw a shark, and after that day all she wanted to do was study sharks. She learned a lot about them, and even found out they can learn just like us. When she got older, she still wanted to be a teacher, so she became a teacher at Maryland University. There she taught her class and during the summer she tried to figure out the mystery of sleeping sharks.
Eugenie Clark is the main character. When she was young lived, she with her mom and her grandma. They didn’t like the idea of fish in the house, but Eugenie got them anyway. Eugenie marries a doctor who loves the idea of moving to Florida to live with their children. Eugenie had a new assistant in Florida named Beryl.
Eugenie lived with her mom and grandma in New York most of her life until she moved with her family to Florida to start a new chapter in her life. After she had finished there, she still had the dream about being a teacher. She decided to teach in Maryland.
The message in this story is to follow your dreams and never give up on them because you never know when something might go your way, and you have to be ready for the opportunity. If we keep working hard, we may be able to get the things we want.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good message. This book is not all about sharks. You have to look deeper into the book to understand the real meaning behind this. This book is very easy to read, and anyone can read and understand it.
Read
April 23, 2015“Shark Lady” is a really good book. I enjoyed it because it was interesting to see what Eugenie Clark was going to do. There were a lot of good parts in the book that almost made me keep reading. It’s an easy book to read little by little at a time because of how the chapters are broken up. When I wanted to stop you can stop at the end of a chapter and not forget where you need to start.
Eugenie Clark was a little girl in the beginning of the book. Eugenie would always go downtown to the shark aquarium because her dream job was to work in an aquarium or become an ichthyologist. As a kid Eugenie would bring home dead animals to cut them up. If they weren’t dead animals she brought home it was live ones that she would add to her “home zoo”. She had plenty of fish, snakes, and even different types of frogs. Her grandma would always get upset when she brought home more animals.
Eugenie Clark was the main character in the book. She started off being eight years old and by the end of the book she was divorced with her husband and had kids. Her “Mama” was another main character because Eugenie had to go everywhere with her when she was younger. When Mama had to go work Eugenie went to the aquarium across the road from her work. She would stay there all day and wait for her mom to finish with work. Eugenie’s grandma was another big character in the book because she was always grouching towards her about bringing animals home.
The book took place in New York City. It also took place in modern times and downtown New York. Although her time in the book occurred over the span of years and years because she had kids. Eugenie was at the downtown aquarium most of the time or in her house working with the animals. She also was in a couple shark caves in the ocean trying to study sharks and to see if they do actually sleep. By then end of the book she visits a reed by the sharks and discovers that they do sleep.
I would recommend this book to kids that know how to read. Kids that are at least in middle school would love to read this book because it’s easy and not that hard of a book. It includes pictures on a couple pages, and it’s easy to understand what’s going on.
Eugenie Clark was a little girl in the beginning of the book. Eugenie would always go downtown to the shark aquarium because her dream job was to work in an aquarium or become an ichthyologist. As a kid Eugenie would bring home dead animals to cut them up. If they weren’t dead animals she brought home it was live ones that she would add to her “home zoo”. She had plenty of fish, snakes, and even different types of frogs. Her grandma would always get upset when she brought home more animals.
Eugenie Clark was the main character in the book. She started off being eight years old and by the end of the book she was divorced with her husband and had kids. Her “Mama” was another main character because Eugenie had to go everywhere with her when she was younger. When Mama had to go work Eugenie went to the aquarium across the road from her work. She would stay there all day and wait for her mom to finish with work. Eugenie’s grandma was another big character in the book because she was always grouching towards her about bringing animals home.
The book took place in New York City. It also took place in modern times and downtown New York. Although her time in the book occurred over the span of years and years because she had kids. Eugenie was at the downtown aquarium most of the time or in her house working with the animals. She also was in a couple shark caves in the ocean trying to study sharks and to see if they do actually sleep. By then end of the book she visits a reed by the sharks and discovers that they do sleep.
I would recommend this book to kids that know how to read. Kids that are at least in middle school would love to read this book because it’s easy and not that hard of a book. It includes pictures on a couple pages, and it’s easy to understand what’s going on.
September 13, 2014
I took pleasure in discovering Ann McGovern’s early age portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Canadians attend to our politics versus another country’s but enjoyment lied in wonderful lessons, about stick by stitch pioneer history. Life on the same continent would have unfolded with many similarities between us. As books designed for the youngest school pupils: there is no dense reading of a bulky tome but a storytelling excursion, with vivid images filling the mind. Highlighting the predominant facts, coupled with a style conveyed at a personal level, allows all of the details to stick with ease.
I immediately snapped up Ann’s “Shark Lady: True Adventures Of Eugenie Clark”; which just happens to be illustrated by another favourite child’s author, Ruth Chew! The same ease, interest, and retention comes through with this biography. I hadn’t heard of Dr. Clark nor the word “ichthyologist”, scientist of sharks and enjoyed this personal snapshot too. I hovered at four stars because some captive animal experimentation and dissection (although likely deceased already) weren’t to my taste. However that was one portion amidst the plethora of inroads and accomplishments achieved. We learn how Eugenie first encountered aquatic life and her passion for them. It was as haphazard as her Mother needing to bring her to New York one week-end while she went to work. An aquarium provided the direction of her future and it’s lovely seeing reviewers say this book inspired them; eminent scientists too.
I haven’t read literature since this 1978 account and wonder what became of the study that intrigued me. Eugenie was called to underwater caves that appeared to act as a sleeping chamber for sharks. The instructional aquarium she opened in Florida was of notable import too and so was the prominence and leadership of her career, as a woman at that time.
I immediately snapped up Ann’s “Shark Lady: True Adventures Of Eugenie Clark”; which just happens to be illustrated by another favourite child’s author, Ruth Chew! The same ease, interest, and retention comes through with this biography. I hadn’t heard of Dr. Clark nor the word “ichthyologist”, scientist of sharks and enjoyed this personal snapshot too. I hovered at four stars because some captive animal experimentation and dissection (although likely deceased already) weren’t to my taste. However that was one portion amidst the plethora of inroads and accomplishments achieved. We learn how Eugenie first encountered aquatic life and her passion for them. It was as haphazard as her Mother needing to bring her to New York one week-end while she went to work. An aquarium provided the direction of her future and it’s lovely seeing reviewers say this book inspired them; eminent scientists too.
I haven’t read literature since this 1978 account and wonder what became of the study that intrigued me. Eugenie was called to underwater caves that appeared to act as a sleeping chamber for sharks. The instructional aquarium she opened in Florida was of notable import too and so was the prominence and leadership of her career, as a woman at that time.
November 17, 2020
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A fascinating read documenting some of Eugenie Clark's adventures with underwater creatures. This was a very interesting book that touches on Clark's life, her scientific interests, conservationism, and of course her escapades with various sharks and other animals.
Written in a way that is simple yet engaging, this is a great book for young readers who are interested in sharks, ocean animals, or animal sciences as a whole. It also includes pictures from Clark's various adventures. The images are in black-and-white, so some are a little difficult to see what's happening, especially in the underwater shots, but they pair well with the text.
As it is more of a science book, there are references to dissection and dead animals. There are a few black-and-white images that show removing organs from sharks and such. Because of this, it is better for older children and is perhaps not a great fit for sensitive readers. A good intro to the concepts of studying animals for science and some of the processes this involves.
I found this book very interesting and it was told in such a way that felt exciting and fun. There is a good deal of emphasis on some of Clark's more remarkable experiences such as riding a whale shark, her struggle against a giant spider crab, and her first dive which nearly resulted in a bad end.
I loved that the book seemed to take on the character of Clark, maintaining that sharks are not generally dangerous. There are various references to humans being more dangerous than sharks, which fit well with the topic. I also liked the focus on conservationism and protecting the well-being of animals.
An interesting and engaging read. Great non-fiction book for young readers to show that real life can be just as interesting as fiction.
A fascinating read documenting some of Eugenie Clark's adventures with underwater creatures. This was a very interesting book that touches on Clark's life, her scientific interests, conservationism, and of course her escapades with various sharks and other animals.
Written in a way that is simple yet engaging, this is a great book for young readers who are interested in sharks, ocean animals, or animal sciences as a whole. It also includes pictures from Clark's various adventures. The images are in black-and-white, so some are a little difficult to see what's happening, especially in the underwater shots, but they pair well with the text.
As it is more of a science book, there are references to dissection and dead animals. There are a few black-and-white images that show removing organs from sharks and such. Because of this, it is better for older children and is perhaps not a great fit for sensitive readers. A good intro to the concepts of studying animals for science and some of the processes this involves.
I found this book very interesting and it was told in such a way that felt exciting and fun. There is a good deal of emphasis on some of Clark's more remarkable experiences such as riding a whale shark, her struggle against a giant spider crab, and her first dive which nearly resulted in a bad end.
I loved that the book seemed to take on the character of Clark, maintaining that sharks are not generally dangerous. There are various references to humans being more dangerous than sharks, which fit well with the topic. I also liked the focus on conservationism and protecting the well-being of animals.
An interesting and engaging read. Great non-fiction book for young readers to show that real life can be just as interesting as fiction.
November 30, 2018
This is one of my favorite books. I really recommend it. So it's about a women named Eugenie Clark she is a marine biologist she would go scuba diving and find new creatures and swim with then which would be my dream job. My favorite part was when she was swimming with a whale shark and she held on to its dorsal fin and got a ride and when it got deep enough she let go and I am kind of jealous. My least favorite part is when she was scuba diving Japan's Izu Oceanic Park where she was taking photes of giant spider crabs and one suprized here and grabbed the back of her leg and she had a few minutes untill they had to go up or they had a high chance at getting bends. It was funny when she was still in school and she was asked if she took keep a dead monkey in her refrigerator for a little while at her house and her grandmother opened the refrigerator and saw it and yelled "No more dead animals in this house". At the end of the book it talked about how she saved Rus Mohammed Marine Park from becoming a dump. I think it was cool that she could do all that stuff like swimming with animals and saving Rus Mohammed. Its very detailed like I felt I was there. I would definitely read more Ann McGovern.
May 30, 2014
I read "Shark Lady" by Ann McGovern. I thought that the book was very interesting and informal about her life and about sharks too. The book starts out talking about when Eugenie was a little girl. One afternoon she had to go into work with her mother but didn't want to sit there and do nothing, so her mom dropped her off at the aquarium where she was instantly hooked on fish. As she grew up, so did her love for fish. She followed her dreams and became a ichthyologist, opened up her own lab, and later became a teacher.
The main focus of the book is the life of Eugenie Clark, a woman who shows anything is possible if you put your mind to it and always follow your dreams.
The book mainly focuses on the middle time of her life in the 1950's. Even in those times women weren't known for very much. To have a woman go off and become one of the greatest ichthyologists of that time was very impressive. A majority of the book takes place in Florida where she had her own lab opened and funded by a rich family.
I rate this book four out of five stars, and would recommend this book to anyone. It is a very informal book that has a lot of facts about sharks.
The main focus of the book is the life of Eugenie Clark, a woman who shows anything is possible if you put your mind to it and always follow your dreams.
The book mainly focuses on the middle time of her life in the 1950's. Even in those times women weren't known for very much. To have a woman go off and become one of the greatest ichthyologists of that time was very impressive. A majority of the book takes place in Florida where she had her own lab opened and funded by a rich family.
I rate this book four out of five stars, and would recommend this book to anyone. It is a very informal book that has a lot of facts about sharks.
October 15, 2012
This book is a biography about a woman named Eugenie Clark. She began her interest in fish at the age of nine when she started her weekly visits to the New York City aquariums. Eugenie went to a college in New York to become a ichthyologist. She later than goes to California and learns how to dive. She went diving with sharks. Eugenie goes and opens a lab in Florida called the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, and starts to study sharks and that they can learn simple tasks. Eugenie takes a job in Maryland as a professor, and study's the "sleeping" sharks in Mexico, and also study's poisons fish and how sharks know which ones are which and not to eat them.
June 26, 2016
My grandmother bought me this book at the Shedd Aquarium long long ago and when I read Eugenie Clark's obituary I put it in my to-read list. Still fascinating to read how Clark started being interested in fish and the early dives with big helmets, her work in ichthyology and her cheerful reminder to "get involved in what interests you the most." I was startled to realize I even remembered the illustrations. Really an excellent middle grades read despite being so old a book. I find myself curious how it felt to be of Japanese descent in college in the Second World War. Maybe I should read Clark's biographies.
December 27, 2017
I recently read & enjoyed Swimming with Sharks by Heather Lang, knowing I will be buying it for our school library. This being a picture book, I looked for something else with more information for the students who would want to know more about Eugenie Clark. My plans were to read Swimming with Sharks to the students and then quickly book-talk Shark Lady. First I had to read Shark Lady.
What a good little book that is! It expands on the biography of Eugenie Clark and includes drawings. Excellent companion to Swimming with Sharks.
What a good little book that is! It expands on the biography of Eugenie Clark and includes drawings. Excellent companion to Swimming with Sharks.
December 21, 2017
I was terrified of water, sharks, and anything about the ocean. After reading this book, I am not so afraid of waters anymore. It was really interesting to follow Eugenie's story from her childhood to adulthood.
May 27, 2017
Fascinating! LOVE that this is a not-too-long, very approachable, interesting nonfiction novel perfect for third and fourth graders. The information and story of the Shark Lady blew me away!
June 5, 2017
I think this is a good book I recommend it. It's not good or bad if you into aquatic animals this is a good fit for you. Especially if your into sharks you also you get to learn so facts.
February 8, 2020
It's a good informational text for kids.
September 30, 2024
I first read this book as a first or second grader (I'm an adult now) and it is the book that inspired me to become a scientist. The story of Dr. Clark's childhood and her passion for sharks not only led me to develop my own passion for sharks and natural world, but also to see a career in science as a possibility for me. This is just a great, timeless book for young readers.
Another reviewer mentioned that this book served as something of a how to guide for them as a child - and I have a similar experience. Reading about Dr. Clark's journey showed me a path for my own journey in science. I think that this book, and Dr. Clarks story generally is just so meaningful, especially for kids who may not always see themselves represented in the subjects and careers that interest them. At the time Dr. Clark was a child, women and girls were almost entirely absent in careers in field science and marine biology. She had to overcome a lot of biases and barriers just to be able to pursue this as a career. Even though times have changed and there are many women in science careers now, it can still be helpful for kids from other backgrounds to read about how people in the past overcame the odds to achieve their goals.
As a somewhat funny aside, this book also led to one of the most awkward moments of my childhood. My second grade teacher asked us all to come up and tell the class what we wanted to become when we grew up. Not unsurprisingly, my classmates listed off very typical careers - teacher, fire fighter, etc. Then when it was my turn I got up an announced that I wanted to be an ichthyologist. My teacher thought I just made up the word and the whole class laughed. Being seven I rudely told my teacher that she wasn't very smart and that ichthyologists were marine biologists who specialized in the study of sharks. I may have also suggested that she needed to read more. My classmates were still making fun of me for that moment when we finished high school....but it makes a good story.
Another reviewer mentioned that this book served as something of a how to guide for them as a child - and I have a similar experience. Reading about Dr. Clark's journey showed me a path for my own journey in science. I think that this book, and Dr. Clarks story generally is just so meaningful, especially for kids who may not always see themselves represented in the subjects and careers that interest them. At the time Dr. Clark was a child, women and girls were almost entirely absent in careers in field science and marine biology. She had to overcome a lot of biases and barriers just to be able to pursue this as a career. Even though times have changed and there are many women in science careers now, it can still be helpful for kids from other backgrounds to read about how people in the past overcame the odds to achieve their goals.
As a somewhat funny aside, this book also led to one of the most awkward moments of my childhood. My second grade teacher asked us all to come up and tell the class what we wanted to become when we grew up. Not unsurprisingly, my classmates listed off very typical careers - teacher, fire fighter, etc. Then when it was my turn I got up an announced that I wanted to be an ichthyologist. My teacher thought I just made up the word and the whole class laughed. Being seven I rudely told my teacher that she wasn't very smart and that ichthyologists were marine biologists who specialized in the study of sharks. I may have also suggested that she needed to read more. My classmates were still making fun of me for that moment when we finished high school....but it makes a good story.
December 11, 2023
This book is an autobiography. the book won one award. The award the book won is Sequoyah Children’s Book Award. Thie book is for kids ages seven to ten. It is about ichthyologist whose interest in fish began at the age of nine during weekly trips to the Aquarium in New York City. Eugenie is very determined. Eugenie’s professors thought that women weren’t smart enough to be scientists or brave enough to explore the oceans. This book shows the little girls and little boys that they can do anything they put their mind to and work hard to accomplish it. It shows kids hard work pays off and never give up. life will though obstacle to you left and right. As long as you keep going and never give up you will accomplish whatever you are doing. I believe kids would like this book. After every couple of pages ask questions see how the children will answer to the questions.
12/11/2023
12/11/2023
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