By Libby Stille, Publicist
Today on The Lerner Podcast we talk about researching, picture book biographies, summer reading, and more with The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just author Mélina Mangal.
The Vast Wonder of the World is a picture book biography of Ernest Everett Just, the first recipient of the NAACP Spingarn Medal in 1915. His keen observations of sea creatures revealed new insights about the origins of life. Through stunning illustrations by Luisa Uribe and Mélina Mangal’s lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of this long overlooked African American scientific pioneer.
The Lerner Podcast with Mélina Mangal
Read a transcript of the podcast.
Books discussed
The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, written by Mélina Mangal and illustrated by Luisa Uribe
Carter G. Woodson Book Award
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
★”A must-purchase picture book biography of a figure sure to inspire awe and admiration among readers.”—starred, School Library Journal
Mélina’s picture book biography picks
What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, written by Chris Barton and illustrated Ekua Holmes
Sweet Dreams, Sarah, written by Vivian Kirkfield and illustrated by Chris Ewald
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, written by Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Seeds of Change, written by Jen Johnson and illustrated by Sonia Sadler
The Vast Wonder of the World excerpt
Listen to Mélina read the first pages of The Vast Wonder of the World.