Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea: Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor Written by Robert Burleigh Illustrated by Raul Colon

This is the inspirational story of a woman who was one of the most important scientist of the twentieth century. You likely have never heard of her , yet you have heard of the continental drift. She and her professional partner were the pioneers in establishing at the time the theory of the continental drift based on her work mapping the ocean floor. The story of this woman's work and life is fascinating and unique. She is an example to all students of following your passion regardless of the many obstacles you may face. Last but certainly not least the illustrations in this book are simply magnificent! Take a journey through the life of a woman motivated by a sheer curiosity of the ocean!
This book can easily be used in classrooms 2-6 in the curriculum of science, social studies and english language arts. The book has multiple nonfiction text features. It is told in a narrative format, however the resources at the end include; a photograph, a biography passage, a glossary and bibliography. This author has written many notable nonfiction narrative biographies and two in particular about twentieth century women who were pioneers in their fields. The following is an author study unit provided on his website. Robert Burleigh Author Study

The following was a review of this book written for the December 2015 edition of School Library Journal.
"Gr 2-4 –In this excellent biography of scientist Marie Tharp, Burleigh, writing in the first person, allows this adept geologist and oceanographic cartographer to tell her own story. Map lover Tharp became one of the 20th century’s most important scientists, despite working in a field that greatly favored men. With fellow geologist Bruce Heezen, she mapped the world’s oceans. Colón’s signature softly hued, textured watercolors greatly enhance the text. One image depicts a research ship in the water upon which scientists took measurements called soundings to chart the ocean’s depth. The writing is accessible and immediate, and though Burleigh acknowledges that Tharp was a woman working in a man’s field, he casts her story in a happy light. A biographical page is appended, as well as thorough back matter. VERDICT A finely told, beautifully illustrated biography that saves a world class scientist from obscurity".–Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI